Dining, drinking and spas: London’s grand hotels, the back story

About Dining, drinking and spas: London’s grand hotels, the back story

By the ULTIMATE London Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

London’s grand hotels are not only places to stay. Their restaurants, bars, tea rooms and spas are among the city’s great experiences, open to visitors as well as guests.

A century of grandeur

The Savoy opened in 1889, The Ritz in 1906 and Claridge’s took its present form around the same time; in the 21st century, newcomers such as Raffles London at The OWO and The Peninsula have joined them.

Dining

Several hotel dining rooms hold MICHELIN stars, among them Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, The Ritz Restaurant and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

You do not need to stay at a grand hotel to enjoy it: book a table, a cocktail or afternoon tea.

Bars

The American Bar at The Savoy, The Connaught Bar, Dukes Bar, Artesian at The Langham and The Blue Bar at The Berkeley are among London’s most famous bars.

Spas

Many grand hotels have spas, from the Aman Spa at The Connaught to the spa at the Corinthia and the Guerlain Spa at Raffles; some offer treatments to non-residents, so check each hotel’s website.

Concierge and arrival

Most luxury hotels have a concierge team that can book restaurants, theatre and transport. Ask the hotel when you book about airport transfers and arrival arrangements.

Our advice: even if you stay elsewhere, book one grand-hotel experience: afternoon tea at The Ritz, a Martini at The Connaught or a cocktail at the American Bar.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Dining, drinking and spas: London’s grand hotels, the back story before you go.