11 Christmas Hotels in London That Will Get You into the Festive Spirit

Today I want to share my top picks for Christmas hotels in London. I often get asked where to stay in the city during the festive season, and I have a lot of firsthand recommendations. I’ve spent nights in countless hotels in the UK capital, and I have some favorites that stand out in winter. If you’re planning a trip to London at Christmas and you want to immerse yourself in the seasonal spirit, read on for A Lady in London’s guide to the best places. I’ve included an interactive map, too.

Christmas Hotels in London

From Instagram followers to travel planning clients, I get a lot of messages asking where to stay in London at Christmas.

The city is enormous and the Christmas markets and attractions are spread out, so the best place depends on your personal preferences, travel budget, and which area and accommodation best suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a festive hotel you can call home-away-from-home in London, there are lots of options.

I hope my guide will help you find the perfect London accommodation for you, and that the one you choose will help you have a fun stay in the UK capital.

1. The Dorchester

I’ll start my list with one of the most famous hotels in London. The Dorchester in Mayfair not only numbers among the top festive places in the city at Christmas, but it’s also in a great location near Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

The Dorchester goes all-out for the season. Christmas trees grace the facade and lobby, afternoon tea features seasonal treats, and there are festive decorations and a special menu at The Grill. The hotel even serves lunch on Christmas Day.

Add to that a classic British atmosphere and proximity to the Christmas lights on Bond Street and Piccadilly, and it’s an all-around great place to stay. You can book a room at The Dorchester here.

2. The Rubens at the Palace

If you don’t have the budget for a luxury hotel, The Rubens at the Palace in Victoria is a great choice. It’s right by Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, and it’s less expensive than many other festive London hotels at Christmas.

The Rubens at the Palace has great decorations, including bauble-studded garlands outside, a beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby, and seasonal accents in the dining areas.

It also offers a Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea, unique Christmas cocktails, a Christmas sandwich (served with a mince pie!) at the bar, and Christmas lunch. The hotel even does a special New Year’s Eve dinner.

Add to that The Rubens at the Palace’s proximity to icons like Westminster Abbey and big events like Winter Wonderland, and it’s an ideal place to base yourself this season. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

3. The Ned

In the City of London, The Ned is one of my favorite hotels at Christmas. From decorations to food, this place has you covered for the season.

The Ned takes Christmas seriously. The expansive lobby area is decked with stunning wreaths and a larger-than-life tree, and there are festive accents and decor throughout its many restaurants (which are open on Christmas day).

If staying in a Christmas hotel in the historic heart of London appeals to your inner traveler, you can book a room at The Ned here. You’ll be close to seasonal highlights like the Christmas decorations in the Royal Exchange and Leadenhall Market, as well as icons like St Paul’s Cathedral.

4. The Lanesborough

Another great hotel in London at Christmas is The Lanesborough. Right by Hyde Park Corner, this iconic property is not only in the perfect location for Winter Wonderland, but also a magical seasonal escape.

The Lanesborough looks resplendent at Christmas. The hotel’s Regency lobby gets a makeover complete with stunning decorations, there are festive events and menus throughout the season, and the hotel does a special afternoon tea.

If staying in an unbeatable location and ensconcing yourself in one of the most awe-inspiring hotels in the city appeals, you can book a room at The Lanesborough here. You’ll be near the famous decorated facades on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia, too.

5. Claridge’s

Next on my list of Christmas hotels is Claridge’s. This grande dame in Mayfair has long been known for having some of the best decorations in the city, from its festive facade to its seasonally-inspired interiors.

Claridge’s is particularly famous for its annual designer Christmas tree, which changes each year. It’s also beloved for the decorations that grace its restaurants and lobby. They draw people in from all over the world.

If staying at one of London’s most famous hotels appeals to your inner traveler, you can book a room at Claridge’s here. It’s a real treat during the season, and it’s right near the famous Christmas lights and decorated facades on Bond Street.

6. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Another great hotel in London at Christmas is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. As the name implies, this Knightsbridge classic is right on the border of the famous green space. The lights on its facade are a special draw, too.

The Mandarin Oriental is not only an easy walk from Winter Wonderland, but also in a great location near some of the most famous department stores in London at Christmas. From Harrods to Harvey Nichols, it’s in one of the best places for Christmas shopping in the city.

Add to that afternoon tea, hot chocolate, winter warmer cocktails, and loads of beautiful decorations, and you’re set to have a festive time. If that sounds good, you can book a room at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park here.

7. Shangri-La The Shard

If you’re looking for a festive hotel with a view, the Shangri-La The Shard has you covered. Not only does this sky-high hotel offer sweeping panoramas of the city, but it also features some of the best Christmas decorations in London.

In addition to the unique trees and garlands that grace the public areas of the Shangri-La, the hotel offers one of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London. As if that’s not enough, there are seasonal installations and a Christmas Day Feast at TING restaurant.

If staying at the highest hotel in London and enjoying all it has to offer during the season appeals, you can book a room at the Shangri-La The Shard here. It’s also near Christmas pubs like The Horniman at Hays and festive highlights like the London Bridge Christmas Market.

8. The Langham

Another London hotel that’s famous at Christmas is The Langham. Situated just north of Oxford Circus, it’s in an ideal location for seeing some of the best seasonal lights in the city (think Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street). And that’s to say nothing of the shopping.

The facade and lobby of The Langham are decked with decorations. From big trees to twinkling lights, they delight visitors and locals alike. Add to that special events, festive dining, and afternoon tea, and it’s hard to beat this hotel.

If staying right in the heart of London’s Christmas festivities sounds like your cup of Winter Pimm’s, you can book a room at The Langham here. It’s a truly special place at this time of year.

9. The Ritz

It’s hard to think of a more classically London hotel than The Ritz. And when it comes to Christmas, there’s no place quite like it.

To put it simply, The Ritz is magical during the festive season. The entrance is flanked by Christmas trees, the grand lobby is decked with cascading garlands, and the food and drink offerings show off the best of the season.

From a festive afternoon tea to a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and Boxing Day lunch, you’re spoiled for choice.

Add to that its proximity to famous shopping arcades and Christmas shops like the one in Fortnum & Mason, and it’s hard to stay away. If a one-of-a-kind experience appeals to you, you can book a room at The Ritz here. It’s a truly memorable one.

10. Andaz London Liverpool Street

Over by Liverpool Street station, the Andaz is another of my top picks for places to stay in London at Christmas. It charms during the season with its decorations and festive atmosphere.

Additionally, the Andaz not only offers special treats like a festive afternoon tea and seasonal events, but it’s also close to Old Spitalfields Market, which goes all-out for Christmas with lights and decorations.

If that appeals, you can book a room at the Andaz here. It’s a great place to call home-away-from-home, especially if you’re in the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

11. Kimpton Fitzroy

Overlooking Russell Square, The Kimpton Fitzroy has one of the most beautiful hotel exteriors in London. Normally that’s enough to satisfy my inner aesthete, but at Christmas the decorations draw my eyes inward.

Situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, the Kimpton Fitzroy is full of trees, wreaths, garlands, and other delights. Beyond that, the hotel offers scrumptious festive feasts throughout the season.

If staying at one of the most eye-catching hotels in the city at Christmas sounds good to you, you can book a room at the Kimpton Fitzroy here. It’s a special treat, and it’s great if you’re an IHG One Rewards member.

Hotel Map

Best Hotels in London for Christmas

Whichever hotel you choose, I hope you have an amazing stay in the city. If you need more inspiration, you can take a look at my blog posts about the best hotels in London, the best area to stay in London, and hotels near London attractions. I’ve also written about quirky hotels and pubs with rooms if you want something unique.

It’s hard to go wrong in the UK capital, and wherever you end up I’m sure it will fit your tastes, style, and budget. And make you want to come back during another Christmas season in London.

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