15 Best Christmas hotels in London
Okay, let’s be honest – Christmas in London just hits different. The whole city turns into a festive movie set, and suddenly even your walk to the corner shop feels like it needs a soundtrack. But if you really want to feel that magic (and not just see it from the pavement), you’ve got to stay somewhere that fully commits to the Christmas spirit.
I’m talking about grand lobbies with 20-foot trees, twinkling fairy lights wrapped around every banister, fireplaces that smell like nostalgia, and staff who greet you with mince pies instead of key cards. Some of these Christmas hotels in London are famous for their over-the-top décor, while others do cosy elegance so perfectly it makes you want to move in forever.
So, grab your hot chocolate (or champagne, no judgment), and let’s find the hotels that make Christmas in London feel like the magical story it’s meant to be.
Just a quick note before we dive in: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you decide to book or buy through them, but it won’t cost you anything extra. I only recommend places and experiences I truly believe in (and often love myself), so think of it as a way to support my work while I keep sharing travel tips with you.
The Ned
The Ned is one of those London hotels that gets Christmas – like, truly understands the assignment. Every December, its lobby turns into a festive movie set, complete with a towering tree that looks like it was designed for the cover of a glossy Christmas magazine. The interiors, already rich with old-school glamour and polished marble, somehow become even cosier under the soft glow of fairy lights and champagne bubbles.
This year, The Ned is teasing its first-ever brand collaboration, and while the details are still under wraps, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a showstopper. From the nightly live music that fills the grand hall to Gareth Malone’s carol sessions (yes, actual singalongs led by Britain’s favourite choirmaster), it’s impossible not to get swept up in the joy.
Why we love it: It’s elegant, festive, and a little bit extra (in the best possible way). A must for anyone who believes Christmas should be celebrated in sequins, not silence.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
If Christmas in London had an address, it might just be the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Picture this: polished doormen in bright red tailcoats and top hats, fairy lights twinkling above grand double doors, and the smell of mulled wine wafting through the lobby. It’s everything you imagine when you think of a festive London escape: timeless, elegant, and a little bit cinematic.
Set perfectly between Hyde Park and the sparkle of Knightsbridge shopping, this hotel has mastered the art of festive balance. Last year, they turned their lobby into a Bavarian-style Winterhaus, complete with steaming mugs of glühwein and alpine charm. Their Christmas afternoon tea is a local favourite, and if you’re staying with little ones, they’ll be spoiled (from personalised keepsakes to tiny slippers folded neatly at the foot of each bed). It’s luxury with a touch of warmth and a lot of heart.
Why we love it: It’s classic London Christmas wrapped in five-star service – perfect for those who love fairy lights, fine china, and a festive stroll through Harrods before bed.
Claridge’s
For over a decade, its legendary tree has set the tone for London’s festive season, with designers like Burberry, Dior, and Paul Smith creating jaw-dropping annual displays. Step inside and you’ll find stockings for all ages, carols echoing through Art Deco halls, and a once-a-year horse-drawn carriage ride around Mayfair. Parents can sip eggnog while the kids craft and munch on marshmallow-topped hot chocolate from the Fumoir.
Dining is equally festive. Christmas lunch can be enjoyed in any of the hotel’s three restaurants, and the Claridge’s hampers make the perfect gift. Packed with cookbooks, cocktails, exclusive pyjamas, tableware, and the famous Claridge’s pudding (a century-old recipe!), they let you take a slice of the magic home. The lobby dazzles with glittering decorations, and the 20ft Paul Smith-designed tree beside the sweeping staircase is a sight you won’t forget.
Why we love it: Claridge’s is the epitome of Mayfair glamour at Christmas, where every corner sparkles and the festive spirit feels larger than life.
The Dorchester
If you want Christmas in London to feel cinematic, The Dorchester is your go-to. From the moment you step through those revolving doors, the marble lobby dazzles with giant nutcrackers, twinkling firs, and garlands so decadent they could make your nan’s baubles blush. Philip Hammond, the in-house florist, oversees the festive magic, and a 15-foot Nordmann spruce stands proudly in the centre, setting the tone for all things merry and bright.
The hotel’s restaurants embrace the holidays with multi-course menus from Christmas Eve through New Year, and afternoon tea swaps finger sandwiches for spiced cakes, glossy pastries, and plenty of champagne under glittering chandeliers. By night, carol singers drift through, cocktails are shaken at the bar, and the atmosphere is pure festive indulgence.
Why we love it: The Dorchester goes all in for Christmas, delivering drama, decadence, and a warm, sparkling sense of occasion that feels truly special.
The Langham
If you’re after a Christmas stay in London that balances tradition with playful twists, The Langham hits the mark. This 157-year-old West London landmark transforms into a festive playground each year. Kids can enjoy a grotto visit with Santa or a toy-inspired afternoon tea, thanks to past collabs with Hamleys and Liberty London, while adults can tuck into festive pub classics with a modern spin at The Wigmore.
The hotel also offers hands-on seasonal experiences: cookie baking, wreath-making, or gingerbread house decorating for little ones. You can even try a festive masterclass at Sauce by The Langham cookery school and create edible gifts to take home, combining learning with indulgence. With its mix of family-friendly charm and sophisticated seasonal dining, The Langham is perfect for a festive escape that caters to every age.
Why we love it: The Langham brings the holidays to life with playful traditions for kids and grown-up festive treats.
The Savoy
London’s The Savoy has been dazzling guests since 1889, famously introducing fairy lights, lifts, and round-the-clock service. At Christmas, it goes all out. The Thames Foyer hosts an indulgent festive afternoon tea, complete with a children’s menu, while dinner features seasonal highlights like Keltic langoustine with Champagne sauce or a winter vegetable Wellington. Timely cocktails and elegant parties add to the festive buzz, making it a top choice for a full-on Christmas experience in the city.
Its location near the Strand and Waterloo Bridge offers misty-eyed views of the Thames and landmarks, perfect after busy days wandering Covent Garden or the West End. New suites provide a luxurious base if you’re aiming for an unforgettable stay. Whether you’re after traditional elegance or a glamorous city Christmas, The Savoy delivers both in spades.
Why we love it: Timeless elegance meets festive magic, with outstanding food, views, and kid-friendly touches.
The Ritz
This legendary Mayfair icon never does subtle and December is when it truly shines. Think twinkling chandeliers, lavish garlands, and that unmistakable air of old-world glamour that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday film. Christmas Eve brings the hotel’s famed gala dinner, while Christmas Day itself features a four-course feast in the Michelin-starred restaurant, complete with a live five-piece band. Guests don their finest Black Tie attire, setting the tone for a night of pure, sparkling decadence.
Last year, ‘Live at The Ritz’ served up a four-course dinner and live performances of vintage tap and Charleston: a dazzling throwback to the golden age of glamour. And of course, afternoon tea in The Palm Court becomes even more magical in December, with mince pies, Christmas cake, and carols from the Ritz choir filling the air.
Why we love it: It’s the definition of classic London luxury: theatrical, elegant, and unapologetically festive.
Brown's
The twinkling canopy of lights outside sets the tone for what awaits within: a quintessentially British festive escape where tradition meets just the right hint of modern flair. Inside, the scent of mulled wine and pine greets you before the doorman does, and the soft glow of the Drawing Room feels like a hug in hotel form.
This season, Brown’s has teamed up with English Heritage, giving guests exclusive access to some of London’s most storied landmarks, from Kenwood House to the Jewel Tower. But you might not want to leave at all. The festive afternoon tea is a must, the Donovan Bar buzzes with a retro Sixties charm, and the suites themselves tell tales of Mayfair’s musical past.
Why we love it: It’s that perfect blend of nostalgia and sophistication, the kind of place where Christmas feels both deeply traditional and effortlessly cool.
The Connaught
If there’s one place that truly captures the magic of a London Christmas, it’s The Connaught. This Mayfair gem glows with quiet elegance, where tradition meets a touch of modern artistry. Outside, the nine-metre Christmas tree, designed each year by a renowned artist, stands proudly on Mount Street.
Step through the doors and it feels like the start of a classic Christmas film. The grand wooden staircase is decked in garlands, the scent of pine and pastry drifts from the kitchen, and soft jazz hums under the chatter of well-heeled guests sipping champagne. Indulge in festive afternoon tea, a few bubbles in the Coburg Bar, or a Michelin-starred feast at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
Why we love it: It’s Christmas elegance personified. The Connaught manages to make the season feel both timeless and personal—like being invited into someone’s beautiful Mayfair townhouse for the holidays.
Henry's Townhouse
You know those places that feel like Christmas, even in July? That’s Henry’s Townhouse. Hidden away in the heart of Marylebone, this charming Georgian townhouse feels more like a beautifully kept secret than a hotel. Inspired by Jane Austen’s favourite brother, it’s a love letter to timeless English elegance (with just the right touch of festive magic).
Inside, you’ll find six individually styled rooms, each one layered with rich fabrics, antique details, and a cosy glow that makes you want to curl up with a book and a glass of something warming. Guests share a stunning kitchen and drawing room, where breakfast feels like a family gathering and evenings hum with quiet comfort.
Why we love it: Henry’s feels like staying in a friend’s grand (and impeccably styled) home. It’s intimate, elegant, and full of festive charm: a little London gem that captures the softer, slower side of Christmas.
The Berkeley
This Hyde Park neighbour doesn’t just do Christmas; it owns it. From the moment you step up to its glittering entrance, you’re hit with enough festive sparkle to power the Oxford Street lights. Sure, rooms start around £900 a night, but what’s a little financial panic compared to full-blown festive euphoria?
Outside, The Berkeley’s iconic “Snowfall” installation covers the façade in a blizzard of 137,000 twinkling LEDs and it’s pure magic. Inside, you’ll find roaring fires, artfully placed wreaths, and just enough cinnamon-scented candles to make you question whether you’ve stumbled into a Christmas movie. Head up to the Feast Off Piste rooftop pop-up, where London’s skyline turns Alpine chic. Think cosy gondola cabins, fondue for days, and hot toddies that could thaw even the grumpiest Scrooge. The views over Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland don’t hurt either (and no queues in sight).
Why we love it: The Berkeley is Christmas turned up to eleven-opulent, over-the-top, and utterly irresistible. Just maybe skip checking your bank balance until January.
Kimpton Fitzroy
If there were ever a hotel built for sparkle season, it’s the Kimpton Fitzroy. Sitting pretty on Russell Square, this grand dame turns into a glittering Bloomsbury jewel every December. From the moment you walk through those bronze doors, it’s clear: subtlety didn’t make the guest list.
The soaring lobby drips with twinkling garlands and golden baubles, while the marble floors reflect a glow that makes everyone look like they’re walking through candlelight. Down in Fitz’s Brasserie, festive feasts take centre stage. Expect perfectly roasted mains, velvety sauces, and puddings so indulgent they deserve their own standing ovation. But what really sets the Kimpton apart is the atmosphere. From complimentary evening tipples during Social Hour to the friendly, festive staff who somehow remember your name and your drink order, it feels like the kind of place where Christmas magic actually happens.
Why we love it: It’s grand but never stuffy, stylish yet full of heart and just steps from London’s twinkling Christmas markets and theatres. The perfect mix of glam and genuine warmth.
The Landmark
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas stay that feels grand yet full of warmth, The Landmark London delivers it beautifully. Set in elegant Marylebone, this five-star gem is famous for its soaring glass atrium, where a 24-foot Christmas tree glows softly beneath the twinkling lights.
Families will love the Elf Escape package, which includes spacious rooms, breakfast under the Winter Garden’s glass roof, and surprise gifts for the little ones. Couples can opt for the Festive Getaway, complete with Champagne on arrival, cosy Christmas films in-room, and homemade luxury fudge.
The food is pure indulgence. Afternoon tea turns seasonal with spiced scones, dainty pastries, and Christmas cakes that look straight out of a storybook. On Christmas Day, a lavish buffet of oysters, roasts, and bottomless Rosé Champagne makes for a celebration to remember.
The Goring
If there were ever a hotel made for a fairytale Christmas, it’s The Goring. This elegant Belgravia gem transforms into a festive dreamscape each December.
For those seeking the ultimate seasonal stay, the Three-Night Christmas Experience is pure indulgence. Expect a Champagne welcome, daily breakfast, and Michelin-starred dining that stretches from Christmas Eve supper to an opulent Christmas Day feast and a leisurely Boxing Day lunch.
With its intimate atmosphere, impeccable service, and a touch of old-world British charm, The Goring captures the essence of a classic London Christmas: elegant, cosy, and just a little bit enchanting.
One Aldwych
Step into One Aldwych, and you’ll feel as though you’ve wandered straight into an enchanted forest… one that just happens to be in the middle of Covent Garden. The hotel’s festive transformation comes with twinkling lights, wicker reindeers, and a breath-taking Christmas tree that stretches to the Lobby Bar’s soaring ceiling.
Seasonal sipping is very much encouraged here, with a new line-up of winter cocktails crafted from eco-conscious Sapling Spirits. And if you can resist another round, One Aldwych’s unbeatable location makes it ideal for wandering through Covent Garden’s Christmas markets and admiring its own dazzling 60-foot tree.
For a quieter celebration, the hotel’s Festive Film & Fizz experience is pure holiday bliss: think a cosy movie screening, a three-course dinner at Indigo, and a glass of Chapel Down bubbles. Or, go all out with Christmas Day lunch at Indigo.
