The ‘Grand Dames of London’: Six Iconic Hotels That Define the City’s Luxury Heritage
An introduction to the original London luxury hotels. A guide to six of properties that shaped the city’s reputation for elegance, service, and old-world charm. These are the places every traveller recognises by name long before they ever step inside. If you are seeking classic hotel inspiration, you can trust these hotels to get it right.
What We Mean by “Grand Dames”
In London, the phrase “Grand Dames” is used to describe a small group of historic luxury hotels that have stood the test of time. The term appears in architecture, hospitality writing, and travel commentary, and is used for buildings with deep heritage, cultural presence, and long-established reputations.
Unlike modern openings that rise and fall with fashion, these hotels have remained in the same place, often under the same name, for more than a century. Their histories are woven into London’s own story, from high society gatherings and royal occasions to literary legends and modern film shoots. At Wine Travel and Song, we lean naturally towards classic luxury, so it feels right to focus on the originals rather than the faddish or the Insta-chasing.
As the London hotel landscape constantly evolves, from our favourite, the Cadogan Hotel on Sloane Street, to the 2023 arrival of the Peninsula, there are always new hotels to consider but, for us, these five hotels represent the very foundation of London’s luxury landscape.
We have selected six hotels that, for us, capture the essence of London’s Grand Dames. They are places we have returned to over the years, some more recently than others, and they blend classic locations and traditional service with enough modernity to meet the expectations of today’s traveller.
The Six ‘Grand Dame’ Hotels of London
1. The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
Opened in 1906, The Ritz remains a symbol of polished glamour. Its name alone signals luxury. The architecture has barely changed and the hotel’s reputation for theatrical, old-school charm continues to define it.
The Palm Court afternoon tea, the Long Gallery, the uniformed doormen, and the restaurant’s gilded dining room have become part of London’s visual language. Whilst its exterior remains iconic, the interiors are less well known. The main Ritz Restaurant forbids any photography whilst guests are permitted discreet photos in the Palm Court and Rivoli Bar, if you can get a table.
Upstairs the guest rooms continue the hotel’s classical style with cream panelling, gold detailing and soft blue accents. A ribbed headboard, velvet bench and period furniture create a calm, elegant space that feels consistent with the hotel’s heritage. Heavy drapes frame the tall windows, while a marble fireplace and gilded mirror anchor the room with a sense of quiet grandeur. The overall effect is refined, traditional and unmistakably Ritz.
Service remains discreet and perfect, it is the Ritz after all.
https://www.theritzlondon.com/2. The Savoy
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Opened in 1889 and still a landmark on the Strand. The Savoy introduced electric lights, lifts, and en-suite plumbing before almost any other hotel in the world. It is famous for being the only place in the UK where traffic flows on the right, a tradition designed so guests could step straight from their taxi onto the hotel’s front door.
Built on the original Savoy Palace that dated back to 1381, this location between the Strand and the River Thames has long been sought after.
Its blend of Edwardian and Art Deco interiors is unique in London, and the American Bar, a favourite haunt of Bernie Taupin, remains one of the city’s most important cocktail rooms. The Savoy Grill, one of three restaurants in the hotel, remains one of the most sought-after tables in London. If you get a chance, try the fish, honestly it is some of the best dishes we have eaten.
Inside the Savoy Hotel
3. Claridge’s
Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
The hotel dates to the early 1800s in name and spirit, with the current building completed in the 1890s. Claridge’s is often referred to as “London’s most elegant hotel”.
It has a deep connection with fashion houses, international royalty, and European society. Sir Paul Smith, Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin are just some of the fashion legends that have designed the hotel Christmas Tree. Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee is in charge of this year’s festive decorations.
At the press launch (2019) for Christian Louboutin’s Christmas Tree
The Art Deco lobby and the collection of suites make Claridge’s a favourite for travellers seeking understated luxury rather than overt spectacle. With at least seven beautiful, different drinking and dining spaces there is really no reason to leave once you are checked in. Afternoon Tea in the Foyer and Reading Room remains a favourite whilst breakfast is a thing of beauty. Never has boiled egg and soldiers looked so beautiful.
A festive afternoon tea at Claridges
The comfortable rooms with Art Deco Details
https://www.claridges.co.uk/Now part of the Maybourne Group, Claridge’s is also home to …
4. The Connaught
Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Opened in 1815 and still one of the most understated luxury hotels in London. Taking up its own corner of Mayfair, tucked away behind a set of beautiful London Plane trees, it is a great luxury bolthole and an ideal base for some retail therapy along Bond Street and beyond.
Michelin-starred dining from Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is ideal for a dress-up special dinner, whilst a more relaxed evening at the Connaught Grill showcases the finest British produce in the heart of the hotel.
Despite its central location, the rooms are peaceful and very comfortable. Even the most basic rooms, a Superior Single, offer comfort with a firm bed and plump pillows. Or you can push the boat out and stay in the Sutherland Suite. Inspired by the traditional English stately home, this room comes with its own 1909 Steinway grand piano and butler.
https://www.the-connaught.co.uk/5. Brown’s Hotel
33 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
Founded in 1837 and considered the oldest hotel in London. Writers, politicians, and artists have passed through its doors, and its tea room has remained one of the most civilised in the city. Now part of the Rocco Forté family of hotels (including the Balmoral and the Hotel de Rome in Berlin), the service remains exemplary, whilst the décor remains understated and chic.
Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Autumn 2025
You can pop in for just a scone and a cup of tea, go big with the Afternoon Teas in the Drawing Room or a nightcap in the Donovan Bar. Charlie’s Restaurant is a romantic wood-panelled dining room offering a modern twist on British favourites. There is even a full toast menu for breakfast.
Guest room options range from stylish Executive and Superior rooms dressed in muted palettes not dissimilar to the Balmoral décor, up to the whacky Sir Paul Smith Suite with bold colours and stripes.
Brown’s may feel quieter and more discreet than the Ritz or Savoy, but that discretion is exactly what makes it a true classic.
https://www.roccofortehotels.com/6. The Dorchester
53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Opened in 1931, The Dorchester is the youngest of London’s Grand Dames, yet it has long held a central place in the city’s luxury landscape. Sitting proudly on Park Lane with views across Hyde Park, it quickly became a favourite of film stars, writers and society figures throughout the twentieth century.
Inside, the hotel blends classic design with a warm, residential feel. The Promenade, lined with sofas and soft lighting, is one of its best-known spaces and remains a popular spot for afternoon tea or a quiet cocktail. The Grill, first opened in 1931, continues to serve classic British dishes with a polished modern touch.
Rooms range from calm, traditional spaces to more contemporary suites overlooking the park. Even the entry-level rooms feel generously sized by London standards, with beautiful pastel soft furnishings and generous amenities.
The Dorchester may be the newest of the six, but its heritage, setting and loyal following make it every bit a Grand Dame.
The Last Word on London’s Grand Dame Luxury Hotels
These six hotels continue to shape the way London understands luxury. Each one carries its own history, its own rituals, and its own loyal following, yet they share a commitment to service and atmosphere that has held firm for generations. Modern openings will come and go, but these classics remain the benchmark.
If you are planning a stay in London and want something rooted in heritage rather than trend, these are the hotels to consider. We have stayed in each of them over the years and will continue to return, adding deeper reviews, dining notes and seasonal reflections to WTS as our journey unfolds.
Grab the map! We’ve put the Grand Dames together on a Google Map, click below to get the details.