"Originally opened in 1865 and relaunched as a hotel in 2012, this centrally located property—between Mayfair and Soho—has long been a gathering spot for London’s intelligentsia. The 160 rooms and suites are crafted with Carrara marble, English oak, and Portland stone and offer modern tech perks and soundproofing; some signature suites feature Tudor fireplaces, private screening rooms, and butler service. Food and drink are a major draw, from a two-Michelin-starred fine-dining venue to a gilded Grill Room offering traditional afternoon tea and an inventive pastry outpost by Albert Adrià. Wellness facilities include a large gym with classes and a 60-foot lap pool plus an Akasha Spa with a hammam and multiple treatment rooms." - Sandra Ramani, Charu Suri, Katherine LaGrave, Jennifer Flowers, Laura Holt, Laura Dannen Redman