The Top Hotels in London: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards | Condé Nast Traveler

"Curving around Carlos Place in Mayfair Village, this is one of the smartest hotels in London, with origins in 1815 as the Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel and subsequent facelifts, a new wing, an Aman spa, and a 1930s-style ballroom—without losing its original spirit. A gilded mahogany staircase twists heavenward in reception, the private art collection bedazzles (think a Graham Sutherland landscape here, a Barbara Hepworth lithograph there), and despite the grandeur everyone is treated with trademark down-to-earth service. Blending heritage and creature comforts, rooms and suites by Guy Oliver promise style and a soft landing, with minibars disguised as chinoiserie cabinets and hand-embroidered bed heads; the 2024-renovated gray-green or storm-cloud-blue Coburg Suites bring painted paneling, delft-encrusted chimneypieces, and heavy draped curtains. Megawatt options include The Apartment by David Collins Studio on the rooftop, The Mews light-filled private townhouse, and the King’s Lodge inspired by Kabul’s 19th-century Peacock Palace. Flagship restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hélène Darroze are a focus, while the watering holes are the most fun: start an affair at the Connaught Bar with its jolly martini trolley and candlelight, cut a bon vivant’s business deal at The Coburg, and lounge quietly in the Red Room, a modern bar with an after- or preparty feel. Part of the Maybourne Group, this landmark grande dame still feels utterly relevant." - CNT Editors