The Best Christmas Hotels in London for a Festive Stay
Come Christmastime, London’s best hotels pull out all the stops. Every year, they present bigger, better and more elaborate decor, and every year, the Condé Nast Traveler team waits with baited breath to discover where might be the first to unveil its Christmas tree, seasonal afternoon tea, and events calendar. Once the elves have finished their shift and the secrets behind the designs are out, London is officially open for festive business.
I'm not one to shy away from dragging out a celebration, and last year I decided December 1 was too long to wait to unearth my sequins and indulge in a mince pie or three. I kick-started my joviality early with a wonderfully spoiling stay at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in November, where the team treated the children as if they’d been on the ‘nice list’ all year, and surpassed any display our household could conjure up come the morning of the 25th. Despite being close to home, it felt special to be in central London surrounded by hordes of people shopping for gifts, wrapped in layer upon layer of clothing, and fizzing with anticipation about all the following weeks had in store. This year, I've booked Raffles at The OWO for an overnight stay (one of the best Christmas hotels in London), as well as a visit to the much-anticipated display on the entrance of Broadwick Soho, plus an evening at The Ned to get me in the spirit of things.
Because no matter the distance travelled, arriving at a hotel brings a sense of immediate escapism from everyday life. It’s a chance to check out for a definitive amount of time, and check in wholeheartedly to a fantasy—trimmed with gilded accents, strung with twinkling fairy lights and backed by a nostalgic soundtrack. Hotels are special, and never more so than when there’s reason to celebrate collectively. This is our pick of the best Christmas hotels in London.
Christmas at Claridge’s, Mayfair
Best for: living a fantasy
The Claridge's Christmas tree has been something of a city marvel for the past 14 years, with fashion heavyweights like Paul Smith and Dior designing its aesthetic. On the morning of November, 25, 2025, this year's showcase was revealed; excitement started brewing after the industry intel was revealed—it's designed by Daniel Lee, chief creative officer of Burberry. The whole thing is the precursor to a wholly festive Christmas stay at this Mayfair classic.
Guests staying overnight can expect stockings for all ages, with Christmas carols and a once-a-year carriage ride around Mayfair with the Fumoir’s legendary marshmallow-topped hot chocolate. There are even carrots to leave out for Santa, who pays a visit alongside one of his elves. Christmas lunch can be taken at any of the three restaurants, and craft materials are provided for kids so that parents can knock back an eggnog or five.
Gift someone you really like the Christmas-at-Claridge’s vibe, wrapped up within one of its Christmas puddings (as spotted in our UK hotel festive gift guide).
Address: Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.Christmas at The Rosewood, Holborn
Best for: a grand British Christmas
The Edwardian courtyard at Rosewood London might just be one of the prettiest hotel entrances in the capital. The grand entryway is made even more momentous at Christmas, when it features an illuminated 24-foot Christmas tree. This year, florist Paul Thomas has taken inspiration from British author Charles Dickens to decorate the tree—spot the sweet book ornaments—and transform the hotel into a cozy literary wonderland. The theme has also been cleverly applied to the hotel’s festive afternoon tea, which includes a 19th-century-inspired mince pie, while guests can also book into a private literary tour of London.
For families, little ones will love the opportunity to decorate their own gingerbread houses with the help of pastry chef Mark Perkin, plus Father Christmas, of course, will make an appearance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For a festive tipple, this year the courtyard will play host to The Chalet, a cozy alpine retreat that celebrates the opening of Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin in the French Alps.
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Nick Rochowski PhotographyChristmas at The Goring, Belgravia
Best for: traditional decor with a touch of debauchery
On approach, you'd be forgiven for expecting the Goring to be traditional and straight-laced—it first opened in 1910, is quintessentially beautiful and serves a particularly lovely afternoon tea (which takes a festive turn at this time of year, of course). But it's also really, really fun. This Christmas, its bold red tree is designed by none other than fashion designer Lulu Guinness, who matches the whimsy and charisma of the property with big bows and lip-shaped decorations. This, plus the ever-hopeful appearance of the resident Shetland pony, Teddy, and there's nothing not to love about dipping into this Belgravia classic for a glass of mulled wine by the fire.
Guests booked for an overnight stay during the festive period can expect to indulge in memorable Michelin-starred feasts by Executive Chef Graham Squire.
Address: 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW
dot dash mediaChristmas at Raffles London at The OWO
Best for: personalized service and a tailored festive experience
There are few more grandiose works of hotel architecture in London than Raffles at the OWO. Inside the Old War Office on the second floor balcony, Winston Churchill held his daily briefings, cigar in hand. While this fact in itself might not scream ‘Christmas’, the hotel’s festive transformation certainly does. In the courtyard outside Scotland Yard stands a towering gingerbread house surrounded by twinkling pines, and inside, trees and garlands adorned in red and gold stand to attention by the building’s original marble pillars. In the rooms, nutcrackers and reindeer bring heritage fireplaces to life, and for children, gifts from the OWO elves. But if booking in for the night isn’t essential to enjoy the season here; there’s a particularly artful and impressive seasonal afternoon tea served in the drawing room, where treats are inspired by classic carols and seatings are accompanied by a live pianist. On Christmas Day itself, Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco will be serving up a six-course tasting menu and a creative twist on traditional dining.
Address: 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
Christmas at Broadwick Soho, Soho
Best for: a December celebration in a design-led Soho favourite
If there’s a hotel in central London that’s destined to be dressed with an outrageously fabulous facade come Christmastime, it’s Broadwick Soho. When it opened, it featured two enormous circus elephant statues at the entrance. This year, it’s collaborating with Moulin Rouge! The Musical and the display is as bold as you’d imagine. Inside at Bar Jackie and on the roof at Flute Bar, a curated cocktail menu of four new recipes marks the season, as well as a set dining menu designed to be enjoyed pre-theatre. The vibe is celebratory, and the visuals are spectacular.
While it’s sure to be lovely waking up here on Christmas morning, Broadwick Soho is my recommendation for the festive run-up and the joviality that comes with a calendar of December events, as opposed to a hotel to book for the magic of the day itself.
Address: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
Christmas at The Emory, Belgravia
Best for: pared-back decorations
If you’re looking for somewhere central that takes a light-touch approach to Christmas—a place you can retreat to but remain on the doorstep of the action should you wish to dip back into it—The Emory is the place to book. It’s an all-suite hotel offering exceptional service, views over Hyde Park, and it’s within walking distance of the best shops in the city. Not to mention it’s home to a world-famous bakery, which is reason in itself to visit (don’t leave without trying Cédric Grolet’s famous Vanilla Flower). The approach here is elegant, and guests are invited to escape to the spa, wrapped in a cashmere robe, and indulge in a blissful underground treatment before heading to the top of the building where the 9th floor bar means you can enjoy the glittering skyline, Old Fashioned in hand. After a day in the midst of the action, what could sound more alluring? For something more traditionally glitzy, look to The Emory’s sister properties, Claridge’s and The Connaught (also in this line-up).
Address: The Emory, Old Barrack Yard, London SW1X 7NP
Christmas at The Dorchester, Mayfair
Best for: old-school glitz and glamour
The Dorchester has, perhaps, London’s most dramatic reputation—set designer Oliver Messel famously dressed the hotel façade in swags and drapes for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. In-house designer florist Philip Hammond oversees the hotel’s festive transformation, with a 15-foot, UK-grown Nordmann spruce taking center stage in the glitzy lobby. Little ones can pen letters to Father Christmas and send them via The Dorchester’s post box, while a series of events get guests of all ages in the spirit, including performances around the Liberace piano at the end of November in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. In the spa, the Season Ready Spa Package includes a Carol Joy London express facial followed by an express manicure and signature blow dry—sure to have you looking your best before multi-course extravaganzas in the hotel’s restaurants. Festive menus at The Grill at The Dorchester start on Christmas Eve and take diners through to the New Year, while supper at Vesper Bar at The Dorchester is soundtracked by live entertainment in the evenings.
Address: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Christmas at The Connaught, Mayfair
Best for: the in-room Christmas tree
Children staying over Christmas at The Connaught will receive a personalized letter from Santa even before they arrive, ensuring them of a visit; adults will be more impressed by the bottle of Champagne awaiting them, and the lunch menu from Helene Darroze or Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The two-night stay takes in carols, treats for Santa and his reindeer, full stockings for all, whatever age, and a horse-drawn carriage ride around Mayfair, Baileys hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand (during which you may very well encounter Claridge’s carriage rattling down the street toward you).
Those booking into a one-bedroom or signature suite will also be greeted by their very own Christmas tree and decorations. On top of all that and the 3,000 plus artworks already housed, somehow, in the hotel—the main tree is to be designed by a notable artist, following the longstanding tradition. Expect something special— previous talent to take on the challenge has included Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, and Sir Anthony Gormley. The Connaught also gleefully choreographs festive ‘surprises’ at this time of year, such as a fleet of ballerinas in full tutus suddenly pirouetting down the stairs to The Nutcracker score. —Becky Lucas
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2A
SChristmas at The Ham Yard Hotel, Soho
Best for: year-round whimsy, amplified
Ham Yard Hotel is whimsical, whatever time of year you visit. The Kit Kemp interiors are bright, bold and beautiful, and feeling anything other than joyful here would be a challenge. But for the festive season, its charisma amplifies tenfold. This year, it welcomes the Gingerbread Village—a pop-up installation that lines the entrance hall corridor and guests are invited to enjoy a mince pie in hand. Upstairs on the roof, the Winter Fire Garden serves up hot cocktails, warming, fire-cooked recipes (I've got my eye on the scallops) and ‘marshmallows for toasting’. Guests staying the night in one of the residences can expect their very own Christmas tree in the room, as well as stockings, home-baked cookies and Ham Yard gifts on Christmas morning. This is a spot that's sure to feel magical, whatever your age.
Address: 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
Christmas at The Ned, Bank
Few London hotels evoke a feeling of festive cheer more than The Ned, and I make a point of visiting that famous (and oh-so impressive) towering tree in the entrance hall year after year. That, plus the traditional nature of the interiors, means that Christmas is (quite literally) The Ned’s season to shine. For 2025, it welcomes a brand collaboration for the first time ever, and I’m waiting excitedly to discover who and what decorations might be unveiled as we inch towards December. But what I do know is this: The center stage will be home to live musicians daily, setting the tone for a fun yet sophisticated celebration, whatever night of the week you book. And that’s the beauty of The Ned in winter—Monday evenings here have the same atmospheric buzz as Thursdays and Fridays, so celebrating comes easy. But never more so than when you book into my front-running festive event: Carols with Gareth Malone take place weekly in December and welcome a raucous crowd of songbirds, fueled by bubbling Soho Home champagne flutes and a feast at one of the ground-floor (or rooftop, if you’re lucky enough to be staying overnight) restaurants. On Christmas Day itself, a feast awaits hotel and external guests, plus a visit from the man in red himself.
Address: The Ned London, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Christmas at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
When you think of London at Christmas, what springs to mind? If, like me, it's Knightsbridge, and the most romantic vision combines a wander through Harrods with a visit to the best museums in London, then Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is my top recommended place to book. Jovial, well-spoken doormen wear bright-red tailcoats and black top hats all year round, but they look especially on-point in December, as they lead guests through grandiose double doors, behind which lie opulent displays of finery. The team pulls out all the stops for children and it's one of the best family-friendly hotels in London. Personalized keepsakes are left in cots, diaper bins are propped in bathrooms, and tiny towels are folded neatly at the foot of each bed. Expect seasonal pop-ups (last year, there was an in-built Bavarian bar serving piping hot mulled wine by reception) and a festive afternoon tea that’s popular with day guests as well as those lucky enough to spend the night.
Address: Mandarin Oriental, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
Courtesy of the LanghamChristmas at The Langham
The 157-year-old west London landmark The Langham goes full throttle when it comes to Yuletide, and 2024 was no exception. Last year, it collaborated with iconic London toy store Hamleys, and prior to that, with Liberty London. There was a children's afternoon tea inspired by traditional toys and a grotto where Santa awaits, too. For adults, foodie offerings remain typically impressive. At the Wigmore, expect pub classics with a twist: country pork terrace with apple chutney, Christmas pie “with all the trimmings,” and heaping platters of old favorites including the famed XXL stovetop three cheese and mustard grilled cheese. Before supper, try your hand at one of the seasonal masterclasses at Sauce by The Langham cooking school, where you can create festive edible gifts and indulge in a bit of cookie-baking or wreath-making. There’s also gingerbread-house-decorating for little ones. —B.L.
Address: The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA
Christmas at The Ritz
Obviously, Christmas at the legendarily glitzy Ritz is no low-key affair. Celebrate Christmas Eve at the special gala dinner, and on December 25, expect an epic four-course lunch in the Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests are asked to dress in black tie to mark the occasion, and a five-piece band will add a musical backing track to the festivities. Can’t make it on the day? It's only a matter of time until we find out what's in store for 2025. Last year, “Live at the Ritz” offered a similar spectacle to that of Christmas Day itself. It included a four-course supper, live band, accompanied by dancers performing the Charleston, vintage tap, and the like. The prestigious afternoon tea over in the Palm Court will also feature. Our (cryptic) guess is plates will be laden with mince pies, Christmas cakes, and carols from the Ritz choir.
Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1J 9BR
Miles WillisChristmas at the Savoy
When it opened in 1889, The Savoy’s fancy electric lighting (it was the birthplace of “fairy lights”), lifts, and round-the-clock service rendered it the country’s very first “luxury” hotel. It’s no surprise, then, that its Christmas offering is and always has been rather supreme. Last year, there were timely cocktails, grand parties, and an especially festive afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer—with a sweet little menu for children. Christmas dinner was also served in style, with menu options ranging from Keltic langoustine with Champagne sauce to winter vegetable Wellington. Thanks to its spot off the Strand and on the Waterloo Bridge bend, The Savoy is a strong choice for those after a misty-eyed view of the Thames and dozens of key landmarks right from bed, following busy days spent shopping around Covent Garden and the West End. New suites in the property are well worth considering if you're keen to go all-out.
Address: The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Christmas at Henrietta Experimental, Covent Garden
Best for: a kitschy themed cocktail
From the beginning of November, there’s a buzz among the Condé Nast Traveler UK team as we start to guess when Henrietta Experimental might open its now-famous kitschy Christmas cocktail bar, Miracle at Henrietta. The good news is the festivities are in full swing, and this year it’s expanded in size, sitting loud and proud on the cobbled street outside as well as taking over the top floor of the townhouse. Think bright lights and bougie vessels filled with flavors that simply spell Christmas.
The hotel itself is small and well-designed, but its location is what makes it a solid choice for a London stay over the Christmas period. Look out the window directly onto Covent Garden's famous sky-high tree and take the five-minute stroll to Somerset House for ice-skating in one of the most architecturally beautiful spots in the city.
Address: 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS
This gallery was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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