Come Christmastime, London’s best hotels Don’t hold back. Each year, the decor is more extravagant and bigger. Condé Nast Traveler UK team waits with baited breath to discover where might be the first to unveil its Christmas tree, as well as its seasonal Events calendar. London’s festive season will officially begin once the elves are done with their work and the secret designs have been revealed.
Last year, I didn’t want to wait until December 1 to enjoy my sequins or a mince pie. My jovial mood was sparked by a wonderful stay at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park In November, the team treated our children as if the had been on the “nice” list all year. It was a far superior display to anything we could have done in the morning. Even though it was close to home, being in central London with hordes people wrapped in layers upon layers of clothing shopping for presents and excited for the next few weeks felt like a treat. This year’s theme is Raffles at The OWO I’d like to stay overnight and visit the highly anticipated display at the entrance. Broadwick SohoPlus, an evening at The Ned I want to be in the mood for things.
Arriving at a luxury hotel is a great way to escape from the everyday grind. 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 always special, but never more than when there is a reason to celebrate together. Here are our top picks for the best London hotels at Christmas.