London Travel Guide

Make the Most of Your London Trip with American Express Travel®

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Dating to Roman times, London is a multicultural capital famous for its royal landmarks and manicured gardens as well as contemporary skyscrapers like The Gherkin. The city really shines in summer, when it hosts events ranging from the Wimbledon tennis tournament to music festivals like BST Hyde Park. Theater and art exhibitions are a constant, and the dining scene encompasses classic pub fare, elevated West African, hearty Italian, vegetarian Indian, you name it.

There’s always something new to uncover, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve lost count. To help you plan, our London-based Destination Managers, Kelvin and Mandy, share some of their favorite things to do in London as well as insider hotel tips below.  

When you're ready to book, turn to American Express Travel for a more rewarding stay. At Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties*, Platinum Card® Members enjoy an exclusive suite of benefits that includes daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm check-out, and a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, which may include food and beverage, spa, or other on-property charges.1 At The Hotel Collection properties*, you receive a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges1, a room upgrade upon arrival, when available, and 12pm check-in and late check-out, both when available.2,3

Plus, get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels+ Resorts® or The Hotel Collection2 bookings through Amex Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card.*

Remember, Platinum Card Members can use their Card on purchases without the worry of foreign transactions fees4.

Explore our London Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, Where to Eat

Calendar

Best Time to Visit

From May to October for warm weather and popular events. December and January for holiday events, celebrations, and shopping.

Airplane

Getting There

Fly Delta to London and enjoy savings on premium seats with the International Airline Program*. It offers Platinum Card® Members exclusive access to lower fares on International First, Business, and Premium Economy seats with participating airlines. Discounts are available to Card Members and up to seven of their companions when traveling on the same itinerary. Plus, earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, when you book through American Express Travel.* Terms apply.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

16 miles

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

28 miles

Where to Stay in London

 

 

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
1

Claridge’s

An Art Deco landmark, Claridge's blends original Victorian features with contemporary design input from the likes of Pierre-Yves Rochon and Bryan O’Sullivan. Its prime location in Mayfair gives you easy access to Hyde Park for strolling and South Molton and Bond Streets for shopping.  Afternoon tea in the glorious surroundings of the hotel's Foyer & Reading Room is a quintessential London experience. With guaranteed 4pm check-out, you have more time to unwind at Claridge’s Spa, which offers healing rituals and an electrolyte-rich relaxation pool.

Perfect for Couples, Special Occasions, Shoppers

TIP FROM KELVIN

“Very few people know about the tiny wine shop in the basement, where occasional intimate wine-tastings are held for no more than six people. It's even possible to arrange a bespoke tasting.”

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
2

Rosewood London

Rosewood knew what it was doing when it chose 252 High Holborn for its first London address. The building is an Edwardian treasure, rich in heritage features, including a grand staircase winding up towards the central dome above. Before entering, you pass through huge cast iron gates into an arched carriageway and across a cobbled courtyard. Inside, there’s an extensive art collection that includes a British bulldog statue wearing a Vivienne Westwood collar. Contemporary rooms are furnished in shades of grey, white, and taupe, and there are toiletries from British beauty brands. Even the spa incorporates local touches with treatments including a British rose facial and a detoxifying body treatment incorporating Epsom salts. Before sightseeing, tuck into complimentary daily breakfast for two at the Holborn Dining Room, known for its elevated British cuisine.

Perfect for Families, Shoppers

TIP FROM MANDY

“Scarfe's Bar in the Rosewood is decorated with cartoons by Gerald Scarfe and exudes the atmosphere of a private member’s club. It regularly features on lists of the world’s best bars and is worth visiting for the nightly live jazz.”

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The Hotel Collection
3

The Ned London

The Ned London offers large open spaces and decor that pay homage to the former Midland Bank building’s 1920s Edwardian style. Each individually designed room channels the building's history with details like silk tasseled lampshades, velvet club chairs, and mirrored cocktail cabinets. Restaurants and bars serve food and drinks from around the world, and complimentary daily breakfast for two is an additional benefit provided by this property in The Hotel Collection. Ned’s Club Spa includes an indoor 20 meter lap pool, a sauna and a steam room, a Moroccan Hammam and a gents barbershop and ladies hair salon. Fittingly, the Ned is close to the also trendy Shoreditch neighborhood.

Perfect for Couples, Foodies and Business People

TIP FROM KELVIN

“On Sundays, The Ned hosts what is possibly London’s most decadent brunch, 'Ned’s Feast.' There’s a huge selection of hot and cold dishes, including oysters and lobster, the term 'feast' here is not hyperbolic.”

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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The Savoy London, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Opulent old-world style meets modern convenience at The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel. Rooms and suites feature silk wallpaper, Murano chandeliers, marble baths, and views of the River Thames. The Savoy Grill serves French-inspired British cuisine; book the Chef's Table Experience for a private room within the kitchen seating up to six diners. Rejuvenate at the Savoy's Beauty & Fitness area, or indulge in the complimentary mini bar. Venture out to explore hidden gems such as Neal's Yard, House of MinaLima, and the London Transport Museum, all within walking distance.

Perfect for Couples, Theater Lovers

TIP FROM MANDY

“The short road leading up to the hotel entrance is famously the only public road in the country where cars must drive on the right-hand side of the road.”

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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The Dorchester

The Dorchester has been standing tall in Mayfair since 1931 and continues to attract politicians, celebrities, and other luminaries. Fresh off a 2023 renovation, the elegant, airy rooms and suites are done up with florals, hand-painted headboards, and pastels suggestive of an English garden. Many have expansive views of Hyde Park, and you can get a head start on exploring with 12pm check-in, when available. Keep an eye out for art as you navigate the hotel and consider popping into the Wine Vault, an intimate space within the kitchen that counts over 1,000 bottles and hosts tastings.

Perfect for Couples, Families, Shoppers

TIP FROM MANDY

“The Dorchester is one of London’s grand dame hotels, and its afternoon tea at the Promenade is a storied tradition. Ensconce yourself in a comfortable seat at the Promenade and spend a couple of hours people-watching.”

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The Hotel Collection
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The Hari Hotel London

Feel like a Londoner when staying at The Hari, which is tucked away in Chesham Place, apart from the hustle-bustle. Accommodations feature marble bathrooms, and luxe textiles like leather, faux fur, and velvet. Select suites offer separate living areas, fireplaces, and private balconies. You might put the $100 credit towards a meal at Il Pampero, which takes inspiration from hearty southern Italian cuisine. Work it off with a ride on complimentary bikes.

Perfect for Families and Couples

TIP FROM MANDY

“Change up your usual drink order with art-inspired cocktails at the Hari Garden Bar & Terrace. Up Up and Away, made with hibiscus-infused gin, cherry liqueur, cranberry, and a bubble of smoke, is based on Banksy's 'Girl with a Balloon'.”

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

The city’s art scene is on your doorstep at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, a striking new glass-striped property perched on Hanover square amidst dozens of galleries. Interiors are sleek and stylish enough to keep pace with the tastemakers around, and décor is softened by organic patterns and hand-painted floral wallpaper. Indulge your inner epicurean and put your $100 credit toward light bites and craft cocktails at ABar Lounge. Let your cares go at the sprawling spa, which offers a range of treatments that can all be complemented with binaural audio therapy, or take a dip in the long indoor pool, which is secluded in a cave like room studded with lights for an unearthly experience.

Perfect for Shoppers and couples

TIP FROM KELVIN

“Try on-site restaurant Akira Back, the first UK venture from the acclaimed chef himself, Akira Back, combining Japanese cuisine with Back's Korean heritage, for an all-day dining experience.”

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Fine Hotels + Resorts
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Broadwick Soho

A flamboyant new addition to Fine Hotels + Resorts, Broadwick Soho is a small independent boutique hotel (57 rooms) with big personality in London’s dynamic West End. A red awning and pink door usher you into a townhouse-like environment of patterned wallpapers, plush furnishings, and eye-catching art. When a craving strikes, head downstairs for the Italian opulence of Dear Jackie; go to street level for a barista-made coffee or evening cocktail at Bar Jackie; or step up to the spectacular rooftop views of Soho at Flute outdoor terrace. Enjoy a bonus afternoon to relax or explore with guaranteed 4pm check-out.

Perfect for Couples, Shoppers, Theatre-Lovers

TIP FROM KELVIN

“One of London’s coolest hotels in terms of décor and vibe, as you would expect from its Soho location, with a wonderful, bookable rooftop bar that packs up in summer thanks to its outdoor terrace tables.”

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The Hotel Collection
9

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch seamlessly blends industrial chic and Japanese simplicity. The property offers rooms and suites that are nestled amidst the energy of East London’s creative district and the financial center. Use your $100 credit at the world-renowned Nobu Restaurant, where you can enjoy famed classics alongside unique plates inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of the local neighborhood. Nobu Spa offers a range of wellness, beauty, fitness, and relaxation treatments, creating an oasis where guests can truly unwind.

Perfect for Foodies, Couples, Nightlife Enthusiasts

TIP FROM MANDY

“The London food scene has become all about fusion and new ideas, and breakfast at Nobu Shoreditch puts a Japanese twist on traditional breakfast.”

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The Hotel Collection
10

Treehouse London

From its perch in Marylebone, Treehouse London overlooks the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf, and Regent's Park. Cozy rooms are outfitted with raw concrete ceilings, wooden furnishings, window seats, and stuffed Paddington bears. As you climb the Treehouse, pick where to use your $100 credit among multiple dining options, from the street level Pizzeria Mozza to the 15th-floor upscale Mexican restaurant Madera (with standard and vegan menus) to rooftop bar The Nest with a wrap-around terrace and 360-degree views.

Perfect for Families, Couples, and Shoppers

TIP FROM MANDY

“This hotel is hidden behind Oxford Circus and, like a treehouse, offers up expansive views from the upscale Mexican restaurant Madera (with standard and vegan menus) and rooftop bar The Nest.”

Check out all London properties in Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection.

 

 

What to Do in London

 

Where to Eat in London

 

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