A London hotel that shares its name with a tube station has been named among the best in the world, according to Tripadvisor's 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels. The Royal Lancaster London, situated on Lancaster Terrace, secured the No. 1 position for Top Hotels in the UK, No. 2 in Europe, and an impressive No. 4 globally.
Hotel's connection to Lancaster Gate
The Royal Lancaster London takes its name from the surrounding Lancaster Gate neighbourhood, which was named in honour of Queen Victoria, who held the historic title of Duke of Lancaster. This connection directly ties to the Lancaster Gate tube station, which opened next door in 1900 and adopted its name from the same royal gate and neighbourhood. The hotel opened in 1967, adopting the local identity.
Features and accolades
The hotel offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the London skyline and Hyde Park. It famously appeared in the 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine, and some rooms are decorated with toy Mini cars to celebrate this. Reviewers praise the 411-room property for its warm service, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional breakfast. The hotel also houses the award-winning Nipa Thai restaurant.
Other top UK hotels
Following closely is Hotel 41, which secured the No. 2 position for Top Hotels in the UK. Located behind Buckingham Palace at 41 Buckingham Palace Road, this five-star boutique property is known for its black-and-white Edwardian aesthetic and offers a dedicated 24-hour butler service.
Top 10 Best Hotels in the World for 2026
- G.H. Universal Hotel – Bandung, Indonesia
- Hotel Colline de France – Gramado, Brazil
- Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality – Livigno, Italy
- Royal Lancaster London – London, United Kingdom
- FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon, United States
- La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Hoi An City, Vietnam
- Abigail's Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba – Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Hotel Moments Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
- La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam
Top Hotels in the UK
- Royal Lancaster London – London
- Hotel 41 – London
- Belmore Court & Motel – Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
- Brown's Hotel – London
- Aviator Hampshire, Farnborough, Hampshire
- Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire – Great Milton, Oxfordshire
- Morley Hayes – Morley, Derby
- 100 Princes Street Edinburgh – Edinburgh
- Staybridge Suites London - Vauxhall by IHG – London
- The Chambers - Hotel & Serviced Apartments – Leeds
The awards are based on a full year of global traveller reviews collected throughout 2025, highlighting the highest rated hotels across the world.
