The Telegraph has released its annual guide to the 250 Best Hotels in the UK for 2026, and London dominates with 26 hotels making the cut. The list, compiled by a team of 60 reviewers who visited over 2,000 properties across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, features only hotels classified as 'excellent' with an average score of eight out of 10 or higher across six categories: location, style and character, service and facilities, rooms, food and drink, and value for money.
Top London Hotel: The Chancery Rosewood
Topping the London rankings is The Chancery Rosewood, a newcomer that opened on September 1, 2025. Located in the Grade II-listed former US embassy on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, this ultra-luxury hotel has quickly risen to the top. It boasts eight restaurants and bars, a roof terrace, a large pool, and an opulent spa. The hotel also received a 'regional star' as one of the highest-calibre properties in its area.
Other Notable London Hotels on the List
Several Time Out favourites also feature, including the Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green, known for its cool and calm atmosphere; the iconic The Ritz; and Broadwick Soho, celebrated for its technicolour interiors and fairytale decor. Other London hotels on the list include 1 Hotel Mayfair, Batty Langley’s, Beaverbrook Town House, Claridge’s, Corinthia London, Ham Yard Hotel, Henrietta Experimental, Hotel Café Royal, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, NoMad London, Shangri-La The Shard, The Beaumont, The Bingham Riverhouse, The Bloomsbury, The Connaught, The Goring, The Hoxton Southwark, The Lanesborough, The Ned, The Peninsula London, The Standard London, and The Twenty Two.
Affordable Options Included
While many hotels on the list are high-end, 94 hotels in the UK guide start at £200 or less per night, offering options for budget-conscious travellers. The Telegraph's comprehensive guide aims to help readers find the best accommodation across the country, from quaint B&Bs to luxurious stays.
