Close to the bustling Covent Garden district, this luxury landmark hotel dating from the 1880s is an 8-minute walk from Trafalgar Square and a 14-minute walk from the London Eye.

Lavish rooms in Edwardian or art deco style have minibars, desks and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries, plus free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs. Suites add butler service and sitting areas; some have river views. Room service is available 24/7.

There’s an acclaimed Gordon Ramsay grill, a wood-panelled British restaurant and a seafood bar, as well as a renowned American bar and a lalique-style bar. There’s also an indoor pool, a spa and a gym.