Best Christmas hotels in London for a festive stay in 2025

Best for: a bucket list Christmas stay

Obviously, Christmas at the legendarily glitzy Ritz is no low-key affair. Celebrate Christmas Eve at the special gala dinner, and on 25th December, expect an epic four-course lunch in the Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests are asked to dress in Black Tie to mark the occasion, and a five-piece band will add a musical backing track to the festivities.

Can’t make it on the day? It’s only a matter of time until we find out what’s in store for 2025. Last year, ‘Live at the Ritz’ offered a similar spectacle to that of Christmas Day itself. It included a four-course supper, live band, accompanied by dancers performing the Charleston, vintage tap and the like. The prestigious afternoon tea over in the Palm Court will also feature. Our (cryptic) guess is plates will be laden with mince pies, Christmas cakes and carols from the Ritz choir.

Address: The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St James’s, London W1J 9BR

Christmas at Henrietta Experimental, Covent Garden

Best for: a kitschy themed cocktail

From the beginning of November, there’s a buzz among the Conde Nast Traveller team as we start to guess when Henrietta Experimental might open its now-famous kitschy Christmas cocktail bar, Miracle at Henrietta. The good news is the festivities are in full swing, and this year it’s expanded in size, sitting loud and proud on the cobbled street outside as well as taking over the top floor of the townhouse. Think bright lights and boujie vessels filled with flavours that simply spell Christmas.

The hotel itself is small and well-designed, but its location is what makes it a solid choice for a London stay over the Christmas period. Look out the window directly onto Covent Garden’s famous sky-high tree and take the five-minute stroll to Somerset House for skating in one of the most architecturally beautiful spots in the city.

Address: 14-15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS