London's Best Hotels for Winter 2016

London is a world-class wonderland in winter, and sales leaders often find themselves spending extra time in town as the season progresses. From Christmas parties to finalising outstanding contracts before the December shutdown, enjoying some downtime and festive shopping, soaking up the country’s best corporate hospitality (including the London Comedy Lunch), or doing some research for the weekends away you’re rewarding staff with this year, it all starts with finding the perfect winter hotel.

So here it is - our list of London's best hotels for a winter visit to the capital.

The Beaumont, Mayfair

Winter in the city never looked so good. Located on quiet Mayfair Square, The Beaumont is all understated luxury and old-fashioned elegance, and over December it oozes classy festive charm. Just a stone’s throw from festive shopping epicentre Oxford Street, and only ten minutes by car from Euston, this gem boasts the exquisite, compact Lotos Room venue (40 people max) and a range of bars and restaurants for unwinding or entertaining. The hotel’s 73 rooms and suites are crisp and contemporary, and its residents’ lounge is ideal for informal meetings or a quiet drink.

The Kensington, Kensington

Owned by the Doyle dynasty of hoteliers, The Kensington may be less central than the other hotels in our list, but it’s perfectly placed just steps from Kensington High Street, the Natural History Museum's fairy-lit ice skating rink, and Hyde Park (Winter Wonderland, anyone?). The hotel itself is a restful, restorative and stylish affair, with sleek, well-equipped rooms. On cold evenings head for the Townhouse restaurant (bag an armchair or sofa table between the restaurant's library and its open fire) or the warm welcome of the K Bar. 

Rosewood London, Holborn

The Rosewood occupies a dramatic, sprawling Edwardian pile just steps from Covent Garden and Holborn tube stations. It's a jaw-dropping building that has been reinvented and reimagined as a grand, sophisticated city hotel to contend with any of the capital’s best. Bedrooms are sleek and comfortable, and the striking, elegant Mirror Room restaurant's open fire makes it the perfect spot for an informal winter breakfast meeting. Alternatively, opt for post-work drinks or a warming night cap with free cabaret in the refined, relaxed Scarfes Bar. 

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly

Fresh off the back of a multi-million-pound refurbishment project, this 303 room relic of the Roaring Twenties is now once again grand, luxurious, and one of London's best hotels. It drips with Gatsby-esque glamour but feels immersive and cosy thanks to bronze, gold and velvet detailing, butter-warm overhead lighting and outstanding new suites. There’s a host of options for entertaining here, and it's just over the road from Green Park and minutes on foot from some of the city's best festive shopping, including Fortnum & Mason and Old Bond Street.

The Stafford London, Mayfair

Exceptionally placed for access to the City of London and just minutes from the buzz and lights of the West End, The Stafford is a hidden gem. Set on its own mews off St James' Street, away from the push and pace of the city, The Stafford's rooms are comfortable and individually designed. Its in-house Lyttelton restaurant is outstanding, dinner in its renowned, cosy arched wine cellar is a must, and the warm, informal American bar is great for informal meetings or catching up with colleagues.

It wasn’t easy to narrow this down to just five of London's best hotels, and there were a few very near misses (particularly Ian Schrager’s London EDITION and The Connaught in Mayfair), but these are our favourite, best-placed and most versatile hotels in London for a winter warmer, formal meetings or informal entertaining while on a business visit, or for a relaxed weekend away from the coal face.

Whatever your requirements for your time in capital, we’ve got the insight, experience and imagination to truly make your visit one to remember. Get in touch now via the Contact page, Twitter or LinkedIn, let’s talk.