Top 5 iconic hotels of London (IN PICTURES)

Photo: Fairmont/handout

The Savoy hotel

A British icon since 1889, the Savoy is known for its stunning English Edwardian and art deco interiors. The Savoy was established by the Gilbert and Sullivan impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte. The hotel was initially under the maintenance of Swiss hotelier César Ritz and Maitre Chef Auguste Escoffier. The famous London landmark, managed by the Fairmont Hotels & Resort group, was closed in December 2007 for a massive restoration encompassing the entire building. Recent additions after the renovation include thirty eight new River Suites and guestrooms, a stately 325 square meter royal suite featuring two bedrooms and a master bedroom with a bespoke "Savoir" bed.

Photo: Fairmont/handout.

The Savoy hotel.

Lady Diana and Prince Charles at The Savoy in London. Over a brief period of time, the hotel earned the reputation of being one of the best in its field. The Savoy gradually became the stopping point of the Rolls-Royces of royalty, ministers and Hollywood stars.

Photo: Reuters.

The Ritz.

The Ritz Hotel London was built by famed Swiss hotelier César Ritz on 24 May, 1906. The building is neoclassical in the Louis XVI manner and was designed to resemble a stylish Parisian block of flats, over arcades that consciously evoked the Rue de Rivoli. Located in Piccadilly and overlooking Green Park in London, the 133-room hotel is known for its grandeur and interiors.

Photo: Reuters.

The Ritz.

An undated file photo from The Ritz archive taken around 1921 of a chambermaid working in the suite occupied by Charlie Chaplin during his visit to The Ritz hotel in London. When compared with a photo taken a hundred years later, the scene is much the same.

Photo: Reuters.

The Claridge's hotel.

A drive down the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in London will lead one to one of the most exclusive hotels in the world. Often referred to as an “extension to Buckingham Palace”, the place is famous for its connections to royalty with its conventional European designs and decors. The reputation of the hotel flourished particularly during the post First World War period due to demands of aristocrats and royalties of the era. In 1894, the hotel was taken over by Richard D'Oyly Carte, the theatrical impressario and founder of the rival Savoy Hotel. Some of the well-known actors, directors and entertainers who visited Claridge's include Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Brad Pitt, Mick Jagger, U2 and Mariah Carey. The Queen and Baroness Thatcher (right) together enter Claridge's in London for a glittering dinner, October 16, to celebrate the former Prime Minister's 70th birthday in 1995.

Photo: Reuters.

The Grosvenor House hotel.

The Grosvenor House Hotel, managed by Marriott International in London's Mayfair district is another iconic hotel frequented by the crème-de-la-crème in the country as well as across the globe. Built in the 1920s on the site of the former London residence of the Dukes of Westminster, the hotel is famous for its plush interiors and exquisite cuisine. The house underwent a 4-year renovation program involving all its restaurants, guest rooms, health facilities, and public areas and reopened in the year 2008.

Photo: Reuters

The May Fair hotel.

The May Fair is often regarded as an icon of expressive contemporary design, bringing together boutique attention to detail with grand hotel service. A legendary luxury hotel with a glamorous past, The May Fair was first opened by King George V in 1927 and offers over 400 luxury hotel bedrooms, including 12 of the capital's most memorable hotel suites, a discreet spa, a fine-dining restaurant and the quintessential London Casino. The place has often been a venue for fashion weeks and awards with its legendary bar and Amba restaurant.