Flanked by two major West End theaters, and less than 1 mile from the city center, the Waldorf straddles the theater and business districts, offering a convenient location for both vacationers and corporate travelers. Built of Aberdeen granite and Portland stone, this hotel has dominated the graceful west crescent of the Aldwych since 1908, and its imposing façade is one of London's architectural icons.

What to expect: Middle Eastern business and leisure travelers are fond of this opulent high-rise hotel overlooking Harvey Nichols on Knightsbridge. The main entrance is on Loundes Square, offering tree-filled vistas from the oak-paneled Travertino marble lobby. Corporate travelers make up 60 percent of the clientele with international tourists making up the rest.

Amenity highlights: This 16-floor hotel was purpose-built in 1973. Many rooms have panoramic views over the city. The hotel’s seafood restaurant One-o-One is intimate and very popular. Afternoon tea is served to the accompaniment of a harpist in the circular Knightsbridge Lounge, and the hotel has secure onsite parking.

Insider tip: Look out for the camouflaged leopard painted on the spiral staircase of the Knightsbridge Lounge. He is the symbol of the Luxury Collection of hotels and slinks along the wall under the 10-foot long chandelier which takes two whole days to clean.

Guests enter the hotel from a quiet sidestreet of the smart Mayfair district and walk into the shiny, marble-floored lobby, which is topped off by a clear and stained-glass Baccarat chandelier. Surrounding the lobby is an intriguing collection of ethnic objets d'art.

Vacationers rub shoulders with suited executives in the T-shaped marble lobby of this distinctive hotel, where Winston Churchill used to stop for drinks in the mahogany-paneled bar. The interior blends elements of classic decor—chandeliers, polished marble columns and floors, oil paintings, and plasterwork ceiling—with contemporary comforts.

The white-stone façade and red mansard roof overlook smart Piccadilly. Guests will find old-style grandeur, tried-and-tested comfort and original Art Deco design at this pied-à-terre for Bond Street shoppers and businesspeople.

What to expect: The privately-owned Athenaeum enjoys timeless views over Green Park and a prestigious location on Piccadilly. The public areas of the hotel have an eclectic contemporary English look, designed by Martin Hulbert, which features old furniture covered with new fabrics, and modern art next to antique tables.

Amenity highlights: Four private function rooms are fully equipped with modern conferencing facilities and the hotel holds a wedding license so a full service can be held here. In the basement, the spa is open exclusively for the use of hotel guests. A wide variety of treatments are on offer, either in the spa or in the privacy of a guest’s room.

Insider tip: Guests can fill in a detailed questionnaire about their particular preferences so that staff can be prepared when the guests return to the Athenaeum. This system allows the hotel to make special arrangements for regular guests without needing to be asked and provides guests with the ultimate in personalized service.