kensington locke

London’s hottest new hotels opening in 2023

24 Jan 2023 | Updated on: 30 Jan 2023 |By Annie Lewis

From contemporary designer debuts to highly-anticipated hotels at refurbished London landmarks, here’s our edit of the top openings in the capital this year

Those visiting London are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere luxurious to stay. With a selection of smaller boutique boltholes spanning Fulham to Bethnal Green, and the big names dominating sought-after spots in Mayfair and Soho, you’ll never be short of somewhere chic to rest your head. And that list is about to get bigger, as 2023 sees even more five-star contenders join the hotelier hype in the capital. Read on for the hottest new hotels in London to book this year. 

Broadwick Soho

Created by friends who dreamed of opening their own cosy bolthole in one of London’s most iconic districts, Broadwick Soho is a 57-room hotel that will also be home to a Sicilian-inspired restaurant and terrace, rooftop lounge, intimate dining room and speakeasy bar. Designed by internationally acclaimed interior architect Martin Brudnizki, the red-brick period property promises opulent yet cosy surroundings. Despite being behind some of the capital’s most famous restaurants, members’ clubs and residences, this is Brudnizki’s first hotel in London, and his design concept has been inspired by the glamour and history of Soho. Think bold prints, bright wallpaper and lavish interior lighting. 

The residential-style guest rooms, including one penthouse and nine suites, are all individually designed, with many rooms offering private balconies overlooking the buzzy neighbourhood below. For a bite to eat, head to the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant for a classic aperitivo and traditional sharing dishes before climbing the stairs to the wrap-around rooftop bar and terrace, which will be a space for casual dining, excellent cocktails, exceptional vistas and a carefully curated programme of live music and entertainment. For more intimate celebrations, the eighth-floor dining room offers a glamorous backdrop for events and weddings.

Where? 18-24 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 8JB

When? Spring 2023

Visit broadwicksoho.com

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Another high-profile opening for 2023 is the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair — the second London outpost for the luxury hotel group after its outpost on Park Lane. Sitting on historic Hanover Square, the property comprises 50 guest rooms and 77 private residences, aiming to offer guests and residents an oasis of calm away from the busyness of the capital. 

The hotel’s design has been led by internationally renowned Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners — the team behind the Lloyd’s building and the ‘Cheesegrater’ in London, as well as the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Interiors, meanwhile, are by Tokyo-based studio, Curiosity, who has based its concept on “a hub of nature and art”. It’s not surprising, then, that guests will be able to spot artworks by local British artists throughout the hotel, as well as bespoke furniture pieces curated by Curiosity’s founder, Gwenael Nicolas.

The hotel will also house the first namesake Akira Back restaurant in the UK from Michelin star-winning chef Akira Back, as well as his ABar Lounge concept and ABar rooftop,  which will all focus on elevating guests’ dining experiences through one-of-a-kind dishes and top service.

A stand-out feature will be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, offering a slice of serenity in one of London’s busiest districts. The spa will feature a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, vitality pool, relaxation room and a myriad of bespoke wellness treatments. 

Where? 22 Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1JP

When? Spring 2023

Visit mandarinoriental.com

1 Hotel Mayfair

1 hotel mayfair

With sustainability at its core, 1 Hotel Mayfair, located on Berkeley Street and overlooking Green Park, aims to be London’s first mission-driven sustainable luxury hotel. The nine-storey property will house 181 guest rooms and suites, showcasing the best in sustainable design, including flooring in the guest rooms crafted from fallen trees salvaged from local parks. All interiors have been designed in an eco-friendly manner, using natural materials such as reclaimed wood from West Sussex, Yorkshire stone and Welsh slate. 

1 Hotel Mayfair’s restaurant, Dovetail, and garden terrace will be headed by two Michelin star chef Tom Sellers. Guests can expect menus to be centred around seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.

Where? 3 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8DJ

When? Spring 2023

Visit 1hotels.com

Kensington Locke

kensington locke

Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke will welcome its sixth outpost in London’s exclusive Kensington and Chelsea borough this summer. The hotel has been designed by London-based architect Atelier Ochre, alongside interior specialist House of Dré, who have set out to create “beautiful, authentic, and liveable spaces for both hotel guests and the local community”. Drawing inspiration from the art deco style of the historic Derry & Tom’s department store and the golden age of Kensington, the design features a glamorous aesthetic complete with ample green spaces. 

You’ll find the hotel on Cromwell Street, the former ground of the NH Kensington Hotel, and it's only a five-minute walk from Earls Court station. Also within walking distance are some of London’s best museums, including the Design Museum, the Victoria & Albert, and the Natural History Museum.

Once travellers have got their culture fix and exhausted the shops on Chelsea’s King’s Road, they have a choice of 121 apartments, ranging from studios to one- and two-bed open-plan living spaces. Downstairs, the colourful lobby and common areas will also be complemented by a bar, restaurant, co-working space, meeting areas, and private gardens.

Where? 202-220 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW5 OSW

When? June 2023

Visit lockeliving.com

The BoTree, Marylebone

Located in the heart of London’s West End, between the affluent Marylebone and Mayfair neighbourhoods, new luxury hotel The BoTree aims to capture the spirit of the city’s ‘village’ life. Vibrant and elegant, the 199-room hotel — complete with 29 suites — will boast dynamic bars; two restaurants, one of which will provide spectacular rooftop views of the city; a live music club; boutique screening room and fitness centre. 

Blending Marylebone flair and Mayfair chic, the hotel’s spacious guest rooms have been created by renowned Amsterdam-based designer Concrete and will feature colourful natural fabrics and textures created exclusively for the hotel. Each room will include its own reception space separated from bedrooms by discrete sliding panels. The larger contemporary suites also provide the perfect entertaining space with a lounge, balcony, personal bar and integrated cocktail station. The largest of them all, the Presidential Suite, boasts sweeping views across central London, as well as a private elevator lobby, guest entrance and an outdoor terrace, making it the ultimate private retreat.

Conveniently connected with Bond Street tube station on its doorstep, guests won’t have to travel far to enjoy the bright lights of London. Nearby Marylebone, a fashionable village-like neighbourhood, is known for its elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, exceptional dining and entertainment. In Mayfair, guests will find major international galleries and auction houses, flagship designer stores, private clubs and Michelin star restaurants.

Where? 30 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2PJ

When? July 2023

Visit thebotree.com

Raffles London at The OWO, Westminster

One of the most anticipated openings of the year, the iconic Old War Office (OWO) in Whitehall is in the process of being transformed into luxury residences (starting at £5.8m a pop), a new dining destination and a lavish hotel which is slated to open this summer. The storied Grade II-listed Edwardian baroque building, opposite Horse Guards Parade, is the former home of the Ministry of Defence, with many iconic historical figures having walked its halls. Once the office of Winston Churchill and Lord Haldane, and the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond spy stories, The OWO is being carefully brought back to life to create a new all-round leisure destination, which happens to be moments from Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Downing Street. 

Having undergone a huge transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 branded residences and 11 destination restaurants and bars, the UK’s first Raffles hotel won’t be doing things by halves. The OWO will also have an extensive wellness space, featuring a luxurious spa, and will be home to a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace. While many details have been kept under wraps, one thing we can be sure of is that the interiors will be gobsmackingly gorgeous. 

Where? Old War Office Building, Whitehall, SW1A 2EU

When? Summer 2023

Visit accor.com

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