If you’re used to a certain level of luxury, planning a holiday with children can be tricky business. Five-star hotels, with their white-gloved waiters, crisply-uniformed concierges and all-too-easily-destroyed bespoke fixtures and fittings, don’t often feel particularly accommodating of the mood swings, noise and need for constant entertainment common among those who haven’t yet reached their teenage years.

But don’t resign yourself to a decade of holidays in campsites and Centre Parcs just yet because many of London’s most famous luxury hotels are on a mission to become the hotel of choice for families staying in the city. From special child-centric packages to babysitting services and unique family-oriented surprises, if you’re looking to treat little ones to a staycation in the capital they’ll never forget, here’s our guide to the best family-friendly luxury hotels in London. And with the summer holidays looming, there’s never been a better time to book…

Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

A whole host of family-friendly experiences awaits at Pan Pacific London, having been expertly-curated to treat little princes and princesses. Book an overnight stay to indulge in a daily breakfast at Straits Kitchen – where those under six eat free, and those aged 12 and under can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the a la carte dinner menu – or book the unique children’s afternoon tea, where youngsters can unleash their creativity by decorating their own cupcakes while dining on egg mayo sandwiches, scones and the signature Singa Lion biscuit. All little ones staying at the hotel will also receive a seasonal activity pack with Singa the Lion Cub stuffed toy and special turndown treat on the first night of their stay as part of the Singa Cub Club Programme.

Children’s spa treatments have been designed in collaboration with Bonpoint, where parents and those aged six to 16 years old can relax and indulge in an array of facials. Elsewhere on the Sensory Wellbeing Floor, Pan Pacific has launched dedicated children’s swimming hours, featuring mini deckchairs, customised pool floats and more. 

From £395 per night. 

Hotel Café Royal, Soho

Ideal for multi-generational travel, Hotel Café Royal offers interconnecting two and three-bedroom family rooms and suites in the heart of London. Its Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre offers indulgent spa treatments and a family-friendly indoor pool, and even the most discerning parents can trust the smallest of guests will be entertained throughout their stay thanks to the hotel’s Kids Corner, kitted out with an array of toys and arts and crafts. 

Hotel Café Royal is also proud to hold a Royal Seal of Approval, earned in partnership with Norland Nanny Louenna Hood who has curated its family-friendly rooms and custom children’s menus. As part of the Tiny Traveller Programme, families can also enjoy specially-crafted trunks filled with essential items for parents, as well as puzzles, games and books. Simply select the trunk as an additional offering when booking, and it will be waiting in your room when you arrive, ensuring even the smallest of details have been taken care of.  

From £810 per night. 

Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Westminster

Perfectly located for sight seeing, the five-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel is just minutes away from Big Ben, Churchill’s War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The famous address is immersed in British history; originally the home of the Metropolitan Police, it’s where Jack the Ripper suspects were interviewed, Charles Dickens shadowed officers here and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used it as a base for his detective tales. Unsurprisingly then, storytelling is at the heart of the hotel and the playful interiors reflect its past – look out for Lewis Carroll-inspired clock hanging above the entrance, sniffer-dog door handles and carpets inspired by police badges. 

The new family-friendly room package includes breakfast for four people everyday, in-room board games and a tiki tent set up. Children can delight in the Sherlock Holmes-themed amenities waiting for them on arrival, as they’re encouraged to don detective caps and explore the hotel with a gifted mini passport to check off items. All little ones will also have their own bathrobes and slippers, and bathrooms are equipped with baby shampoo and body wash. The family package includes £100 worth of credits to use in the hotel’s array of dining outlets, including The Parlour, The 40 Elephants and Ekstedt at the Yard, plus a 20 per cent discount in the hotel’s speakeasy Sibin that’s hidden behind a bookcase door and is the perfect escape for parents. For an extra special home-from-home, book the Grade II-listed presidential Townhouse which sits adjacent to the hotel and spans five floors. 

From £550 per night. 

The Peninsula, Belgravia

On a mission to create memorable moments, The Peninsula launched its Academy Programme last year to ensure families are getting the most out of their stay in London. From a private tour of the Crown Jewels with Garrard followed by signature afternoon tea, to an exhilarating adventure quest where families transform into secret agents for the day –  cracking codes, solving mysteries, and recovering chef Terry Wong’s stolen spice mix – The Peninsula’s luxurious fleet are on hand to ensure a smooth journey between all the fun. Complete a day of fun in the capital with an overnight stay thanks to The Peninsula’s exclusive family offer, featuring afternoon tea, complimentary breakfast and children’s bathrobes, welcome treats, and cribs for babies. 

From £2,255 per night. 

The Goring, Belgravia

Proving even the littlest of guests deserve the royal treatment, The Goring provides plenty of family-friendly experiences within one of London’s most regal addresses. Perfectly placed for spectacular sights and style, and just a wave from Buckingham Palace, The Goring has long been a firm royal favourite (the Princess of Wales notably stayed in the Royal Suite the night before her wedding to Prince William) and, this summer, will also be giving its V.I. (little) P.s a very warm welcome. 

Book a two-night stay in one of the family connecting rooms to receive 25 per cent off, as well as breakfast the next morning for all. Rooms are complete with a dress-up box, Wii console, activity books and cuddly sheep, while themed bed linen, bottle warmers and sterilisers, baby monitors, new bottles and various sizes in nappies are available upon request. Boasting its own large garden, plus with the Royal Parks on its doorstep, little ones will love feeding the ducks, learning fascinating facts at the Natural History Museum or watching the magical musical Wicked – which can be arranged at the concierge desk – or even spotting Teddy, the hotel’s very own Shetland pony. 

From £1,270 per night. 

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Knightsbridge

Jumeirah Carlton Tower has partnered with The Roald Dahl Story Company for the ultimate immersive family stay this summer, having transformed some of its 186 rooms into storytelling havens featuring Roald Dahl-themed goodies. Known as one of the world’s greatest storytellers, Dahl’s books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, famed for Matilda’s magic and Mr Fox’s bravery, as well as George’s inventiveness and The Twits’ terrible tricks. 

Aimed at children aged between two and 12, the rooms will be a celebration of these iconic stories with an abundance of soft toys, games, and films for them to enjoy during their stay, not to mention bedtime stories to read after listening to The Witches audiobook. Kids can race Matilda to beat Trunchbull in Roald Dahl Monopoly before snuggling up in dressing gowns and slippers embroidered with beloved characters and snoozing in a bespoke Enormous Crocodile blanket and pillows. Plus, the package also includes an afternoon tea experience, access to the The Peak Fitness Club & Spa (with dedicated children’s hours), access to Cadogan private gardens, including a tennis court, and daily breakfast. 

From £570 per night. 

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park

Designed to inject fun and adventure into an urban family getaway, the Little VIP Club at The Lanesborough offers an innovative range of family-friendly activities for children up to the age of 16 to enjoy. Upon arrival, Little VIPs will feel all grown up when they are handed a personalised business wallet which, when presented at any of The Lanesborough’s outlets, will grant them a complimentary soft drink or ice cream. During the hotel’s Little Butler Bootcamp, children over the age of three will learn how to perform traditional butler duties, such as setting the table and making the perfect cup of tea with the hotel’s expert team of butlers. 

Other special activities available to young guests-in-residence include horse riding in Hyde Park, treasure hunts and exclusive splash hours in the pool at The Lanesborough Club and Spa. The hotel’s concierge team is on hand to help create perfect itineraries in London for the entire family, including trips to Harry Potter World, the London Zoo, Natural History Museum and Thames riverboat cruises. Plus, keep an eye out for The Lanesborough’s very own furry friend, Lilibet: a Siberian Forest Cat (a hypoallergenic breed) who loves to meet Little VIPs on arrival.

From £910 per night. 

The Ritz, Mayfair

Home to world-famous afternoon tea, a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the capital’s most lauded bars, you might not think The Ritz an appropriate place for those who can still count their age on their hands. The Ritz, however, thinks otherwise and has created its Kidz@TheRitz children’s programme which aims to help little ones experience the glamour and elegance of the hotel in an accessible way.

Every child receives a Very Important Kid membership card which entitles them to complimentary ice cream in The Palm Court or Ritz Restaurant, a welcome gift, special rates on afternoon tea and breakfast, children’s bathroom amenities, and robes and slippers. In-suite games include a limited-edition The Ritz London Monopoly, inviting the whole family to navigate the corners of Mayfair and St James’ as well as the enchanting spaces inside the Grand Dame hotel, while a new Top Trumps game has been tailored for The Ritz to include fascinating facts about the hotel and historical landmarks nearby. And when you and your tribe are ready to hit the town, top attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Hamleys Toy Store, Madame Tussauds and the Science Museum are only a short walk away.

From £1,400 per night.

The Connaught, Mayfair

The Connaught’s self-proclaimed mission is to make every moment of your stay effortless and, when that comes to travelling with little ones, the hotel’s children’s concierge is invaluable. The expert team is on hand to plan every aspect of your stay, from recommending (and booking) tickets to attractions and shows, arranging transport, and planning parties and events with the help of children’s entertainers, Sharky and George. 

Children are also welcomed with special treats, an activity book and their own bathrobe and slippers, as well as a range of books, board games, games consoles and movies. Adults, meanwhile, can take advantage of childminding services and family-friendly swimming hours at the Aman Spa. 

From £930 per night.

The Berkeley, Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge’s Berkeley hotel has gone all out to make sure, no matter how young or old your children, they’re made to feel special. Babies, for example, are greeted with a cuddly Berkeley bunny, goldfish-in-a-bag novelty soap, baby soap and lotion, and organic baby amenities. Older children will enjoy personalised welcome treats, special bathrobes and slippers, personalised bed linen, colouring-in and puzzle books, board games and a choice of games consoles. Mini manicures fit for a princess and luxury picnic hampers, to be enjoyed in one of London’s beautiful parks, can also be arranged. If you’re looking for some alone time too, children of all ages can be taken care of by the hotel’s childminding service. And with so much to keep them entertained, we guarantee they’ll hardly notice you’re gone.

From £1,020 per night.

Ham Yard Hotel, Soho

With its colourful design, on-site bowling alley and rooftop garden, the Ham Yard Hotel is one of Soho’s best-equipped hotels for young guests. For adults, practical services such as babysitting, cots, high chairs and 24-hour room service aim to make your stay seamless while children are treated like VIPs with special bathroom amenities, robes, milk and cookies at bedtime and a range of books and board games to keep them entertained. Children’s menus can also be found in most of the hotel’s eateries, offering crowd-pleasing favourites – think mini burger and french fries, Cumberland sausage, bubble and squeak and onion gravy, and roast chicken dinner.

A real highlight is the subterranean Croc Bowling Alley, home to a vintage shoe collection, towering pin lamps and an eclectic array of Howard Hodgkin artworks. Families can book multiple lanes to battle it out and strike in style with the use of UV pins.

From £545 per night.

Read more: The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for pampered pooches