Where to Stay in London: Top 5 Sustainable 5-Star Hotels

There’s something magical about staying in London — the city’s rich history, vibrant culture and endless eateries. As a Londoner myself, one thing I love is being a tourist in my own city. For me, as someone who prioritises sustainable travel, finding a hotel that combines 5-star comfort, luxury, and sustainability at its core is the cherry on top.

Over the years, I’ve explored some incredible spots in this iconic city and, through plenty of research and trial and error, I’m thrilled to share five 5-star hotels that not only deliver exceptional service but also embrace sustainability. Here, luxury is redefined, elevated by responsibility, and truly takes your experience to another level.TABLE OF CONTENT

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TOP LONDON HOTEL PICKS

• Ham Yard Hotel

• 1 Hotel Mayfair

• Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Where to stay in London

1. Ham Yard Hotel

BEST TIME TO VISIT: A year-round destination, but I personally love during Christmas season, May-July or September

LOCATION: central location just minutes from Soho and Piccadilly

BOOKING.COM RATING: 9.4

MICHELIN GUIDE: 2 Michelin Keys with a rating of 19.5 out of 20 (source).

WHY BOOK: Feels private and exclusive, just 5–10 minutes from the action but away from the hustle and bustle. Other amenities include a bar, afternoon tea, bowling alley, and cinema

Kit Kemp’s interiors are, as ever, an uplifting mix of bold patterns, bright textiles, and upcycled curios. Built on the last corner of Soho bombed in the Blitz not to be rebuilt, this hotel goes beyond just accommodation, featuring a cinema, a bowling alley, and a leafy, art-filled pedestrianised square. Ham Yard Hotel also has wonderful Afternoon Tea and has a gorgeous cosy rooftop terrace (open during winter too).

What makes it sustainable? As a new-build, Ham Yard Hotel incorporates top-tier insulation to ensure energy efficiency. Its sustainability credentials are underpinned by an Excellent rating from BREEAM, the leading global assessment for green building standards. The hotel’s roof terrace brings biodiversity to central London, complete with herb gardens, beehives, and an insect-friendly design that transforms this urban spot into a vibrant ecological hub.

2. 1 Hotel Mayfair

BEST TIME TO VISIT: A year-round destination, but visiting here during spring or summer is lovely to enjoy the living walls and natural light.

• BOOKING.COM RATING: 9.0

• MICHELIN GUIDE: 1 Michelin Key (source)

• WHY BOOK: Sleek and organic luxury with abundant greenery, located in the heart of Mayfair.

This addition to Mayfair sets a new standard for organic luxury. The sleek wood-and-stone furnishings of this biophilia-inspired retreat speak to the importance of honouring nature. From the living wall to the plant chandelier in the lobby and air-purifying planters in the rooms, the hotel is alive with greenery, including native moss species framing its signature water-filter dispenser.

What makes it sustainable? Adaptive design played a key role in its construction, with over 80% of the existing structure retained to minimise the environmental impact. Some flooring uses timber from the Windsor Estate, the Great Park’s commercial forestry offshoot. The emphasis on raw textures, living plants, and abundant natural light creates a calming, nature-focused sanctuary.

3. The One Aldwych

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round is perfect

LOCATION: Prime access to Covent Garden and the West End

• BOOKING.COM RATING: 9.4

• MICHELIN GUIDE: One Michelin Key and rating of 19.1 out of 20 (source)

• WHY BOOK: Prime location, chemical-free swimming pool, cosy rooms and innovative amenities.

Having opened back in 1998, some of One Aldwych’s original features remain impressively forward-thinking. Inside it’s a thoroughly modern and sustainable space. Shout out to Javier, the Reception Manager, who was so friendly, kind and so knowledgable about the hotel.

What makes it sustainable? One Aldwych stands out as one of the first luxury hotels to achieve B Corp certification. Its innovative water-saving EVAC loos use only one litre of water per flush, compared to the standard seven litres. The spa and swimming pool are another highlight, with the pool’s chemical-free system powered by PoolSan’s ionisation technology, offering a safer and more sustainable swim experience.

4. The Mandarin Oriental

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round, but Hyde Park comes alive with blossoms in spring

• BOOKING.COM RATING: 9.0

• MICHELIN GUIDE: 3 Michelin Key’s and 18.5 star rating out of 20 (source)

• WHY BOOK: Overlooks Hyde Park, with a blend of timeless elegance and modern eco-conscious initiatives.

For me, the Mandarin Oriental holds a special, nostalgic place. During my time working in Hong Kong at a sustainable food and hospitality consultancy, we worked closely with the Mandarin Oriental. It was incredible to witness the significant strides they’re making in sustainability, placing it firmly at the forefront of their ethos. And let me tell you, their food is absolutely to die for!

This iconic property, overlooking Hyde Park, has woven sustainability into its luxurious experience. Blending timeless elegance with modern eco-conscious initiatives, the Mandarin Oriental remains a favourite among discerning travellers.

What makes it sustainable? The Mandarin Oriental’s sustainability efforts are extensive, including energy efficiency programmes, waste reduction, and water conservation. The hotel prioritises local sourcing, ethical partnerships, and has implemented a robust single-use plastic reduction initiative. Guests can indulge in the height of luxury while knowing their stay supports a commitment to greener practices.

Each of these hotels shows how London’s luxury hospitality scene is evolving to prioritise sustainability. From rooftop biodiversity at Ham Yard Hotel to adaptive design at 1 Hotel Mayfair and the chemical-free pool at One Aldwych, these accommodations are redefining what it means to stay responsibly in style.

Which of these sustainable London hotels will you experience next?What area in London is best to stay?

Where in London is best to stay?

If you're wondering where the nicest area to stay in London is, I would say it totally depends on what you're into! If you want that classic London buzz, Covent Garden and Soho are perfect – you’ll find great shops, theatres, and endless places to eat. If you’re after something more refined and relaxed, Mayfair right by Green Park has that luxe vibe, with quiet streets and fancy spots. For something a bit more creative, local but central, Shoreditch is where it's at, full of cool cafes, great eateries, street art, and unique shops. And if you're looking for somewhere with easy transport links, King’s Cross is super convenient and has its own charm too. If you're after a bit more peace and greenery, by Regent's Park near Baker Street is a great option. Regent’s Park is just stunning, and you’re close to Marylebone, which has a lovely village feel. Baker Street brings that iconic Sherlock Holmes charm, with easy access to Oxford Street and other attractions nearby.

How many days do you need in London?

I would recommend AT LEAST 4-5 days to see the key sights and soak up the vibe, but honestly, with any place, you wouldn’t want to rush it. Especially with London - it’s a HUGE city. If you want to explore properly, 6-8 days or more will give you the time to dig a little deeper. And yes, London is definitely walkable – you can just stroll around endlessly and discover all sorts of hidden gems!

Where to go from London for a day trip?

If you’re in London and looking for a day trip, there are so many amazing options! Bath is just a short train ride away and has stunning Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. Windsor is perfect if you’re a fan of royal history, with Windsor Castle being the main attraction. For a more cultural experience, Oxford is a beautiful university town, where you can wander around historic colleges and enjoy picturesque streets. If you're after charming countryside views, the Cotswolds is ideal with its rolling hills, idyllic villages, and pretty stone cottages. Or, if you're after a seaside escape, Brighton offers a fun day by the sea with its quirky shops and lively pier, while Margate is a hidden gem with a fantastic arts scene and amazing food – perfect for food lovers.