London hotel with same name as tube station named among best in the whole world

The awards highlight the highest rated hotels across the world, according to Tripadvisor reviewers

TripAdvisor has officially revealed the winners of its 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels, and London properties have secured some top spots. Based on a full year of global traveller reviews collected throughout 2025, the annual awards highlight the absolute finest properties worldwide.

The No. 1 global position was awarded to the G.H. Universal Hotel in Bandung, Indonesia,. Leading the pack is the Royal Lancaster London, which has been named the No. 1 Top Hotel in the UK, No. 2 in Europe, and an impressive No. 4 in the World. Situated on Lancaster Terrace, this independent luxury hotel offers spectacular, uninterrupted panoramic views of the iconic London skyline and Hyde Park.

The Royal Lancaster London hotel takes its name from the surrounding Lancaster Gate neighbourhood, which was named in honour of Queen Victoria, who held the historic title of Duke of Lancaster. This connection directly ties to the Lancaster Gate tube station, which opened right next door in 1900 and took its name from that very same royal gate and neighbourhood. The hotel simply adopted the local identity when it opened its doors in 1967.

The hotel famously starred in the iconic 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine. To celebrate this, several of the hotel rooms are decorated with toy Mini cars.

Reviewers consistently praise the 411-room property for its genuinely warm service, elegant atmosphere, and exceptional breakfast. The midtown hotel is also celebrated for its dining options, housing the award-winning Nipa Thai restaurant.

Following closely behind in the national rankings is Hotel 41, securing the No. 2 position for Top Hotels in the UK. Nestled right behind Buckingham Palace at 41 Buckingham Palace Road, this prestigious five-star boutique property is famous for its striking black-and-white monochromatic Edwardian aesthetic. Guests at Hotel 41 enjoy highly personalized luxury, including a dedicated 24-hour butler service.

You can book The Royal Lancaster on booking.com

Here is the Top 10 List of the Best Hotels in the World for 2026, ranked by traveller reviews:

1. G.H. Universal Hotel – Bandung, Indonesia
2. Hotel Colline de France – Gramado, Brazil
3. Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality – Livigno, Italy
4. Royal Lancaster London – London, United Kingdom
5. FivePine Lodge and Spa – Sisters, Oregon, United States
6. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – Hoi An City, Vietnam
7. Abigail’s Hotel – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
8. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba – Eagle Beach, Aruba
9. Hotel Moments Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
10. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam

Top Hotels, UK:

1. Royal Lancaster London – London
2. Hotel 41 – London
3. Belmore Court & Motel – Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
4. Brown’s Hotel – London
5. Aviator Hampshire, Farnborough, Hampshire
6. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire – Great Milton, Oxfordshire
7. Morley Hayes – Morley, Derby
8. 100 Princes Street Edinburgh – Edinburgh
9. Staybridge Suites London – Vauxhall by IHG – London
10. The Chambers – Hotel & Serviced Apartments – Leeds

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