Luxury London hotels to book for the Coronation weekend | UK | Travel

If you’re looking for a spring visit to the capital then there’s no better time than for the King’s Coronation, with the city set to be bustling with events and celebrations over the three-day weekend. And what better time to indulge in the royal treatment with a luxury hotel stay?

London is home to an array of luxury hotels, ranging from opulent, time-honoured household names to newer contemporary offerings. 

With this diversity in high-end hotel stays also comes a range of pricing, perfect for those who want to stick to a specific budget while still treating themselves to a ritzy stay.

Though most five-star hotels in the capital promise comfort to rival the rest, many offer unique amenities including swimming pools, critically acclaimed restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness centres and tranquil spas.

Taking place from May 6 to May 9 2023, the three-day extravaganza is set to include parades and processions, religious services, pop-up events and themed parties. 

With crowds of revellers anticipated to descend upon the city, rooms are likely to be booked up fast, but luckily there are some stunning hotels which still have availability over the weekend.

Some hotels in the capital are even continuing the celebrations themselves, with special celebrations and promotions for guests who really want to get into the Coronation spirit. And if you want to elevate your London hotel experience, why not book a special bus tour or themed London Eye capsule to celebrate the royal weekend? Scroll down or use the link menu to find some of the best deals available over the coronation weekend.

Express.co.uk has rounded up some of our favourite tried and tested luxury hotels that still have rooms available to book. Our top three ranking includes: 

1. The Landmark London
2. Pan Pacific London
3. The Guardsman hotel

Below, you’ll find more information on all of the luxury hotels listed above, as well as answers to some top tips about how to get the best rates, when to book and more ways to enhance your experience. Scroll for our complete luxury hotel guide or use the links above to jump to the relevant section.

The Landmark London is one of the capital’s classic high-end hotels, born in the romantic era of train travel.

The hotel began life as one of the capital’s early railway hotels and has since undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment to bring it into the modern age.

Though guests can expect modern, five-star amenities, the hotel still maintains its timeless charm and opulence. One of The Landmark’s most famous features is the High Palms Winter Garden, a glass-roofed atrium with soaring palm trees and beautiful floral arrangements. It is here where you can experience a real royal classic – the High Palms High Tea.

Feast on unlimited finger sandwiches, with indulgent fillings including organic egg mayonnaise with black truffle and chives.

Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with a melt-in-the-mouth scone topped with cream and a jam of your choice, ranging from the classic raspberry to a unique rhubarb redcurrant and villa.

Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without a cake. Decadent desserts change seasonally, including choux pastries, jam tarts and macarons. An all-encompassing menu of teas is also available, but guests also have the option of turning their occasion into a sparkling one with Champagne for an extra cost.

The hotel is home to 300 rooms, each featuring classic heritage features but with a contemporary twist, including gorgeous marble bathrooms and plush king-and-queen-size beds.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, read our full Landmark London review here.

Nestled in-between East London’s hip Shoreditch neighbourhood and the bustling Liverpool Street station is Pan Pacific London, a five-star hotel with rich Singaporean roots. The London location first opened its doors in September 2021 and promises modern opulence from the moment guests step through the revolving doors.

The hotel is home to 237 guest rooms spread between floors six and 19, with the 20th floor reserved for the private Sky Residence apartments. There are family-friendly, accessible and dog-friendly rooms to choose from, with every single one categorised as a “deluxe room”.

Relaxation is paramount at Pan Pacific, the centre of which can be found on the hotel’s Wellbeing floor. Here guests can swim laps in the stunning 19.5 infinity-edged indoor pool, boasting views of the buzzing neighbourhood below, indulge in a personalised spa treatment from one of Pan Pacific’s dedicated practitioners, or work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym – complete with exclusive TechnoBody D-Wall.

And, of course, no royal stay is complete without afternoon tea. The Orchid Lounge serves up a unique seasonally-inspired twist on the English tradition, infused with Asian flavours.

Diners can enjoy Kopi Tiam, celebrating bao, dim sum and choux, complemented by teas from the Rare Tea Company or Champagnes and world-renowned English Sparkling Wines including Nyetimber.

The hotel is also home to two additional eateries, Strait’s Kitchen and patisserie SHIOK!, as well as three bars.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, read our full Pan Pacific London review here.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, The Guardsman Hotel is conveniently located on Buckingham Gate, just a six-minute walk from Buckingham Palace.

Tucked away behind a gold facade, this purpose-built luxury hotel is evocative of a private member’s club, with the same high-end service to match.

The interior design manages to navigate the line between classic and contemporary perfectly, with richly coloured, plush furniture and state-of-the-art amenities.

Rooms on the top floors boast stunning views of the surrounding area, while those checking into The Guardsman Room can finish off a busy day of celebrations by sinking into the incredible roll-top tub – complete with sparkling gold fixtures.

Of course, no royal weekend is complete without afternoon tea, and The Guardsman provides its own take on the tradition with a contemporary twist.

Served in the Drawing Room, Library or Dining Room, the afternoon tea draws inspiration from English flora, with delights such as the Raspberry Posy tart, or Toadstool strawberry and cream sponge. A selection of teas is on offer, as well as a glass of Champagne.

In celebration of the King’s Coronation, The Guardsman is also running a special package. The New Guard package promises four nights of royal treatment, including Afternoon Tea which can be enjoyed in the hotel or in nearby St James’ Park, a Royal Cookbook-inspired dinner and breakfast. Guests can also purchase a Royal Walking tour at an additional cost.

To learn more about what you can expect from a stay, read our full review of The Guardsman hotel here.

Typically luxury stays come with a higher price tag than compared to budget stays, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways holidaymakers can save money on a high-end hotel. However, instead of blindly buying the first deal you find, it’s a good idea to browse, compare options and consider the time of year you are planning your stay.

One of the best ways to make sure you are getting the best deal for your chosen dates is by comparing prices online. While hotels sell rooms directly, there are also comparison websites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com which may offer slightly different prices. It’s always worth having a browse to see what other offers are available before locking in your stay.

However, booking directly with the hotel can typically be the best way to get the most lucrative rate going. Alternatively, telephoning the hotel and speaking with someone directly could boost your chances of being offered a deal – especially if you are travelling for a special occasion.

Birthdays, weddings and anniversaries are all personal events which hotels often celebrate with a little extra something. In some cases, this might mean being offered an exclusive deal, in others, it may mean a bottle of champagne, or an unexpected treat being left in your room. While this isn’t guaranteed, it’s certainly always worth mentioning.

Many hotels also offer seasonal deals and discounts, particularly around key dates such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas. If you’re planning a getaway, make sure to double-check the hotel website to see if your stay coincides with any reduced prices or freebies.

The best time to book a hotel stay can vary depending on when you are planning your stay. If you are hoping to book a room during a busy period, it is worth booking well in advance to avoid missing out. In some cases, this can also mean securing some of the best rates.

However, a 2022 study by NerdWallet, which analysed more than 2,500 hotel rooms between 2019 and the first half of 2021 found rooms were an average of 13 percent cheaper for those who booked 15 days in advance compared with those who booked four months in advance. With this logic in mind, last-minute bookings could pay off.

But it’s worth noting this doesn’t account for busy periods and while it’s a useful benchmark for city breaks, might not necessarily be the case for popular holiday resorts.

Saturday, May 6, 2023: The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place during a special service at Westminster Abbey. There will be a Coronation procession and an appearance by the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Sunday, May 7, 2023: A special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios. Ballots for tickets were released earlier in the year but have since been closed. Local communities are encouraged to get together for The Coronation Big Lunch.

Monday, May 8, 2023: Members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, getting involved with local volunteering.

There are lots of Coronation celebrations happening across the capiltal for visitors and locals to get involved with. 

Book a royal-themed London Eye experience

Book a London Eye Coronation capsule from £60 per person

If you are hoping to see the celebrations from the sky, while also experienicing the royal treatment, then the London Eye has a specially themed pod experience just for you. 

The London Eye Coronation Capsule, running from April 29 to May 8, 2023, recreates the historic Westminster Abbey moment which King Charles III is set to experience, only its 135m above the London skyline.

Visitors will have the chance to sit in a recreation of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair and hold replicas of the Crown Jewels – St. Edward’s Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb and the Sovereign’s Sceptre – all set to the sparkling backdrop of the capital. The regal experience also includes a glass of champagne or a soft drink to toast the coronation.

Tickets cost £60 per person and include fast-track boarding. Find out more and book your Coronation Capsule experience here.

See London’s most famous sites from £14

Book a London sightseeing bus tour from £14 for children and £23.80 for adults 

From Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge, if you want to soak up the sights of the capital over the weekend what better way to travel the city than by one of the city’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours? Tootbus is offering 24-hour tickets from just £14 for a child ticket or £23.80 for an adult ticket – a saving of 30 percent when booking through Wowcher.

Simply hop on board the bus and prepare for some of the best views of London’s famous landmarks with plenty of information from one of the company’s knowledgeable guides. When you’re ready to take in the city from the ground, simply get off at one of the designated stops. You can get back on board any time in the 24-hour window.

Check availability over the Coronation weekend and book a hop-on-hop-off London sightseeing bus tour here.

Soak up the city of London on a river cruise

Book a London River Cruise from £8 for children and £12 for adults one-way

Take in the city from a new angle by jumping on board one of City Cruises’ boats and sailing along the River Thames,  Along the way, you’ll see some of the London skyline’s most famous icons, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and more.

Tickets can be purchased as singles, going one-way, or returns, bringing you along the opposite side of the river and back to your starting point. 

Customers looking to snap up a deal can do so in time for the Coronation weekend, with Wowcher offering single tickets from just £8 for children and £12 for adults. Return tickets can be bought from £12 for children and £17 for adults. 

Get the royal treatment with a champagne spa experience from £69

Book a luxury spa treatment at Beauty & Melody Spa, Montcalm Royal London House from £69

Relax and unwind this Coronation weekend with an extra special spa experience at the five-star Montcalm Royal London House in East London. Snap up a relaxing spa experience for one 50-minute deep tissue massage or Swedish massage, from £69.

This opulent spa package includes one-hour spa access, a glass of bubbly and a £10 treatment voucher at the hotel’s Beauty & Melody Spa. Or, enjoy the deal for two people from £130 – a saving of 55 percent – when you book through Wowcher.

The hotel is the sister hotel of Montcalm East, which is home to the trendy luxe Bokeh Spa. You can read our review of Montcalm East and Bokeh Spa to learn more about what to expect from the Montcalm chain.