Six Senses London: A Complete Review

Six Senses London fills a very specific niche within London’s luxury hotel scene.

It isn’t trying to compete with Claridge’s, The Connaught, or The Savoy on traditional British luxury. Nor does it feel like the polished elegance of hotels such as The Peninsula London, The Chancery Rosewood, or The Lanesborough.

Instead, Six Senses has created something entirely different. This is a wellness-first luxury hotel that feels more like an urban retreat than a traditional London luxury hotel.

We found ourselves recommending Six Senses London most often for wellness-minded travelers, design lovers, Six Senses loyalists, and travelers who appreciate staying somewhere that feels a little less traditional than London’s grand dame hotels.

It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys walking. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Queensway, and Notting Hill are all within easy reach, making it surprisingly easy to explore this part of London on foot.

Where we would hesitate is for travelers whose primary goal is checking off London’s most iconic sights or those who want to spend most of their time in Mayfair, Knightsbridge, or Belgravia. Those neighborhoods offer a very different London experience and may ultimately be a better fit.

The other consideration is wellness.

If the spa facilities, particularly the indoor pool and thermal suite, are the main reason you’re interested in Six Senses London, we’d recommend waiting until those spaces fully reopen. Everything else is operating, but those missing facilities are a meaningful part of what makes Six Senses unique.

Who Should Stay at Six Senses London

• You love Six Senses’ wellness philosophy and sustainable approach to luxury.
• You want easy walking access to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Notting Hill.
• You’re interested in longevity, biohacking, recovery treatments, and wellness programming.
• You appreciate thoughtful design that blends historic architecture with contemporary interiors.
• You’re booking the Whiteley Suite for a milestone celebration or family trip.
• You’re already a Six Senses fan and want to experience the brand’s first UK property.
• You prefer staying somewhere quieter than Mayfair or Knightsbridge.
• You value sustainability.

Who Should NOT Stay at Six Senses London

Six Senses London isn’t going to be the perfect fit for everyone, and that’s completely okay.

You may want to consider another property if:

• You’re visiting London for the first time and  want to stay in Mayfair, Belgravia, or Knightsbridge.
• The indoor pool and thermal suite are your primary reason for booking.
• You prefer traditional luxury hotel dining with a heavier emphasis on meat and seafood.
• You like bright, airy interiors over moodier Art Deco-inspired spaces.
• You want a classic London luxury hotel experience rather than one centered around wellness.
• You prefer a lively hotel scene with bustling bars and a more traditional luxury atmosphere.

One thing we appreciated throughout our visit was that Six Senses never tries to be something it isn’t. Every design decision, every restaurant, and every wellness offering supports a very specific vision. As long as that vision aligns with what you’re looking for, it’s a compelling addition to London’s luxury hotel scene.

Six Senses London occupies one of the most recognizable buildings in Bayswater, sitting inside the newly restored Whiteley development on Queensway.

The location places guests about a 10- to 15-minute walk from both Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, while Notting Hill and Portobello Road are roughly the same distance in the opposite direction.

For guests planning to explore west London, it’s a very convenient base.

The nearest Underground stations are Bayswater and Queensway, making it easy to reach the rest of the city. The hotel is also within walking distance of Paddington Station, where you can catch the Heathrow Express for a quick, 20-minute nonstop journey to Heathrow Airpor (LHR)t. If you’re traveling by car, Heathrow is generally about 45 to 60 minutes away, depending on traffic.

The hotel itself occupies just one part of The Whiteley redevelopment, a massive mixed-use project spanning more than one million square feet. Alongside Six Senses, the building now includes luxury residences, retail space, restaurants, wellness facilities, and private amenities, giving the entire area a noticeably more upscale feel than it had several years ago.

Today, Bayswater feels like a neighborhood in transition. It’s historically been quieter and more residential than London’s traditional luxury districts, but the Whiteley redevelopment is helping reshape that identity.

Our Honest Take on the Neighborhood

This is probably where our opinion differs slightly from what you’ll read elsewhere. We actually used to live around the corner from The Whiteley when it was still operating as a shopping mall, so walking back into the building after its transformation felt surprisingly nostalgic.

The redevelopment is remarkable. It’s difficult to believe it’s the same building. That said, while we genuinely enjoy this part of London, it probably wouldn’t be our first recommendation for someone visiting the city for the first time.

The biggest advantages are obvious:

• Hyde Park is an easy walk away.
• Notting Hill is right around the corner.
• It is walking distance from Paddington Station and the Heathrow Express.
• The neighborhood generally feels quieter than central London, and there’s a much stronger residential feel than you’ll find around Mayfair.

For many travelers, that might be exactly what they’re looking for. Personally, though, if someone asked us where we’d stay for our very first luxury trip to London, we’d probably steer them toward Mayfair, Belgravia, or even Covent Garden before Bayswater.

If you value walkability, parks, wellness, and a slower pace, Bayswater makes a lot of sense.If your vision of London involves stepping outside your hotel directly into the heart of the city’s traditional luxury scene, there are neighborhoods we’d recommend first.

The Whiteley: A Landmark Restoration

Before we even get to the hotel itself, it’s worth talking about the building.

One of the things that makes Six Senses London feel so special is that it isn’t housed in a newly built tower or another converted office building. Instead, it occupies The Whiteley, a Grade II-listed landmark that was once London’s first department store.

Originally opened in 1863, The Whiteley became one of the city’s most iconic retail destinations before eventually closing in 2018. Following a £1.5 billion restoration led by Foster + Partners, it has been transformed into a mixed-use development featuring luxury residences, restaurants, retail, and Six Senses London.

The redevelopment does an impressive job balancing history with modern design. The original Portland stone façade remains, while the hotel’s centerpiece is a beautifully restored cast-iron and marble staircase that was carefully dismantled, lengthened, and rebuilt beneath a dramatic glass dome.

The project also reflects many of Six Senses’ core values, incorporating sustainable building systems, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and a commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

Rather than feeling like another luxury hotel, Six Senses London feels deeply connected to one of London’s most historic buildings, and that’s part of what makes the property so memorable.

The moment we walked through the entrance, it became clear that Six Senses wanted guests to feel like they had left London behind. 

Instead of dramatic floral displays or oversized chandeliers that compete for attention, you’re greeted by soft lighting, natural materials, and dozens of living plants surrounding the restored staircase.

The atmosphere immediately feels calmer than the busy streets outside. It’s exactly what we’d expect from Six Senses. One detail we found especially interesting is that you won’t find fresh flower arrangements anywhere in the hotel. Rather than continually replacing cut flowers, Six Senses fills the property with living plants because they’re considered a more sustainable choice. The hotel even has a dedicated staff member whose full-time responsibility is caring for the plants throughout the building. It’s a small detail, but it says a lot about how seriously the brand takes sustainability. Rather than feeling like marketing language, it’s reflected in everyday operational decisions.

Just off the lobby, you’ll find Whiteley’s Café, a casual coffee shop and grab-and-go space, while Whiteley’s Bar sits nearby as the hotel’s primary gathering place for drinks throughout the day and evening. And to the right of the lobby, you will find an elevated gift shop.

Unlike some of London’s grand hotels where the lobby feels like an event in itself, Six Senses creates a quieter atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down almost immediately after arriving.

The Second Floor: Six Senses Place

One of the more unique aspects of the property is something many guests probably won’t realize before arriving. The second floor is home to Six Senses Place, the brand’s first-ever private members’ club. It’s designed as a social and wellness club for members, complete with lounges, workspaces, wellness programming, dining venues, and the Hum2n Longevity Medical Clinic.

One small thing that caught us off guard was navigating the different spaces within the property. Hotel guests have access to the hotel’s facilities as well as Six Senses Place, the members’ club. The only areas open to the general public are the restaurants on the ground floor, while the upper-level members’ spaces remain exclusive. Because several of these areas flow seamlessly into one another, it wasn’t always immediately obvious which spaces were public, members-only, or accessible to hotel guests.

This is a very minor observation, and once someone explains how everything is organized, it all makes perfect sense. Still, during our first walk through the property, we found ourselves second-guessing where we were supposed to go. We imagine this will become more intuitive over time with a bit more signage or a clearer orientation during check-in.

For guests interested in longevity medicine, it’s also worth asking about the Hum2n clinic before your stay. Located inside Six Senses Place, it offers services including IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness consultations. Access policies for hotel guests may vary, so it’s worth confirming exactly what’s available before you arrive if these services are an important part of your trip.

Six Senses London offers 109 guest rooms and suites, along with 14 branded residences that range from one-bedroom apartments to expansive penthouses.

The design immediately feels different from many other luxury hotels in London. Rather than bright marble, gold accents, and oversized chandeliers, the rooms lean into a moodier Art Deco aesthetic inspired by the building’s history. Expect deep navy blues, warm woods, natural stone, soft off-whites, brushed brass, and subtle geometric details throughout.

Even the entry-level rooms feel surprisingly spacious thanks to thoughtful layouts and open-plan bathrooms that allow natural light to move through the room.

About thirty accommodations also feature private terraces, something we’d absolutely recommend requesting if available. For an urban hotel in London, that’s a meaningful upgrade.

Like every Six Senses property, wellness is integrated into the rooms themselves.Organic mattresses, yoga mats, refillable amenities, sustainable materials, and thoughtful lighting all reinforce the brand’s philosophy. One feature we especially appreciated was how intuitive everything felt. The lighting controls are clearly labeled, there are multiple lighting scenes depending on the time of day, and the rooms feel designed to help guests relax rather than overwhelm them with technology.

The bathrooms continue the same design language. Most feature large walk-in showers with glass partitions, while curtains can be drawn for additional privacy when needed.

It’s a contemporary design that will probably divide opinions. Couples likely won’t think twice about it. Friends or family members sharing a room may prefer a bit more separation.

Our Honest Take on the Room Design

Design is incredibly personal, so this ultimately comes down to taste.

While we appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the rooms, the darker, moodier color palette wasn’t our personal favorite. We tend to gravitate toward brighter, lighter interiors like those at Rosewood Amsterdam, Four Seasons Tamarindo, and many of the newer Mediterranean resorts, including Four Seasons Mykonos.

That doesn’t make one approach better than the other. Guests who love rich, Art Deco-inspired design will likely find Six Senses London absolutely beautiful. We simply found ourselves wishing for a bit more natural brightness.

It’s also a good reminder that professional photography only tells part of the story. Two people can walk into the same room and have completely different reactions, which is why firsthand perspective can be just as valuable as polished images.

If there’s one part of Six Senses London that completely exceeded our expectations, it was the Whiteley Suite. We had the opportunity to tour the hotel’s top accommodation during our visit, and quite honestly, the photos don’t prepare you for how large it actually is.

At more than 3,100 square feet, it’s closer to a private luxury residence than a traditional hotel suite. The layout includes two king bedrooms, two enormous bathrooms, each with a freestanding soaking tub and separate rain shower, an expansive living room, a formal dining area, and a full kitchen complete with its own bar.

Rates typically start around $6,500 per night (depending on the season), placing the Whiteley Suite among London’s premier signature accommodations. While it’s undeniably a splurge, you’re also getting more than 3,100 square feet of living space, two king bedrooms, a full kitchen, and one of the largest private hotel terraces we’ve seen in London. For families, milestone celebrations, or two couples traveling together, we think it compares favorably with many of the city’s other top suites.

The suite flows naturally from one space to the next, making it just as practical for a family or two couples traveling together as it would be for someone celebrating a milestone occasion.

The terrace deserves its own mention. Running the entire length of the suite, it dramatically expands the living space outdoors with multiple seating areas, sun loungers, an outdoor dining table, and separate lounge spaces overlooking the surrounding city. For London, where meaningful private outdoor space is surprisingly rare, it’s a standout feature. We could easily picture spending an entire afternoon here with room service before heading out for dinner.

The suite also includes several thoughtful inclusions, including airport transfers, complimentary breakfast, and a bottle of sparkling wine waiting upon arrival.

One fun detail that probably won’t matter to everyone but will absolutely excite certain travelers involves the audio system. A Reddit user recently pointed out that the suite is equipped with Sonus faber Sonetto V speakers, which retail for roughly £7,000 before amplification.

It’s the kind of detail most guests would never notice, but for anyone who appreciates high-end audio equipment, it’s another indication that Six Senses didn’t cut corners when designing its flagship accommodation.

London has no shortage of spectacular suites, but the Whiteley Suite feels different. It balances residential comfort, thoughtful wellness touches, historic architecture, and contemporary design remarkably well.

At this price point, you’re no longer simply booking a hotel room. You’re choosing between some of the best suites in London. After touring the Whiteley Suite firsthand, we think it absolutely deserves to be part of that conversation.

Dining at Six Senses London feels exactly like the rest of the property. It’s thoughtful, wellness-focused, and intentionally different from what you’ll find at many of London’s traditional luxury hotels. Rather than centering every meal around premium cuts of meat or elaborate tasting menus, the culinary philosophy begins with vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and sustainability.

Whether that’s a positive or a drawback really depends on what you’re looking for. Personally, we enjoyed it. The food feels fresh, creative, and very much aligned with the overall identity of the hotel. At the same time, we think it’s important to set expectations. If your idea of a luxury London hotel revolves around ordering steak every evening or choosing between several seafood entrées, the menus here may feel somewhat limited.

Whiteley’s Kitchen

Whiteley’s Kitchen serves as the hotel’s primary restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The space itself feels warm and inviting, with ivy-green leather banquettes, rattan seating, crisp white walls, and large windows overlooking the central courtyard. Outside, an olive tree-filled terrace creates one of the more relaxing outdoor dining spaces we’ve seen at a London hotel.

The menu changes with the seasons, but vegetables remain the centerpiece. Rather than treating plant-based dishes as alternatives, they’re often the main attraction. House-made ferments, fresh herbs, seasonal produce, and thoughtful preparation techniques give the menu a level of creativity that never feels forced.

Breakfast also deserves recognition. Guests can order from an à la carte menu that ranges from a traditional Full English breakfast to lighter wellness-focused options, while the kitchen counter buffet offers pastries, fresh fruit, and other rotating selections. Whiteley’s Kitchen is where complimentary breakfast is served, when booking your stay through us. 

One detail we particularly liked was the Six Senses tonic cart. Rather than offering a standard selection of juices, the team prepares wellness shots focused on things like digestion, energy, and immune support. It’s a small touch that reinforces the property’s wellness philosophy from the beginning of the day.

You can view their full menu here. 

Whiteley’s Bar

Adjacent to the lobby, Whiteley’s Bar quickly became one of our favorite public spaces in the hotel. The dramatic green bar immediately catches your attention, while the atmosphere feels relaxed enough for both afternoon coffee and evening cocktails.

One aspect we appreciated was that every signature cocktail can also be prepared without alcohol. Instead of creating a separate mocktail menu that feels like an afterthought, non-drinkers receive the exact same level of creativity as everyone else. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that fits naturally with the Six Senses approach to wellness.

Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, we think it’s a worthwhile stop before dinner. You can view their cocktail menu here. 

Whiteley’s Café

On the opposite side of the lobby, Whiteley’s Café offers excellent coffee, pastries, breads, and lighter grab-and-go options throughout the day.

It’s a convenient addition for guests heading out to explore London or anyone wanting something less substantial than a full restaurant meal.

The pastry selection looked particularly strong during our visit, and the wellness-focused beverage menu, including mushroom lattes and other functional drinks, feels very on-brand.

The Mediterranean Restaurant Upstairs

One restaurant that’s easy to overlook is the Mediterranean concept located inside Six Senses Place on the second floor. Although Six Senses Place functions primarily as the hotel’s private members’ club, hotel guests can access the restaurant, making it a worthwhile option during longer stays. Since guest access policies may evolve over time, we’d simply recommend confirming current access when checking in.

Our Honest Thoughts on the Food

This was probably one of the more interesting parts of our visit because we can easily see different travelers having very different reactions. Roughly 60% of the menu is plant-based. Personally, we enjoyed that. The dishes feel creative, seasonal, and satisfying rather than simply checking a wellness box. At the same time, we recognize this won’t appeal equally to everyone. 

If you’re someone who prefers classic luxury hotel dining with multiple steak, seafood, and protein-focused entrées every evening, the menus here may start to feel somewhat repetitive. For wellness-minded travelers, it’s actually one of the property’s biggest strengths. For others, it may be one of the reasons another London hotel is ultimately a better fit.

If there’s one area where Six Senses London immediately distinguishes itself from nearly every other luxury hotel in the city, it’s the spa. This isn’t simply a beautiful spa attached to a hotel. The wellness offering is the foundation of the entire property.

At nearly 25,000 square feet, Six Senses Spa London is one of the largest hotel spas in London, occupying an entire floor beneath the hotel. While many luxury hotels advertise wellness amenities, Six Senses has built an experience that feels much more comprehensive. Treatments are only one part of the equation.

The spa also incorporates longevity programming, recovery therapies, movement, nutrition, diagnostics, and sleep optimization into a single wellness ecosystem.

Even if you don’t typically book spa treatments while traveling, this is the kind of facility that encourages you to slow down for an afternoon. View the full treatment menu here. 

What You’ll Find at the Spa

The facilities are extensive.

Guests have access to 13 treatment rooms, a Turkish hammam, Finnish sauna, cryotherapy chambers reaching temperatures as low as -110°C, a flotation pod, red-light therapy, a Hum2n Clinic, an expansive fitness center, and a dedicated Biohack Recovery Lounge featuring technologies like compression boots, sound therapy loungers, PEMF therapy, electro muscle stimulation, vibration platforms, and other recovery equipment.

There’s also an Alchemy Bar, one of Six Senses’ signature experiences. Rather than purchasing pre-made products, guests work alongside a resident alchemist to create personalized scrubs, herbal blends, teas, and other natural wellness products using seasonal botanicals. It’s a fun experience that feels interactive rather than simply another retail display.

The fitness center also deserves recognition. Instead of feeling tucked away in a basement like many hotel gyms, it feels bright, spacious, and thoughtfully equipped, with dedicated studio space for yoga and movement classes alongside strength and cardio equipment.

For guests interested in taking wellness a step further, Six Senses also offers Integrated Wellness Assessments, which analyze dozens of biomarkers to create personalized recommendations centered around sleep, recovery, stress management, metabolic health, and overall longevity.

It’s a level of wellness programming that’s still relatively uncommon, even among London’s best luxury hotels.

Having experienced both Six Senses Rome and Six Senses London, it’s clear the brand has developed a consistent approach to urban wellness hotels while allowing each property to reflect its destination. While many of the signature wellness experiences carry across the brand, London’s feels larger in scale and more focused on longevity and recovery.

The One Missing Piece

This is probably the biggest caveat in the entire review. At the time of our visit, the indoor swimming pool and thermal suite were still closed while final work was being completed. That includes the magnesium pool, one of the spa’s signature features and one of the amenities we were most looking forward to seeing. It’s really the only major part of the hotel that still feels incomplete. Everything else is operating.

The treatment rooms, cryotherapy, hammam, fitness center, recovery lounge, wellness programming, and consultations are all available.

But if we’re being completely honest, we think the pool and thermal facilities are an important part of what makes Six Senses…Six Senses.

Because of that, our advice depends entirely on why you’re considering staying here.

If you’re booking Six Senses London because you’re excited about the Whiteley Suite, the architecture, the restaurants, or the overall design of the property, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

If your primary reason for choosing the hotel is spending hours moving between the pool, sauna, steam room, and thermal circuit, we’d probably suggest waiting until those facilities fully open.

That missing piece changes the overall wellness experience more than anything else we encountered during our visit. We’d also recommend confirming the current status before booking, as this is one area of the hotel that’s likely to change relatively quickly.

One thing we appreciated throughout our visit is that Six Senses London knows exactly what it wants to be. It isn’t trying to appeal equally to every luxury traveler.

Instead, it delivers a very specific experience, and for the right guest, it’s exceptionally compelling.

Wellness Travelers

This is probably the most obvious audience.

If wellness is one of the main reasons you choose a hotel, Six Senses London should be high on your list.

Unlike some hotels where the spa feels disconnected from the rest of the property, wellness here influences nearly every aspect of the guest experience.

If that’s something you actively seek out when traveling, Six Senses London should absolutely be on your shortlist.

Design Lovers

The transformation of The Whiteley is remarkable.

Between the restored historic architecture, the Art Deco interiors, and the thoughtful use of natural materials, this is one of London’s most interesting adaptive reuse projects.

The restored staircase alone is one of our favorite architectural details in any new London hotel.

Travelers Who Love Hyde Park and Notting Hill

Although we shared our reservations about Bayswater for some travelers, we also recognize that it may actually be the perfect location for others.

If your itinerary revolves around Hyde Park morning walks, Notting Hill cafés, Portobello Road, and spending more time exploring west London than central London, the location makes a great deal of sense. It simply depends on what kind of London trip you’re planning.

When We’d Actually Book Six Senses London

If we returned to Six Senses London, we’d be intentional about when we booked our stay because the hotel shines for different reasons depending on the season.

Once the Indoor Pool and Thermal Suite Fully Open

If the spa is one of the main reasons you’re considering Six Senses, we’d wait until every wellness facility is operating. During our visit, the treatment rooms, hammam, cryotherapy, recovery lounge, and fitness center were all open, but the indoor pool and thermal suite were still being completed. Once those open, we think the property will deliver the complete Six Senses experience the brand is known for.

For a Wellness-Focused Long Weekend

Unlike many London hotels where you’re simply looking for a comfortable place to sleep, Six Senses is somewhere we’d actually plan part of our itinerary around. We’d schedule treatments, leave time to enjoy the wellness facilities, have a slow breakfast at Whiteley’s Kitchen, and build in a few hours with no plans at all. Three or four nights feels ideal for that kind of trip.

In the Spring for Hyde Park and Notting Hill

One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its location if you enjoy exploring on foot. In April, May, and early June, we’d start the morning with a walk through Hyde Park, wander Notting Hill before the crowds arrive, and return to the hotel for lunch or an afternoon at the spa. It’s one of the few luxury hotels in London where we’d happily spend as much time in the surrounding neighborhood as we would inside the hotel itself.

During the Winter for a Spa Escape

London winters can be cold, gray, and rainy, which is exactly when Six Senses feels most appealing. Once the thermal facilities are fully open, we think this could become one of the city’s best winter luxury hotels. Instead of rushing between museums and sightseeing, we’d lean into slower mornings, wellness treatments, long dinners, and cozy afternoons inside the hotel.

One thing we’d probably not do is choose Six Senses for our very first trip to London. If your priority is seeing Buckingham Palace, Mayfair, Westminster, and the city’s most iconic landmarks, we’d likely recommend staying closer to those neighborhoods. But once you’ve experienced London, Six Senses offers something that’s genuinely different from the city’s traditional luxury hotels.

How Long Should You Stay?

We think three to five nights is the sweet spot.

Three nights gives you enough time to enjoy the hotel itself while still exploring Hyde Park, Notting Hill, and several other London neighborhoods.

Five nights allows you to take full advantage of the wellness programming without feeling like you’re sacrificing sightseeing.

Unlike many city hotels, this is a property where we’d actually recommend scheduling downtime.

The hotel itself is part of the experience.

Six Senses London vs. The Peninsula London

These are two of London’s newest luxury hotels, but they appeal to very different travelers.

If your priority is a classic five-star London experience with impeccable service, grand public spaces, and one of the city’s best locations, we’d lean toward The Peninsula London.

If you’re looking for a hotel where wellness is integrated into every part of the stay, from the spa and fitness facilities to the dining philosophy and in-room amenities, Six Senses London stands apart.

Both deliver exceptional luxury, but we’d recommend The Peninsula for a traditional London vacation. We’d choose Six Senses for travelers who want their hotel to be part of the experience, not just a place to sleep.

Six Senses London vs. Rosewood London

Although both hotels occupy beautifully restored historic buildings, they create completely different atmospheres.

Rosewood London feels grand, timeless, and unmistakably British. It’s one of our favorite recommendations for first-time visitors looking for an iconic luxury hotel with an excellent central location.

Six Senses London is quieter, more residential, and intentionally wellness-focused. The moodier interiors, spa programming, and emphasis on slowing down make it feel less like a traditional luxury hotel and more like an urban retreat.

If someone asked us which we’d recommend without knowing anything about them, we’d probably choose Rosewood. But for travelers specifically looking for wellness or who’ve already experienced London’s classic luxury hotels, Six Senses offers something refreshingly different.

Best Luxury Hotels in London: Six Senses vs. The Peninsula vs. Rosewood

If you’re deciding between Six Senses London and some of the city’s other top luxury hotels, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison.

Is Six Senses London open?

Yes. Six Senses London opened on March 1, 2026, as the brand’s first property in the United Kingdom. At the time of our visit, most facilities were fully operating, though the indoor swimming pool and thermal suite were still awaiting completion. We recommend confirming their current status before booking.

Where is Six Senses London located?

The hotel occupies The Whiteley on Queensway in Bayswater, about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Paddington, and Notting Hill.

How many rooms does Six Senses London have?

The hotel offers 109 guest rooms and suites, along with 14 branded residences.

What is the Whiteley Suite?

The Whiteley Suite is the hotel’s top accommodation.

Spanning more than 3,100 square feet, it includes two king bedrooms, two oversized bathrooms, expansive living and dining spaces, a full kitchen, and a terrace that stretches the full length of the suite.

It’s one of the most impressive new luxury hotel suites we’ve toured in London.

Is the pool at Six Senses London open?

At the time of our visit, no. The indoor swimming pool and thermal suite were still closed while additional work was being completed.

Everything else within the spa was operating normally.

Because this information can change quickly, we’d recommend confirming the current status before making a reservation.

What is Six Senses Place?

Six Senses Place is the brand’s first private members’ club.

Located on the second floor of the hotel, it includes member lounges, wellness facilities, dining, and the Hum2n Longevity Clinic.

Hotel guests can access certain areas, including the Mediterranean restaurant, though we’d recommend confirming current access policies during check-in.

Is Six Senses London good for families?

Yes, particularly for families with older children.

The residences and larger suites offer plenty of space, while Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are both within walking distance.

That said, we think the hotel naturally appeals more to couples and wellness-focused travelers than young families.

Is Six Senses London One of the Best Wellness Hotels in London?

In our opinion, yes.

There are plenty of luxury hotels in London with excellent spas, but very few are designed around wellness from the ground up.

At Six Senses, wellness extends far beyond the treatment rooms. It’s reflected in the dining menus, room design, fitness programming, recovery experiences, sustainability initiatives, and the overall pace of the stay.

Once the indoor pool and thermal suite are fully open, we expect Six Senses London to become one of the strongest luxury wellness hotels not only in London, but in Europe.

If you’re booking primarily for sightseeing, another luxury hotel may make more sense. But if your hotel is meant to be part of your vacation—not just somewhere to sleep—Six Senses belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Six Senses is part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, and it’s one of those hotels where working with an advisor can genuinely improve your stay.

Unlike booking online, we work directly with the hotel before you arrive to help personalize the experience and answer many of the questions that aren’t always obvious from the website.

For example, only around 30 rooms feature private terraces. If that’s something that’s important to you, we’ll request one in advance whenever possible.

If you’re considering the Whiteley Suite, we can also coordinate airport transfers, celebration details, dining reservations, and any special requests before you ever arrive in London through our Hotel Plus service.

We also stay updated on operational changes. Because facilities like the indoor pool and thermal suite have been evolving since opening, we can confirm their current status before you book rather than having you rely on outdated online information.

The same applies to Six Senses Place. Guest access policies can change over time, and we’ll make sure you know exactly what’s included before your trip begins.

Benefits of booking Six Senses London with Ourisman Travel: 

Our Hotel-Only service is complimentary, and in most cases, you’ll pay the same rate available directly through Six Senses while receiving additional benefits and VIP recognition.

IHG Destined can generally be combined with any rates you’ll find directly with Six Senses. The upgrades through IHG Destined are also prioritized over upgrades through other programs, so you’ll want to use IHG Destined over a program like Virtuoso or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.

Preferred partner benefits vary depending on the rate and promotion available at the time of booking, but may include:

• $100 USD or USD equivalent hotel credit per stay
• Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests per day
• Complimentary room upgrade (Subject to availability)
• Local welcome amenity
• Personalized welcome note
• Early Check-in/Late Check-out (Subject to availability)
• VIP recognition and welcome amenities
• Additional inclusions on select room categories, including the Whiteley Suite

We’ll always confirm the current benefits before your reservation is finalized. 

Additional promotions may also be available throughout the year, including complimentary nights, discounted villa rates, and extended-stay offers.

As always, we recommend confirming current promotions before booking.

If we returned to Six Senses London, we’d do so knowing exactly what kind of stay it offers.

We wouldn’t book it because we wanted to be in the heart of Mayfair, nor would we expect the classic atmosphere of London’s historic grand hotels like Claridge’s or The Lanesborough. And if our priority was spending hours enjoying the spa’s thermal circuit, we’d likely wait until the indoor pool has fully reopened.

Instead, we’d choose Six Senses London for everything that makes it distinct. We’d start the morning with a walk through Hyde Park before breakfast at Whiteley’s Kitchen, set aside dedicated time to enjoy the spa, stop by Whiteley’s Bar for an afternoon cocktail, and spend the evening exploring nearby Notting Hill. Given the chance, we’d also happily book the Whiteley Suite again, which was one of the most impressive hotel suites we toured during our time in London.

Overall, Six Senses London brings a fresh perspective to the city’s luxury hotel scene. Its focus on wellness, thoughtful design, and sustainability creates a noticeably different experience from many of London’s more traditional luxury properties, while still delivering the high level of service and comfort travelers expect.

It won’t be the perfect fit for every visitor, and that’s by design. Travelers looking for a classic London hotel steeped in history may prefer one of the city’s iconic grand dames. But for those seeking a modern luxury stay with wellness at its core, Six Senses London stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive new openings.

To check rates, availability, or current promotions at Six Senses London, contact our team at [email protected] or submit a Travel Request Form. If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and detailed blog posts.