The Piccadilly Hotel, now operating as The Dilly, has stood at 21 Piccadilly since it opened in 1909. With 283 rooms and a five‑star rating on major booking platforms, it presents itself as a historic luxury property in the heart of London. Here’s what our research uncovered about its actual luxury status, amenities, and how it compares to other hotels on this famous street.
Last checked: 2026-06-11
Name: The Piccadilly Hotel (now The Dilly London) · Location: 21 Piccadilly, London · Classification: Historic luxury hotel · Year opened: 1908
How we researched this
Last updated: June 2025.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Trip.com listing), Wikipedia, review platforms (Trip.com), travel guides (Expedia, Rick Steves Travel Forum), hotel chain official site (Marriott).
We did not conduct an on‑site visit or staff interview, and prices and ratings are current as of the date of publication but may change.
Over 110 years (since 1908)
Grade II listed building
At a glance
- Marketed as a 5‑star hotel on Trip.com (Trip.com)
- 8.6/10 from 235 guest reviews on Trip.com (Trip.com)
- 1909 – originally built as the Piccadilly Hotel (Trip.com)
- 283 rooms on the Trip.com listing (Trip.com)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | The Piccadilly Hotel (now The Dilly London) |
| Location | 21 Piccadilly, London |
| Classification | Historic luxury hotel |
| Year opened | 1909 (Trip.com listing) |
| Star rating | 5‑star (Trip.com classification) |
| Guest rating (Trip.com) | 8.6/10 from 235 reviews |
| Number of rooms | 283 rooms |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | From 15:00 / by 12:00 |
| Breakfast price (adult) | £28 per adult (set menu) |
| Breakfast price (child 17 & under) | £14 per child |
| Pet fee | £35 per pet per stay |
| Leisure amenities | Indoor heated pool, spa, squash court |
History of the Piccadilly Hotel
- 1908–1909: The Piccadilly Hotel opens at 21 Piccadilly, designed by architect J. J. Joass.
- 20th century: Operates as a leading London hotel, hosting notable guests and undergoing several renovations.
- 1990s–2000s: Becomes part of the Le Meridien chain and later rebranded as The Dilly.
- 2025: Continues to trade as The Dilly, retaining its Grade II listed status.
Is The Piccadilly Hotel considered a luxury hotel?
The Piccadilly Hotel (The Dilly) is described on its Trip.com listing as a 5‑star property, which is the official classification used by many online travel agencies. However, the term “luxury” goes beyond a star rating. The hotel’s history, architecture, and amenities contribute to its luxury positioning.
Wikipedia describes it as a “historic luxury hotel” and notes its Grade II listed building status, which protects the Edwardian façade and interior features. The presence of an indoor heated pool, spa, and squash court—uncommon in central London hotels—supports the luxury claim. (Sources: Wikipedia, Trip.com)
On the other hand, luxury also implies inclusive pricing. Breakfast is not included in the room rate; Trip.com quotes £28 per adult for a set menu. That is a notable extra cost for a 5‑star hotel. Still, the balance of heritage, facilities, and location on Piccadilly makes a strong case for the luxury label.
Is Piccadilly a 5 star hotel?
This question refers to the official star rating of the hotel, which varies depending on the rating system used. On Trip.com, The Dilly is listed as a 5‑star hotel, and it is commonly grouped with other 5‑star properties on the same platform. However, the UK’s official hotel rating scheme (VisitEngland) does not publish a current star rating for The Dilly in our sources. The hotel’s own marketing and its Trip.com classification both indicate five stars.
By comparison, other hotels on or near Piccadilly have different ratings. The Reach at Piccadilly in Manchester is part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio and achieves high guest sub‑scores (4.7 cleanliness, 4.8 location) but is not explicitly labelled 5‑star. Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus is a sleep‑focused budget property with no star rating, and guest reviews on a travel blog rated it 5/10.
Thus, while The Dilly presents itself as 5‑star, the lack of an official inspection means travellers should weigh guest feedback and amenities rather than relying solely on the star label.
Is Piccadilly a good place to stay in London?
Piccadilly is one of London’s most famous thoroughfares, running from Piccadilly Circus to Hyde Park Corner. Staying on Piccadilly means immediate access to the West End, theatres, restaurants, and shopping on Regent Street and Bond Street. The Dilly is within a few minutes’ walk of Green Park tube station (Piccadilly line) and Piccadilly Circus station, offering direct connections to Heathrow and other parts of London.
Travel forum contributors on Rick Steves recommend Hub Hotel Covent Garden for Piccadilly Line convenience, highlighting that the area around Piccadilly is safe, walkable, and near Soho and the National Gallery. Expedia’s guide to Piccadilly hotels notes that most properties in the immediate area are in the 4‑ to 5‑star range, indicating a premium residential and commercial environment.
For business travellers, The Dilly offers a business centre, express check‑in, and dry cleaning services—amenities that suit a central London work base. Leisure guests benefit from the cultural attractions within walking distance: the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Arcade, and Fortnum & Mason are all nearby.
Is Piccadilly a nice area?
Piccadilly is widely regarded as one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Its buildings include historic clubs, luxury hotels, and high‑end shops. The street itself is well‑maintained and benefits from high footfall and a visible police presence, contributing to a sense of safety. Travel forum users describe the area as “safe” and “walkable”.
Zoopla area guides (not included in our research, but general knowledge) rank Mayfair and St James’s, which flank Piccadilly, among the most desirable postcodes in London. Dining options range from Michelin‑starred restaurants to casual cafés. The downside is that the area can be very busy, especially near Piccadilly Circus, and prices for food and drinks are higher than in less central districts.
For a hotel stay, the trade‑off is convenience versus cost. The Dilly sits in the middle of this lively environment, offering a quiet retreat with its historic walls and on‑site facilities.
Pros and cons of staying at The Dilly (Piccadilly Hotel)
Pros
- 5‑star status with historic building and Grade II listing
- Indoor heated pool, spa, and squash court – rare central London amenities
- Excellent location on Piccadilly near Green Park, West End, and tube
- 24‑hour front desk, express check‑in, and business centre
- Pet friendly (£35 per stay)
Cons
- Breakfast not included – £28 per adult extra
- No official star rating from a national body; self‑declared 5 stars
- Some guest reviews mention noise from the street (noted in Trip.com review samples)
- Standard check‑out at 12:00 (some hotels offer later check‑out)
Who is The Dilly best for?
- Luxury travelers – who want a full‑service hotel with pool and spa in a historic building.
- History enthusiasts – the Edwardian architecture and over‑century heritage are a draw.
- Couples – romantic setting on Piccadilly, close to theatres and fine dining.
- Business travelers – business centre, express check‑in, and central location for meetings.
Pricing overview
The Dilly positions itself in the luxury price band. Exact nightly rates vary by season and booking platform, but the hotel’s 5‑star classification and location on Piccadilly suggest a premium above typical 4‑star London hotels. Known extra costs include breakfast at £28 per adult (set menu) and a pet fee of £35 per stay. Luggage storage fees are not listed for this property (unlike some budget Piccadilly hotels that charge £10 per bag, as noted in a review of Zedwell Piccadilly).
Compared to alternatives on the same street, The Dilly sits at the upper end. For example, The Reach at Piccadilly in Manchester (a Tribute Portfolio hotel) offers a lower price point but lacks the same historic cachet.
Location and getting there
The Dilly is located at 21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH. The nearest tube stations are:
- Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines) – 3‑minute walk
- Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) – 7‑minute walk
Heathrow Airport is about 45 minutes away via the Piccadilly line direct from Green Park. The hotel is also well served by taxis and ride‑shares. On‑site parking is not available, but nearby public car parks exist.
Other Piccadilly-area hotels to consider
- Thistle London Piccadilly – a 4‑star hotel on Coventry Street, less than 5 minutes’ walk from The Dilly, offering a more budget‑friendly price.
- Ham Yard Hotel – a boutique design hotel in Soho, part of the Firmdale group, with a rooftop bar and spa. Higher price bracket.
- Premier Inn London Leicester Square – a reliable budget chain a 10‑minute walk from Piccadilly, offering predictable quality at lower rates.
- The Reach at Piccadilly (Manchester) – if you are looking for a Piccadilly‑named hotel in another city, this Marriott Tribute Portfolio property has high cleanliness scores (4.7/5) and a convenient location near Manchester Piccadilly station.
Our pick: The Dilly for luxury and history
For travelers specifically seeking the “Piccadilly Hotel” experience, The Dilly is the only property that directly matches the historic name and location. Its combination of 5‑star amenities, Edwardian charm, and central location make it the best choice for those who value heritage and full‑service luxury. We recommend it for luxury travelers, history buffs, and couples.
Related reading: Phoenix Hotel London Review · Hotels.com vs Expedia or Booking Direct: Which Is Best
For travelers on a tighter budget, the Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus offers a modern capsule experience just steps from the same iconic London square.
Frequently asked questions
What is the check-in and check-out policy?
The Dilly check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is by 12:00. A 24-hour front desk is available.
Does The Dilly allow pets?
Yes, the hotel allows pets for a fee of £35 per pet per stay, according to Trip.com.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
The Piccadilly Hotel (The Dilly) has 283 rooms, according to its Trip.com listing.
What leisure amenities are available?
The Dilly offers an indoor heated pool, spa, and squash court—rare amenities for central London hotels.
What is the most stolen hotel item?
This question is unrelated to the Piccadilly Hotel specifically. Statistics vary, but towels, bathrobes, and electronic accessories are commonly reported. The Dilly does not publicly comment on theft patterns.