London’s Hard Rock Hotel makes Forbes Travel Guide

Less than a year after it opened, London’s Hard Rock Hotel is already receiving global recognition.

The hotel, located at 100 Kellogg Lane in Old East Village, has landed a spot in the Forbes Travel Guide.

“It’s really exciting for London and really puts London on the map,” said Lina Manuel-Merchant, who is the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.

The Forbes Travel Guide is an internationally recognized independent rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruise ships.

This is the first time a London hotel has been featured on the list.

“I’ve lived, eaten, breathed, London my entire life. I’ve raised my children here and we have lots of family here,” Manuel-Merchant said. “What really excites me is that now we can speak to the world and just say, ‘Have you heard of London, Ontario? It’s a Forbes property.'”

While London’s Hard Rock is currently listed in the guide, it’s still awaiting a star rating. That will likely happen within the next year, Manuel-Merchant said, when an inspector from the guide will anonymously stay at the hotel.

In preparation for that visit, Manuel-Merchant said hotel staff will need to up their training.

“There’s a level of service of which Forbes has as a standard, which is … almost like a Michelin rating for restaurants,” she explained. “It’s going to be a little bit different, not only for our guests, but for our team members who are learning to give a different level of service that they haven’t experienced themselves.”

While it doesn’t impact the Forbes rating, Manuel-Merchant said the Hard Rock’s location in London is likely to attract more guests. The hotel exists in the growing entertainment complex at 100 Kellogg Lane, which also houses the London Children’s Museum and The Factory indoor play park, along with shops and eateries.

“Not only is it a property that has the highest levels of workmanship part of the construction, but we’re also an urban destination that’s very unique and different,” Manuel-Merchant said.

The London Hard Rock Hotel opened in April 2025, making it the first Canadian location of the international hotel chain. In addition to 164 rooms, the hotel has a pool, gym and speakeasy, and is decorated with music memorabilia from Canadian artists.

WATCH | A tour of London’s Hard Rock Hotel:

Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel opens in London, Ont.

The country’s first Hard Rock Hotel opened at 100 Kellogg Lane in London, Ont., on Wednesday. Hard Rock Hotel London General Manager Brendon Ainscow talked about what people can expect and how they’re part of a growing offering of entertainment in a former industrial area of the city.