by London is definitely in the spotlight as a contender for the most romantic city thanks to the strength and variety of its amorous properties. In fact you can often find everything you need under one roof – ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. You need a room with a wow factor, a dimly lit bar to get the date night off to a dreamy start, an excellent restaurant and, of course, most of all. je ne sais quoi. Whatever you’re after, we’ve got London’s most romantic hotels covered: from vintage four posters to balcony baths, places with cinemas when you want to take it to the back row, heritage hotels with racy histories, views iconic and budget-friendly honeymoon suites.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
A Junior Suite in this period hotel – the former home of writer William Hazlitt – sets the romantic scene nicely: maroon painted paneling, thick satin curtains, a huge French bed and gilt-framed mirrors. Overall it has a great authentic feel, original floorboards are flowing underfoot and every piece of furniture has a story to tell. There are also surprising design details, the loo for example is hidden within a Jacobean love seat. They serve a lovely breakfast to your room (service is 24 hours), but being in the heart of Soho you’ll probably want to venture outside for plenty of à deux dinner options.
Food is a big part of the NoMad group (its LA and Vegas hotels are well-deserved) and its latest European outing does not disappoint. Located right in the center of Covent Garden, this is one of the most beautiful hotels for couples in London for an elegant yet relaxed dinner before catching a West End show. Snuggle into a green velvet feast for delicate dishes such as scallops with crispy pancetta. The atmosphere at night is very special, the inky sky is visible through the soaring glass roof dotted with hanging lanterns. The rooms are fresh and modern, with crisp white and rose pink linen and stunning displays of contemporary art.
The entrance to the Portobello hotel says a lot about the entire property itself, it is quiet and discreet, polished but homely. The stunning white facade flows perfectly into this oh-so-pretty Notting Hill residential street. A spiral staircase leads to individually designed bedrooms, some bright and lively, some dark and gloomy. Stacks of popular books line the walls and fresh flowers are placed in colorful painted vases on the sunlit window sills. Book room number 13 for a four poster bed so high there are steps leading up to it. Or choose 16 for a freestanding tub (rumored to be filled to the brim with champagne by Kate Moss and Johnny Depp).
Sea Containers are a good choice for those looking for something different with rose petals on the sheets. It is easy to see because of its signature neon sign, it is located on the South Bank, so perfect for the Tate Modern and the Globe Theater (10 minutes’ walk) but also crucial is its own life, too. In fact one of its three bars, Lyaness, was once voted the best bar in the world. The in-house Curzon cinema and its vintage popcorn cart are also a real draw, but the spa is also in the limelight and is often seen. He even offers side-by-side massages for couples (with a glass of Laurent Perrier thrown in).
It’s quite unusual to find an outdoor bathtub in a city, but the swanky rooms at The Standard have just that – a fun, slightly daring touch that makes it one of London’s sexiest hotels. Bringing her signature heels from across the pond (her older sister is in NYC) there’s a big personality that shines through from her bold seventies style to the regular all-night parties. Be sure to book a Saturday night table for pre-drinks on the recently opened rooftop terrace with views of St. Pancras (the already legendary Aperol Spritz slushy) and stay for a boozy bottomless Sunday brunch downstairs at Double Standard, the popular American burger hotel. joint.
There are only a handful of rooftop pools in the city, but The Berkeley was one of the originals and is still as popular today as it was back in the 1970s. Exclusively for hotel guests, if the sun is shining, baby blue daybeds with fluffy striped towels give it a wonderful South of France feel; Hyde Park’s circular treetops can be seen if you look down. This is the kind of hotel that is ideally suited for a honeymoon (or mini-moon), perfect for high-end downtime after a wedding. Spend the day hiding by the pool before retreating to the restaurant for white-gloved service and five-course tasting menus or stay holed up in your honeymoon suite and order comfort food at its best; Truffle ham and brie sandwiches with fries get our vote every time.
If there’s a sexier and sexier place for pre-dinner drinks in the capital than the cozy Fumoir Bar at Claridge’s, we’ve yet to find it. In fact, the entire Art Deco hotel is a fine example of 1920s inspired romance. Yes, the prices here are also some of the highest prices (for everything, the room rates, food, cocktails …) but there is a reason and it all has to do with a complete and faultless service, the kind that you Every move is anticipated, but it never is. feels stifling. They also know how to deliver love without it ever being cringey, which is hard to manage. No request is too big, so this is the place to excercise creativity if you are looking for a romantic weekend in London (they especially love to host couples for a wedding night or honeymoon).
A sister to the popular Hazlitt’s, this little outfit is home to cute-as-a-button rooms found through stunning wooden doors, antiques and quirky knick-knacks stuffed into every nook and cranny. It’s a great contrast to its hip East London neighborhood outside, so after you’ve wandered around cool cafes and independent boutiques head back and help yourself to drinks in the honesty bar. It’s quite magical to settle down next to an open fire for the evening. A room to book for a romantic weekend in London is The Rook’s Nest, a suite of penthouses spread over two floors made for squirrels. Peer out from the sloping roof and you can see the peak of St. Paul’s dome in the distance.
There was such a buzz around this hotel when it opened back in 2014 and it’s great to see that ‘something special’ atmosphere is still there eight years later. For a Central London hotel the list of things to do is long with bowling alley, cinema, spa, gym, roof terrace with kitchen garden, bar, restaurant… There is almost no reason to leave at all. Room rates are expensive, but there is no need to go for a huge one, the better category is a reasonable size, there is a beautiful queen-sized bed and they are all decorated in the instantly recognizable Kit Kemp victory. If it’s the honeymoon suite you’re looking for, however, the terrace suite on the top floor of the building is huge with floor-to-ceiling windows.
If you’re looking to channel the classic (sometimes stuffy) dames grande then The Mandrake with its sleek, off-the-wall style could be for you. The strange stuffed animals (alligators, peacocks) may not be to everyone’s taste, but the beauty of the indoor/outdoor terrace cannot be disputed. One of the intimate under-the-radar spots where the first summer date could easily turn into hours of relationships and cozy cocktails intertwined among the flowers of jasmine and passion. The next morning gorge on super healthy portions of huevos rancheros at Yopo restaurant and maybe a banana, almond milk and honey smoothie to fight the hangover.
Celebrities are often here, so be prepared to be distracted on a date for a stolen glance by the likes of Cara Delevinge, David Beckham or Kylie Minogue. The property opened quite a bit with Nuno Mendes at the helm of the restaurant, however, it has now been taken over by Executive Chef Richard Foster who has revamped the menu with classic food at its heart; wood-fired pizza at lunch and black truffle pasta or “forty-eight hour chargrilled chicken” at dinner. All the rooms are styled the same in a retro chic way so there is no FOMO when choosing a place to stay, but the variety of south facing Victorian windows overlook the courtyard and let in plenty of natural daylight.
There are views, and then the Shangri La at The Shard has the head-spinning 180 degree view, making it one of the most romantic hotels in London. The view from the bed is impressive, from such a high vantage point it is as exciting as it sounds and is a surefire way to fall asleep. Maybe it’s the height, maybe it’s the sleek design or maybe it’s the relaxed movements of the amazing staff but staying here sometimes feels a little off. Expect all the luxe hallmarks of an upscale hotel of its kind: heated floors in the marble bathrooms, pillow and butler menus and the lovely added touch of binoculars (and in some rooms even telescopes for stargazing).
Sometimes the romance is about experiencing something new and exciting, and this hotel was one of the freshest launches in 2021. It’s located on Leicester Square, so it definitely has a red carpet feel. in the place, not lit with lots of plush velvet, but also a party vibe, especially when there is live music in the glossy, glitzy lobby champagne bar. 8 is the hotel’s signature restaurant, a rooftop izakaya lounge serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. It features a stellar indoor-outdoor garden with a central firepit and a retractable roof, it is all deliciously adult and for adults (without any young children to be seen, so perfect for parents who want to get in a romantic way).
Contributions from Emma Beaumont, Jade Conroy, Rachel Cranshaw, Fiona Duncan, Lizzie Frainier, Kaye Holland, Charlotte Johnstone, Harriet Jones, John O’Kellaigh, Oliver Smith, Nick Trend & Penny Walker
