Nothing speaks romance like a hotel stay for two. A weekend away in the big city presents endless opportunities for mystery, glamour and excitement. Don’t just think the classic cliche of beds scattered with rose petals or spa treatments for two, but rather drinking delicious cocktails in swanky bars, ordering a fancy room-service breakfast and eating it on a luxuriously soft, crisp white bed in fluffy robes, relaxing in a free standing bath, full to the brim with bubbles, while sipping champagne or going for a dip in the pool at sunset before dressing in your fanciest getup and making your way downstairs to a candlelit restaurant where you will order desert to share even though you’re both full.
Whether it’s for that milestone anniversary, a special birthday treat, a stand-out Valentines Day or, maybe there is no reason at all – because who needs a reason to spoil their loved one, right? A romantic night away in a luxury hotel is one of the most indulgent, uplifting things you can do. And, what better place to do it than the capital city of England itself, London! Feeling giddy at the prospect of spending a fun-filled weekend in one of London’s most romantic hotels, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the very best there is. And, don’t worry, you will be truly spoilt for choice. From charming boutique stays to grand luxury hotels and many more in between, London is absolutely packed to the brim with romantic hotels.
What Makes a Hotel Romantic?
So, what is it that makes some hotels a cut above the rest when it comes to romance? Of course, romance is totally subjective – one might find the prospect of being sent flowers utterly sickening, while another might tear up at the sight. However, there are some aspects of the hotels on this list that stand out as being more romantic than most others.
The main feature that boosts the following London hotels in the love stakes is attention to detail. Think a private boat ride, a balcony breakfast or a special meal – these romantic hotels in London are a cut above the rest when it comes to personalising their guests experience. It is this impressive attention to detail that makes these hotels perfect for an extra special, loved-up stay for two.
But, they don’t stop there! The service you will receive in one of these romantic London hotels is next to none. To stay in one of London’s most romantic hotels is to be treated like the Queen. The experience should feel over the top and like you’re being unacceptably spoilt every step of the way. From the moment you step through the doors, they will be dazzling you with all the help they can muster – from white-gloved concierge welcoming you and taking your bags to cheery receptionist staff who just can’t do enough for you. It is an experience not to be missed.
Then there are the restaurants – while some are intimate with a small menu and delicate touches, others are Michelin-starred level with all the flamboyance and flare you could ask for. From dimly lit bars, sexy booths and terraces with views over London’s landmarks to magical cocktails, live music and melting deserts. No matter what you’re looking for, these romantic London hotels will undoubtedly be an experience you won’t forget. So, go ahead and take your pick from this list of the best romantic hotels in London.
London’s Most Romantic Hotels:
Artist Residence
52 Cambridge Street, Westminster Borough, London, SW1V 4QQ
Artist Residence London is a charming boutique hotel perfectly situated down a quiet side street, amongst the white stucco and brick townhouses of peaceful Pimlico. It is ideally placed for exploring – wander the delicately refined shops Sloane Square, browse through the Saatchi Gallery or slowly stroll through Chelsea Physic Gardens. Also close by are the Tate, Westminster and, of course, Buckingham Palace.
Packed to the brim with colourful, contemporary art pieces and stylishly decorated in pretty pastel palettes, this romantic London hotel is a true Instagram dream. Offering 10 retro-style rooms that take shabby-chic to a whole new level, with sexy velvet armchairs, pastel Smeg fridges and limited-edition wall prints, this romantic hotel in London provides an airy sanctuary to relax after a day sightseeing in the big city. The downstairs of the hotel is home to an oh so trendy all-day hangout and restaurant, coolly decorated with funky pop art and neon lights. And the fun doesn’t stop there – for a romantic evening with your loved one, why not take a trip down to the basement where you’ll find a speak-easy style cocktail den.
The Hoxton
40 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, SE1 8PB
The original Hoxton hotel is still ever as popular as it once was. Located in the stylish epicentre of the classic cool neighbourhood of Shoreditch, this romantic hotel in London is just a short stroll from the Southbank theatres and galleries, plenty of hipster coffee shops, bars and restaurants, bustling nightlife and trendy boutique shops.
With a whopping 192 rooms to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice for your romantic stay in London. Choose from five different room types: showbox, snug, cosy, roomy and biggie. Although fairly compact, all the rooms in this romantic hotel deliver great value for money and are decorated to perfection. Featuring industrial decor juxtaposed against lavish touches – think panelled headboards, handmade glassware, marble-top coffee tables and a super-huge, super-snug bed. When you’re not snuggled up in bed with your one true love, you can pay a visit to the luxurious rooftop bar which boasts stunning panoramic views across London.
Dean Street Townhouse
69 – 71 Dean Street, London, W1D 3SE
This elegant, countrified townhouse hotel is ideally situated in the beating heart of Soho, surrounded by some of London’s best places to eat and drink. Just a 10 minute walk from both Oxford Street and Covent Garden, this romantic London hotel is right in the middle of all the action.
After exploring the streets of London, you can retire to one of its 39 beautifully decorated rooms. Available in a range of different sizes, you can even opt for the “tiny room” at just £180 per night if you’re romantic trip is a budget one. No matter their size, every room is spectacular – freestanding bathtubs, four-poster beds, dark wooden panelling and blush pink walls all add to the romantic feel of these hotel rooms. Visit the intimate hotel restaurant, with its red leather booths, checked flooring and white tablecloths – as close as you’ll get to Paris.
The Bingham Riverhouse
61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond Town, Richmond upon Thames, TW10 6UT
The Bingham Riverhouse is a charismatic boutique hotel, positioned right on the banks of the River Thames in peaceful Richmond. The building began as two Georgian townhouses in the mid-18th century and was rented by a Lady Ann Bingham. Later, between 1899 and 1914, Katherine Bradley (aunt) and Edith Cooper (niece), who spent their days writing poetry and plays under the pseudonym Michael Field, occupied the property. During this time this address grounded itself as a popular literary hub and, today, the library-style interiors pay homage to its past.
Homely in every sense of the word, designer Nicola Harding has truly countrified this romantic hotel. Each appropriately named after one of Michael Field’s poems, no two rooms in the Bingham are the same. Yet, all are decorated in the same stunning but simple design, with comfy beds, original fireplaces and elegant balconies. The Lounge area is suavely decorated with wooden parquet floors, white cornicing and contemporary wall art. In keeping with the buildings literary history, the hotel features a wall of dog-eared Penguin classics, as well as an impressive collection of spirits facing onto a marble-topped counter. Meanwhile, huge bunches of perfectly arranged flowers and wicker chairs add to the refreshing country style. You can spend the afternoon wandering through the town before sipping some spritzy cocktails in the powder-blue restaurant and bar.
The Ned
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Once London’s Midland Bank, this address has been transformed into a huge hipster hotel, where millennials queue for hours on end. Aptly, this romantic hotel is situated a mere one minute walk from Bank station, subtly squeezed between sharp-edged skyscrapers and well-known chain restaurants filled with suited and booted office workers.
This romantic London hotel manages to be incredibly trendy while still being hopelessly alluring. Original features of the former bank have been impressively preserved, including African malachite Art Deco pillars, Jazz Age crystal chandeliers, slick walnut walls and old banking counters transformed into room dividers. The interiors combine urban chic with granny vintage: think dangling brass light fixtures, frilly-edged lampshades and curtains and shabby velvet sofas. For a romantic evening, why not make your way up to the rooftop pool before dinner – the view of St Paul’s Cathedral is a showstopper. The typical guest at The Ned Hotel appears to be City workers – expect men discussing the stock markets while twiddling the end of their perfectly pruned moustaches; ladies checking their emails or hurriedly chatting on the phone in body-con, shin-length skirts with bright pink pedicures.
Blakes London
33 Roland Gardens, Kensington and Chelsea, London, SW7 3PF
First opened in 1978, Blakes London is the original boutique hotel of Anouska Hempel, one of the world’s most celebrated and skilled stylists. The black exterior of this romantic London hotel stands out on a up-market, sedate residential street in Kensington. This five-star boutique hotel is a world within a building – it exudes a sense of glamour and mystery which largely results from its preciously guarded status in the music and arts world.
Hempel impressively creates a luxe feel while also maintaining its bohemian and shabby chic vibe. When it comes to the interior of this romantic hotel in London, think black paint with gold detailing, monochrome flooring and vintage touches. The hotel features very little consistency, with the spaces inside varying in narrative from vintage gentleman’s club to seductive brothel. Book the red Cardinal Suite to be immersed in a four-poster fantasy of antique gems, or opt for the all-white Corfu Suite and surround yourself with mother-of-pearl in every form. Adding to the unique character of The Blakes are the narrow maze-like corridors and staircases, along with the tiny and exceptionally slow lift.
Vintry & Mercer
20 Garlick Hill London, EC4V 2AU
Tucked away at the end of an alley packed full of pubs, Vintry & Mercer is a romantic hotel in London, the location of which can’t be beaten. With St Paul’s Cathedral just a 7-minute walk away, the Tower of London and Sky Garden just 15 minutes away, and the trendy Shoreditch being reached in a mere half an hour, you are right in the heart of all the capital’s action.
This romantic London hotel kindly injects a touch of pizzazz into the city’s fairly straight and narrow hotel scene. With a distinctive theme running throughout, with a swanky speak-easy style bar and rooms fitted out with smart finishes, the aesthetic of this hotel is inspired by the historic wine and fabric trading guilds of London. As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by wallpaper featuring dictionary definitions of old-school manufacturing terms. Continue deeper into the building and you will find more emblems of industrial and mercantile culture, including antique globes, models of ships and even a busk of Queen Victoria. However, to give this hotel even more flare and to tailor it to today’s millennial masses, the hotel mixes in plenty of hip insta-friendly elements – think modern lighting fixtures, a swirling copper and marble staircase and a potted plant-filled lobby.
The Henrietta Hotel
14 Henrietta Street, Westminster Borough, London, WC2E 8QH
Located on one of Covent Garden’s most attractive streets, Henrietta Street, this 18-bedroom romantic boutique hotel in London is surrounded by the finest architecture and an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Very close by is the Piazza for all your shopping, eating and entertainment needs. The hotel itself is inspired by the area’s rich history, with the quirky design of Dorothée Meilichzon paying homage to Italian style.
The lobby of The Henrietta Hotel is calm and tranquil, while the bedrooms are highly unique and a little bit wacky. The overall style of the hotel is difficult to pinpoint – the decor appears to be an unusual mix of Star Trek, 1930s retro and even some 70s touches. The signature multi-layered headboards mix mirror with fabric to create a real sci-fi feel, while the pink bathrooms with monochrome flooring and contrasting patterns definitively speaks 1930s. Add to this the marble skirtings and shiny armchairs and you have a whole combination of eras and genres. But, somehow it works. During your romantic stay at The Henrietta Hotel, make sure you try out their delicious food, with highlights including the sheeps’ milk curds and freshly baked warm madeleines with Chantilly cream.
The Zetter Townhouse
28-30 Seymour St, London W1H 7JB
Sitting on a row of immaculate Georgian townhouses, just on the outskirts of Marylebone, this romantic hotel in London is intelligently located far enough away from the bleak back-end of Oxford Street but close enough that you can take full advantage of the transport links. The Zetter Townhouse has acquired quite a following thanks to its intentionally unconventional stylings.
Following a recognisable Victoriana theme, with dark furniture, book-filled shelves and a grandfather clock, stepping into the lobby of this romantic hotel is like stepping back in time. Well-known for its amazing cocktails, the bar and lounge area dominate the ground floor. Meanwhile, the 24 hotel rooms have plenty of delights to discover, from glow-in-the-dark vanity tables to alfresco tubs and other curious trinkets. Each room also features the thoughtful touch of an illustrated map, highlighting Marylebone’s top spots, including the characterful Daunt Books and some of the best boutique shops and restaurants. If you’re going all out on your romantic trip to London, then you could choose to stay in one of their very special rooms. Number 11 features high sash windows and luxurious central seating area and a luminous bathroom where the walls are covered in old-world maps.
The Rookery
Peters Lane, Cowcross Street, Islington, London, EC1M 6DS
Situated in a corner of Smithfield, an area of East London that has a rather murky history, once being an execution ground for criminals. It is also remembered for its infamous meat market which once attracted thieves, prostitutes and gamblers – those who had been banished from inside the walls of the city. Quite aptly named, “The Rookery” literally means “criminal area”, drawing on the areas largely dejected past. Today, however, the area has experienced a visibly noticeable transformation, with its new slick buildings and modern chain restaurants popping up. Yet, on top of these, the area is teeming with contemporary cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars.
In keeping with this dark narrative, the hotel comprises of a maze of rooms that evoke the Georgian era perfectly, with their slightly wonky artworks and charmingly antiquated furnishings. Walking through this romantic hotel’s seemingly underground warren of rooms is like travelling 500 years back in time. It’s jaunty interior is accentuated by creaky floors, ramshackle door frames and Georgian period features. Enter one of the 33 hotel bedrooms and the Georgian magic continues – think open fires, oak-carved four-poster beds and heavy red-silk draping curtains. While this London hotel is hardly hip nor trendy, it is as rich in character and romance as it is steeped in history and mystery. Each room is suitably named after one of the notorious outcasts that worked or lived in the Southfield area – choose from Clarice of Cokke Lane (a prostitute) or Sir Walter de Manny (a knight).
Looking for more romantic travel ideas? Make sure you go take a look at our other travel guides for couples:
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