For a Valentine's Day date, a honeymoon, or a romantic weekend break at any other time of year, some of the most romantic hotels in the world can be found in ye old London town. Think four-poster beds, balcony bath tubs and hush-hush mews addresses. The London hotels on this list are less about their convenient location, buzzing bar scene or family-friendly room service options. Instead, we've chosen these boutique boltholes for their beautiful bedrooms, cosy restaurants and swoon-worthy views. While the quintessentially British charm of these intimate hotels steals many hearts, not everyone is seeking the same style of romance. Some couples may find their amour ignited in the more understated yet modern comforts of other accommodations. The easyhotel croydon is a perfect example, offering a cozy stay without the extravagance, yet maintaining that special ambiance for lovers who cherish simplicity and convenience. Whether you’re cocooned in opulence or wrapped up in the more modest chic, London’s array of romantic lodgings caters to all tastes.
Home House, Marylebone
One of the prettiest boutique hotels in London is also one of the most secret – squirrelled away within a grand Georgian townhouse on Marylebone’s leafy Portman Square. The address is better known as Home House, a private member’s club spread across three neighbouring houses and comprising an eccentrically decadent maze of restaurants, bars, a boutique gym and health spa, a courtyard garden and 23 bedrooms. Each bedroom overflows with unique period charm – expect grand chandeliers, chintz fabrics, original fireplaces and antique furniture. For the ultimate in romance-novel decadence, reserve the Lady Patricia Portman room, resplendent with intricate 1820’s hand-painted Chinese Chi’en Lung silk paper, windows overlooking the courtyard and an Art Deco ensuite bathroom with claw-foot tub. In the summer, take supper in the courtyard garden, where a barbecue is fired up to grill lamb cutlets to perfection. If the weather doesn’t permit, curl up in a cosy tapestry-covered booth at the house restaurant with a glass of Champagne and fresh Poole Rock oysters. Whatever the season, don’t miss their smooth and sexy Signature G&T, made using Home House’s very own gin, along with tonic, mango bitters and dried mango.
Address: 20 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW
Price: Rooms from about £258 per night
Savour Love at The Standard in King's Cross
Embarking on a romantic journey at The Standard is a treasured experience for many love-struck couples. Blessed with an outstanding location, this hospitable haven features plush rooms that radiate modern elegance, topped off with a rooftop bar and high-class restaurant. The breathtaking vistas of London city elevate its charm. However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the 'bath on the balcony'. The Junior Suite Terrace offers an enchanting setting wherein couples can sip bubbly while indulging in a steamy alfresco bath, against the backdrop of the majestic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. To gain comprehensive insights, do peruse our detailed review of The Standard London.
Location: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Rate: Rates start at approximately £239 per night
The Enchanting Hazlitt's in Soho
Following a candle-lit dinner in Soho, nothing beats retreating back to Hazlitt's, a gem of hidden romantic charm. Sheltered within a modestly-standing Georgian Townhouse just a stone's throw away from Soho Square, this elusive hotel has an air of enchanting nostalgia. With its canopy beds, luxurious silk curtains, plush velvet settees and assortment of fascinating details, it's a step inside a whimsical era of yore. Imagine cozying up by the hearth in the lounge with a rare collection of autographed books to peruse (actors and writers are known to hold Hazlitt's in high regard). Or perhaps, serving yourself a glass from the honesty bar, and retreating to your room for a relaxing soak in the standalone tub. The cherry on top, a liberally-scheduled midday check-out allows for a relaxed morning in bed, accompanied by breakfast. For a more detailed look, check our comprehensive review of Hazlitt's.
Location: 6 Frith St, London W1D 3JA
Cost: Accommodation prices start at approximately £179 per night
Experience Romance at Artist Residence London in Pimlico
The Artist Residence London, a transformed Pimlico pub rich in history, presents a difficult choice with its ten individually styled bedrooms. Featuring antique accents, artistry, and exquisite interior design, each room inspires a yearn to recreate such an ambiance back at home. The commodious Grand Suite homes a majestic iron four-poster super-king size bed; on the other hand, the Loft gifts guests the experience of a grand bathtub located by the window, enveloped by walls adorned with reclaimed wood, reminiscent of majestic alpine mountains, coupled with a sturdy gate-style headboard. Venture into the basement to discover the elusive Clarendon Cocktail Cellar, an intimate, opulent hideaway.
Location: 52 Cambridge St, Pimlico, London SW1V 4JD
Rate: The cost starts from approximately £264 per night.
Experience the Enthralling Luxury at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard, London Bridge
Engulf yourself in the magical experience that is the Shangri-La Hotel nestled in The Shard. It feels as if you are in an alternate world, akin to floating around in cosmic infinity. Immerse yourself in panoramic views of London's skyline, over an enthralling glass of champagne or while relishing afternoon tea at the topmost floor. You could also delight in a scrumptious dinner at Aqua Shard, one of the capital's best spots for a romantic dining experience. The Shangri-La Hotel invites you to extend your escapade within its meticulously adorned rooms, featuring tasteful contemporary designs with Japanese cherry blossom accents. The immense beds, luxuriously adorned in Frette linen and accompanied by walk-in showers promise high-end comfort. The principal attraction, of course, remains the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views sweeping across the cityscape to distant hills. Although the glass walls might excite an adventurous side of you, your privacy remains undisturbed high above on floors 34 to 52, where you’ll find an intoxicating cocktail bar and London's loftiest swimming pool. View the complete review of the Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard for more information.
Location: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Tariff: Anticipate spending roughly £595 per night on rooms
The Ned, Bank
Opulence: that’s the word that comes to mind when thinking about The Ned. The member’s club and hotel right under the nose of the Bank of England are big, bold and beautiful: the choice is plentiful (there are six different restaurants), ceilings are high and drinks are fast-flowing. It’s large enough to feel thrillingly anonymous, but there are plenty of quiet corners, like the Library Bar, to get cosy in before you sneak back up to your room. Plump for a Heritage room on the Grade-I listed fifth floor for full 1920’s grandeur. Read our full review of The Ned.
Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Price: Rooms from about £306 per night
A Romance Haven: NoMad London, Covent Garden
Renowned as one of the most enchanting places to stay in London, NoMad offers a blend of British charm with a dash of New York chic, nestled within the heart of Covent Garden. Overlooking the architectural marvel of the Royal Opera House, this luxurious hotel is a hotspot for romance. Its impressive central atrium restaurant adds to the appeal, making it a favoured location for those seeking the thrill of being seen, or searching for an intriguing date location — availability permitting. Its rooms exude a charming blend of grace and comfort, featuring alluring elements such as clawfoot bedroom baths partially hidden by subtle screens, plush velvet accents, and decadent golden mosaic in the bathrooms. For a comprehensive insight, you can read the complete review of NoMad London.
Location: 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
Cost: The price for rooms starts at approximately £356 per night
Experience Art and Luxury at The Beaumont, Mayfair
If you're seeking to allure your artistically inclined partner, you might consider a night at The Beaumont in Mayfair, no ordinary accommodation. The hotel itself is a live-in masterpiece, featuring a suite shaped uncannily like a hulking figure huddled on the establishment's facade - the creation of renowned artist Anthony Gormley. Step in and you're in a chapter from an art deco tale. The suite boasts details reminiscent of the 1920s and sophisticated marble washrooms. Take a venture behind the plush black velvet curtain and ascend a theatrical staircase to reach the secluded bedroom tucked in the core of the sculpture. The bedroom’s austere ambience is augmented by high wooden walls and a narrow window offering a mere glimmer of the heavens, making it an ideal sanctuary to escape the outside world and immerse yourself in intimate serenity. Intrigued? Explore our comprehensive review of The Beaumont.
Location: 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
Rate: Enjoy stays starting from £706 per night
Fitzrovia's Gem: The Mandrake
Step into the captivating aura of The Mandrake and you'll feel like you've discovered a secret garden in the heart of bustling Fitzrovia. Be welcomed by a softly-lit tunnel that teases your senses, leading you to the ethereal, plant-draped courtyard. Begin your enchanting sojourn with a visit to the esteemed bar, widely recognized as a top-ranked hotspot in the city, where you will experience botanical mixology at its finest, with the freshest ingredients handpicked from the hotel's very own rooftop greenhouse.
Your romantic escapade continues as you retire for the night in the palatial Mandrake Suite. Luxuriate in the standalone claw-foot bathtub nested within a Carrara marble-finished bathroom. Finally, slip into a peaceful slumber in the plush confines of our king-size, Bedouin-inspired tented bed. Take a look at our comprehensive review of The Mandrake hotel to learn more about its alluring ambiance and unrivaled offerings.
Location: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
Rate: Starting from around £298 per night
Deriving Romance at Kettner’s Townhouse, Soho
Once upon a time, the secluded Jacobean Suite was tucked away above an enthusiastic French dining spot, Kettner's Townhouse, renowned as the backdrop for Soho's most notorious parties and clandestine meetings. Tales of risqué encounters were commonplace behind its oak-panel draped walls. Fabled figures such as infamous playwright Oscar Wilde and King Edward VII are known to have enjoyed time here, with the latter even going as far as to construct a concealed passageway to the Palace Theatre over the street, so that his lover, Lillie Langtry, could enter without being spotted. The private back staircase that leads directly from the Jacobean Suite to a hidden door on Greek Street remains till today. The lavish Art Nouveau suite teems with a four-poster bed that grabs your attention, art pieces influenced by the local ethos - showcasing Soho signage designs and nocturnal ladies, and a vast vintage bathtub. Large windows present a panoramic view of the vibrant Greek Street and Romilly Street. The room also offers a plentiful bar, providing ample seating for your intimate circle of friends or recent acquaintances made at the downstairs Champagne bar. Dive into a more in-depth insight into Kettner's Townhouse.
Place: Visit us at 29 Romilly St, London W1D 5AL
Cost: Accommodation begins at approximate £275 each night
Reserve your romantic experience: Soho House
Uncover the Magic of Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
Embark on a journey into the extraordinary as you leave St John’s Square in Clerkenwell to enter the wonderfully whimsical Zetter Townhouse Cocktail Lounge. Recognized as one of the city's most romantic lounges, this place tempts you with its intriguing collection of oddities, surreal displays of Victoriana, and tasteful taxidermy. The enchanting atmosphere doesn't just end here; it seeps into the bedrooms upstairs. 'Townhouse Deluxe', the mid-tier rooms captivate with their boldly painted walls, luxurious fabrics, and impressive beds. For those who long for luxury in the bathroom, opt for Deluxe featuring a gold-tile adorned recessed bathtub framed by antique bedposts - an opulent sight indeed.
Location: 49-50 St John's Sq, London EC1V 4JJ
Frequently chosen by couples for its unique charm, Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell has served as an unforgettable venue for many proposals and anniversaries. A little-known fact about this place is that it houses the world's rarest collection of Victorian-era cocktails, offering its guests a chance to step back in time.
Cost: Expect prices to start from approximately £196 per night
Embrace the Extravagance at L'Oscar, Bloomsbury
In the heart of Bloomsbury, a former Baptist church has been transformed into the luxurious hotel known as L'Oscar, breathing a completely different life into the space. An artwork of Jacques Garcia, the interior bears no trace of its once solemn past. Unleashing in its full grandeur are opulent elements such as smoked mirrors, excessive Baroque details, and intense shades, presenting a fantastical realm contrasted with the physical and visual textures of velvet and silk layerings, embellished ceilings and gleaming marble floors. L'Oscar's signature suite with its own unique allure is unrivalled, and even their Standard Queens rooms are imbued with provocative red and gold tones. You can read more about L'Oscar hotel, London in our comprehensive review.
Location: 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
Cost: Accommodation starting from approximately £310 per night