10 romantic hotels in London you’ll never want to leave
Where to stay for sumptuous suites, intimate spas, decadent restaurants and hotel bars with twinkling city views
Dinner with a sparkling city view, G&Ts in a shadowy corner of a Soho Blues bar, picnics in the parks, walks along the river… London has it all when it comes to romance. If you’re thinking of charming a loved one with a weekend in the capital, it has the hotels to match.
Shangri-La The Shard is the spot for indulgent Asian plates with a side of city vistas, while The Savoy is a real special occasion showstopper. If boutique boltholes with added luxury appeal to you, head to The Goring for a personal, country house feel within minutes of Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, the Bingham Riverhouse is slightly set back from the bustle but offers personality in spades, and you’re right by the Thames for romantic river walks.
For stylish stays à deux, here’s our pick of the loveliest romantic hotels in London.
Shangri-La The Shard, Southwark
Nothing says romance like a spritzy cocktail overlooking the twinkling city at dusk together. And this is where a stay at Shangri-La at The Shard is unrivalled: other hotels might have stupendous views but sights from levels 35-52 are the creme de la creme. Suites are made for lingering, with sink-into beds, tubs overlooking the skyline, and floor-to-ceiling windows making the most of the sunsets.
Explore the nightlife of London Bridge before a nightcap on the heated terrace of Bar 31; start your day with a dip in the infinity pool and a romantic massage with treatments using Neal’s Yard Remedies. Though with butler service in suites and spa treatments offered in-room, you might not make it past the door.
The Savoy, Strand
This is the place to truly indulge, whether that’s in the spa, over dinner, or with room service in one of the beautifully well-appointed rooms. Tradition reigns supreme at The Savoy, which originally opened in 1889, and that's why it’s still so popular and highly regarded today.
Treat your other half to a generously proportioned Junior Suite River Balcony room for a panoramic view of the Thames and a butler to plump your cushions and fetch you tea. Elsewhere, the dramatically styled Beaufort Bar is bound to impress with its black and gold decor, seductive tunes and array of rare vintages.
The Goring, Belgravia
The Goring is a lovely spot for down-to-earth privacy in an exclusive boutique setting, and has been in the same family since it opened in 1910. With all the charm and tranquillity of a home in the countryside (and despite being in the bustling heart of Victoria), the luxury gem is affectionately referred to as "London's country house hotel", and has just 69 rooms.
A perfect spot for croquet and picnics, the garden is the biggest of all London hotels and is actually larger than Wimbledon’s centre court. Footmen dressed in scarlet tailcoats and gold-trim waistcoats greet you by name; some will even make you cocktails in certain suites.
The Rubens at the Palace, Westminster
Top-hatted doormen and classically adorned interiors set the romantic tone at this Red Carnation Hotel near Buckingham Palace. Warm shades of burgundy, dark-wood panelling, white tablecloths and brass candelabras give The Rubens at The Palace an authentic British character while The Leopard Bar, with its brown leather sofas, animal-print cushions and live jazz, adds an international flavour.
Enjoy London-themed afternoon tea and cocktails (drawing on the Underground, the Guards and Wimbledon) before you catch a show or dinner. Rooms are appointed with style but vary greatly ─ some favour greige palettes while others make use of bright blues, reds and yellows.
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
In a leafy corner of southwest London, the Bingham Riverhouse is the spot for a classy and personal break away from the bustle of the city yet within easy access to it. The two elegant Georgian townhouses overlook the River Thames and the garden, which leads down to the towpath, is a great place to watch the world go by on a sunny day. Kew Gardens is just a 25-minute walk away, too.
Boutique rooms with freestanding copper tubs, a homely open bar-lounge serving creative cocktails, and a decent restaurant with mouth-watering tasting menus are the ingredients for a wonderfully romantic few days.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Occupying one of London's most famous buildings, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel attracts couples looking for somewhere extra special to stay with sumptuous rooms and glorious architecture.
The Instagram-worthy Booking Office 1869 is the spot for champagne served in delicately cut glass while The Hansom by reception serves a great afternoon tea and arrangement of cocktails.
There’s a spa, beautifully adorned in Turkish tiles, where couples can get packages for two, but the real unique feature (if you bag a room with a platform view) is being able to watch the comings and goings of the Eurostar terminal.
Sea Containers, South Bank
Don’t be fooled by its riverside location on South Bank, Sea Containers is a destination hotel rather than a base for city-hoppers. Big draws that will tempt you to stay include a swoon-worthy spa, a Curzon cinema, two bars and a restaurant. Couples celebrating special occasions check-in on Fridays and don’t leave until the end of the weekend.
Lyaness is the spot for atmosphere and something fun to drink while 12th Knot bar on the rooftop is the space to head for jazz nights and comedy shows. Even the look, designed like a cruise ship, is romantic in its own way, and some rooms have glorious river views and outdoor terraces.
The Pelham, South Kensington
An intimate little bolthole popular with couples looking for a luxurious weekend away in the centre of London. Opposite South Kensington Underground, The Pelham is well positioned for evenings at the Royal Hall, romantic strolls through Hyde Park, and high-end shopping at Harrods.
On the outside, the four handsome white townhouses with pillared porches and tiled entrances are understated compared to the look within: think characterfully designed bedrooms, quirky artworks in the little basement trattoria, and a wood-panelled lounge that’s perfect for settling down with a newspaper and cup of tea during lazy mornings.
The Wellesley, Knightsbridge
Sophisticated interiors, personal service and live music performances are the hallmarks of The Wellesley, a desirable dame in Knightsbridge. High-end guests come here for five-star treatment (butler service ─ complimentary to all guests ─ a Rolls-Royce on hand for short trips, £5,000 cognacs) so it’s ideal for loved ones pushing the boat out to celebrate something special; an anniversary perhaps, a proposal, or a mini moon.
Rooms are deeply comfortable featuring squishy king-sized beds and polished Carrera marble bathrooms with TVs hidden behind mirrors.
11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
Tucked away behind Sloane Square in the smart heart of Chelsea, London's only Relais and Châteaux property impresses on many levels, from the private access guests get to nearby Cadogan Gardens to the dramatic interiors where mood lighting, dark wood fittings and oil portraits make rooms exude an air of decadence and exclusivity.
Rooms at 11 Cadogan Gardens vary from brightly lit accommodation with big windows to gorgeous apartments and classically styled digs. When you’re not out exploring the sights together, relax in the Library with a book, enjoy afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or head to Hans' Bar & Grill for steaks in a relaxed setting.
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