Romantic London Hotels to Impress the Love of Your Life
With its spectacular architecture, rich history, beautiful parks and vast array of fine dining options, it’s not hard to see why London has become one of the top destinations for a romantic break – after all, there must be a reason why so many romantic comedies are set in the city. When planning that perfect weekend away with your loved one, it’s important to choose the right accommodation which will add that little bit more magic to your stay. To help you choose, here’s a guide to the ten most romantic hotels in London.
Portobello Hotel
Perfect for couples who are seeking a quiet weekend getaway, the Portobello Hotel manages to combine romantic chic with the eclecticism of its location, Notting Hill. Each of their rooms has its own unique design and comes with those lovely little touches which make a hotel stay that bit more luxurious, such as top-quality toiletries. A continental breakfast is also included in the room price, served in the drawing room overlooking the beautiful Stanley Gardens. The drawing room is also the location of the honesty bar, where you and your beau can sample some excellent tipples, including Portobello Road gin.
The Rookery
Hidden away down a tiny street in the trendy district of Clerkenwell, the Rookery Hotel has a location which romantics will simply love, with its winding alleyways, quaint traditional pubs and cosy cafes. Once inside the hotel, you’ll discover exquisite rooms with four poster beds, antique furniture, warm furnishings, and roll-top baths, along with roaring fireplaces to keep you warm if you’re visiting in winter. For the ultimate romantic experience, you can opt for the Rook’s Nest suite, which has breathtaking views over St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Old Bailey.
The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
For a glimpse of what it would have been like to live in the glorious townhouses of upmarket Georgian Marylebone, stay at the Zetter Townhouse. All the rooms are individually designed and decorated to the highest standard; a great option for couples is the townhouse suite, with lots of cute personal touches such as personally selected novels and hot water bottles in hand-knitted covers. The property also features an opulent cocktail lounge, the Seymour Parlour, where you can enjoy the Zetter’s bespoke speciality drinks.
Draycott Hotel
Located in an imposing redbrick Edwardian mansion close to Sloane Square, the Draycott Hotel offers 35 tastefully decorated rooms complete with Victorian antiques and tasselled soft furnishings, exuding an old-fashioned romantic charm. The Draycott also boasts a cute garden, something of a rare find in the bustling metropolis that is London. There is an in-room beauty and massage service, complimentary refreshments such as a 6pm glass of champagne, and typical English afternoon teas, all of which can add that little extra something to a romantic break.
Shangri-La at the Shard
If you want to take your romantic stay in one of London’s most recognisable icons, it doesn’t get much better than Shangri-La at the Shard. Occupying the 34th to 52nd floors, all the rooms in this wonderful hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows offering some of the best views in the entire city. For the ultimate romantic trip away, you can choose to purchase the ‘Love is in the Air’ package, which includes a one-night stay in one of the luxurious rooms or suites, breakfast in TING Restaurant and Lounge, a bouquet of flowers, chocolates, a bottle of Rose champagne, plus the use of the Infinity pool.
Rosewood London
For couples imagining a romantic stay straight out of an English period drama, the Rosewood London offers it in abundance, from its grand sweeping entrance to its gorgeous interiors with their high white walls and plush furnishings. If you’re staying in one of their suites, you’ll have access to the hotel’s butler service, which includes transport organisation, celebration planning, and pressing and laundering. If you’re staying in one of their regular rooms and want to add some more romance, choose their Romance at Rosewood package which comes with a bottle of champagne and complimentary access to the sauna and steam room.
Hazlitt’s
Once the home of William Hazlitt, considered to be one of the greatest essayists and critics the English language has seen, this 18th century townhouse is now a sumptuous boutique hotel. The rooms are beautifully decorated with dark panelling and furnished with antique beds, Victorian baths and chandeliers. For the couples that love to read, the property also boasts a library lounge. Located just off Soho Square, Hazlitt’s has the perfect location to enjoy the shopping, theatre and nightlife options that a romantic London break has to offer.
Blakes Hotel
Known for being London’s first boutique hotel, Blakes Hotel is equally famous for its Mediterranean Corfu suite, a popular choice for honeymooners. Stepping into this room will make you feel like you’ve just entered a villa in Greece, with its gossamer-netted four-poster bed, white linen and wooden furnishings. However, it’s not the only room in the hotel that has the romantic vibe to it; whichever room or suite you choose will make you feel lovey-dovey. Also on the premises are an Asian-inspired restaurant and the Chinese Room and Bar, which serves delicious hand-crafted cocktails and fine wines.
Claridge’s
Long a favourite of the wealthy and famous, since Claridge’s opened in the 1850s it has been dedicated to providing its guests with beauty, luxury and impeccable service. If you have the money to spend, Claridge’s will not disappoint on the romance front. Each room features elegant décor, a marble bathroom and views of the courtyard, but it isn’t just the rooms which will grab your attention – although they certainly are wonderful enough to keep you in there for your entire stay. The Reading Room is an Art Deco wonder, the jewel-box bar Fumoir will make you feel you have stepped back in time to the 1930s, and who could resist a romantic afternoon tea in Claridge’s stunning and world-famous foyer?
Hotel Cafe Royal
If you want to combine old-time charm with modern chic, the Hotel Cafe Royal is the romantic hotel for you. Having undergone a complete refurbishment in 2008, the resulting transformation is a perfect mix of a quaint English property with all the mod-cons thrown in. It has numerous restaurants and bars on-site, meaning you don’t need to go too far with your loved one if you want to make the most of your stay there. There’s also an impressive spa so you can both indulge in some relaxing treatments and make use of the amazing facilities, including massages, hammam/steam baths, and jacuzzis.