London’s most romantic hotels for a loved-up city break

Steeped in romance, Claridge’s is one of London’s most iconic hotels. A landmark since the 1850s, this historic hotel has attracted everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Anne Hathaway over the years. Today, Claridge’s continues to revolve around luxury, beauty, and exceptional service. And although London is home to lots of five-star hotels, there’s nowhere quite like this art deco masterpiece.

Located in affluent Mayfair, this hotel attracts a sophisticated crowd. From the minute you step into the regal lobby, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Sparkling chandeliers, gilt mirrors, and chequerboard tiles add to the glamour. But if you find all of that opulence a little intimidating, don’t worry. Claridge’s incredible staff will ensure you and your partner have an unforgettable stay.

At Claridge’s, if you want to stay cocooned in your room all day, you can. The hotel is famous for its indulgent breakfasts in bed, and room service here is second to none. A buzzer system allows guests to request a waiter, maid, or valet. So, as you won’t even need to pick up the phone, you can fully focus on relaxing with your love.

Bedrooms are luxurious, yet understated, with a choice between traditional and art deco style decor. The Mayfair King with its period detailing, fresh flowers, and marble bathroom is a lovely choice for snuggling up together. Or if you want to go all out, book one of the hotel’s standout signature suites. In the spacious Claridge’s Suite, you can ask your personal butler to bring champagne, before you cosy up in front of the ornate fireplace for a truly luxurious date night.

If whimsical romance is your thing, you’ll love The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone. One of my favourite hotels in central London, this unique Georgian townhouse brims with eccentricity. And with just 24 bedrooms, staying here is an intimate experience. According to the staff, The Zetter Townhouse is designed to look like the home of a quirky relative (in this case, Wicked Uncle Seymour). So as well as cosy romance, you can expect to have lots of fun.

For the ultimate seductive escape, book the Lear’s Loft Suite. Decked out in gold tones, this suite is filled with treasures. You can snuggle up in your king-size bed while admiring the fresco ceiling. Or, get the tunes going on the record player while you sip cocktails in the separate living area. Then wander out to your private roof terrace for a blissful soak in the rolltop bath and swap the records for outdoor Bose speakers. Lear’s Loft Suite was made for romantic stays. But if a suite isn’t an option, you can still live like royalty in a Superior Four-Poster. Dive straight into your four-poster bed, enjoy the in-room bottled Townhouse cocktails, or choose from the selection of novels for a little cosy reading before dinner.

If you manage to tear yourself away from your room, head down to the hotel’s intimate bar. Seymour’s Parlour, an eclectic antique-filled lounge, offers some of the most innovative cocktails in London. Don’t miss the Apple Shrub Soda, made from oak-infused Żubrówka, green apple shrub, and soda.

Every time I pass Rosewood London, I can’t help but stare. From its sweeping archway entrance and tranquil courtyard to the hotel’s grand façade, the Rosewood is one of the loveliest five-star hotels in London. Located beside the busy streets of Holborn, this hotel is a real urban sanctuary. And if luxurious couples’ spa treatments fit with your idea of romance, then you’ll love every minute of staying here.

The Executive Rooms are fresh and spacious, with an air of London sophistication. But comfort is a priority and the hotel’s extensive pillow menu and luxurious Rivolta Carmignani linens turn every stay into a refreshing retreat. In the ensuite marble bathrooms, the tub is deep enough for a luxurious soak and high ceilings add to the feeling of space. But if you really want to treat yourselves, splash out on a Signature Suite. Staying in the contemporary Pearl Suite, with its bespoke modern furniture and king-sized bed, you’ll feel far away from the rest of the world.

When you’ve had your fill of champagne and chocolate, enjoy some pampering time with your partner at Rosewood’s Sense Spa. A zen-like haven, the spa is a soothing mix of bamboo walls, wooden walkways, and flowing water. Combining British and European healing traditions, the treatments here are incredibly thoughtful. The Sense Spa therapists use Epsom salts and roses, both popular ingredients in the British spa tradition, alongside other organic and chemical free ingredients. Spend time unwinding in the amethyst crystal steam room, before moving into the couple’s spa suite, where you can both enjoy massages and body treatments.

Blake’s does romance in the most extravagant of ways. Located in South Kensington, one of London’s most well to do neighbourhoods, this five-star hotel is a true original. Owned by designer Anouska Hempel, Blake’s embraces maximalist style. Staying here is like entering a fantasy land, so it’s hardly surprising that some guests never even step foot outside of the hotel. If you want to impress your partner, Blake’s is the hotel to book.

Sumptuous decor comes as standard here and you’ll find style references to India, Turkey, China, and France throughout the hotel. Honeymooners will love staying in a signature suite, all of which take romance to the next level. The Corfu Suite, winner of ‘World’s Sexiest Hotel Bedroom’ award in 2013, is all airy, white elegance. Surround yourself in French Provencal-style, while you sip champagne on mother of pearl furniture, before drifting off to sleep in your huge four-poster bed. It’s not all traditional though. You’ll find Bang & Olufsen electronics in your suite, as well as a Nespresso Coffee Machine to perk you up in the mornings.

The individually-designed Director’s Double rooms are also ideal for a lavishly romantic weekend. If you want theatrical opulence, go for the Josephine room. Meanwhile, the Provence Style room is a serene haven, where you can snuggle up with your love in a gilded swan bed. This commitment to opulent design makes Blake’s undoubtedly one of London’s most romantic hotels. So if you’re hoping to sweep someone off their feet, this is the place to do it.

Set in the heart of Soho, Hazlitts is a luxurious escape from the busy streets of central London. In keeping with its Georgian townhouse exterior, Hazlitt’s decor is both grand and whimsical. So you can expect to be surrounded by velvet drapes, sparkling chandeliers, and leather-bound books when you relax in the glamorous drawing-room. If you’re looking for a romantic boutique experience, that’s just a short stroll from the city’s main sights, this is a gorgeous place to stay.

With their mix of antique furniture, paintings, and rich fabrics, the Club Double rooms have a lot going on. Snuggle up in a 17th-century carved oak bed or a Georgian four -poster and pretend to be a royal couple. Or step into your ensuite to relax in your free-standing bath. For more space to unwind, go for a Deluxe Double. You can lounge in front of your marble fireplace, ordering from the 24-hour room service and sipping wine.

Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for splashing out, the lavish Duke of Monmouth Suite is for you. With a cosy sitting room, private courtyard, and huge marble bathroom, this suite is sure to take your romantic weekend up a notch. And no matter which room you book, breakfast in bed comes as standard.

Despite the hotel’s regal appearance, the Hazlitt’s team prides themselves on warmth and friendliness. The staff will go out of their way to ensure you have the perfect stay. So whether you want to surprise your partner with chocolates or book last-minute tickets to a West End show, they’ll be more than happy to help.

And as Hazlitt’s doesn’t have a restaurant, it’s a great excuse to explore the endless delights of Soho. For an elegant date night dinner, head to Cafe Monico. A grand cafe in belle époqe style, Cafe Monico is all wood panelling, soft jazz, and dim lighting. Tuck into plates of crab linguine or lamb ragu and let yourself be transported to the past. Afterwards, sip creative cocktails in Soho’s exclusive Disrepute. Although technically a member’s bar, non-members are also welcome to book to their luxe booths.

Few London neighbourhoods provide more romantic inspiration than Notting Hill. Pastel-coloured houses stand in rows, chocolate shops sit next to cosy pubs, and Portobello Road’s antique markets are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Base yourself in the midst of it with a stay at The Portobello. An elegant boutique hotel, The Portobello has just 21 rooms. So it’s ideal if you’re hoping for a peaceful weekend with your partner.

Housed in two neoclassical mansions, this hotel combines a luxurious Regency style with the free-spirited nature of Notting Hill. The Comfy Doubles are both stylish and intimate, making them a great choice for a love-filled weekend. And for an added element of tranquillity, ask for a bedroom overlooking the hotel’s private garden.

Or you could up the romance levels by splashing out on a Signature Room. With a spacious sitting area, garden views, and deep bathtubs, these rooms are extra-special. Decide whether you want to snuggle up in a four-poster, canopy, or circular bed before you book, as each room is slightly different. And you won’t even have to get up the next morning, because The Portobello serves a delicious breakfast in bed.

Although The Portobello doesn’t have a restaurant, the room service menu has plenty to keep to you full. And when you decide to venture out and explore Notting Hill, you’ll have your pick of romantic restaurants. For a truly special date night, reserve a table at The Ledbury. This award-winning restaurant serves impeccable dishes, so you and your partner will be in for a treat. If you go for the Tasting Menu, you can expect innovative combinations, like Bantam’s egg, served with celeriac, Arbois, and dried ham. A more affordable, but equally romantic, dining option is Cépage[s]. This cosy wine bistro serves boutique wines alongside French tapas, made from classic and seasonal ingredients.