There are some hotel rooms that just make you think ‘this, THIS is where I want to bring my lover.’
Sometimes they’re tapping into the whole four-poster bed old school romantic vibe, sometimes they’re channeling sexy disco fun, or they might just have so much wow factor you want to share it with someone who makes you go wow.
Whether it’s a new romance, celebrating something special or just having fun keeping the love alive on a random Tuesday, here are some of the most romantic London hotels for your rendezvous.
The Mandrake | L’Oscar | At Sloane | The Londoner | The Franklin | The London EDITION | The Chesterfield Mayfair | The Rookery | The Exhibitionist Hotel | The Ned | Sea Containers London | Kettners Townhouse | Karma Sanctum Soho | Blakes Hotel | Vintry and Mercer | Sanderson London | Chic Victoria | Romeo and Juliet | Parisian Elegance | Taj Jaguar | Renoir’s Secret | The Merchant Houseboat
The Mandrake, Fitzrovia
When a hotel names itself after a mystical plant that’s a known narcotic, sedative, and hallucinogen, you know you’re not in for a cookie-cutter stay.
The Mandrake has fabulously trippy touches including a taxidermied mash-up of a gazelle and a peacock above the Waeska bar, while the inner courtyard taps into a jungle retreat vibe with raffia seating amongst the palm trees and passion flowers.
Read: The most amazing themed hotel rooms in the world
There are 30 bedrooms to choose from and while they all come with hamman-style bathrooms I’m dreaming of a stay in one of their suites, which include gorgeous free-standing bathtubs and four poster beds.
You can check out the different kinds of rooms and availability at The Mandrake here and hopefully we won’t be looking at the same night under that wildly romantic Bedouin style tented bed in the Mandrake Suite. Oh my.
L’Oscar, Holburn
One of the sexiest hotels in London, L’Oscar is the decadant transformation of a Grade II listed Baptist church into a luxury 39 bedroom hotel.
Set on Bloomsbury’s Southampton Row L’Oscar embraces the opulent, with deep purples, rich reds, velvet and leather in rooms with lovely high ceilings.
French architect and designer Jaques Garcia, who created the NoMad Hotel in New York, has created a hotel filled with beautiful small touches including crystal butterfly wing taps right up to eye catching statement pieces like the seven storey chandelier.
Read more: Eco friendly gift ideas for sustainable travel lovers
Michelin-starred chef Tony Fleming is at the helm of L’Oscar’s restaurant, The Baptist Grill, which sits under the original glass topped dome from the 1903 chapel.
Every room in the hotel is different, and I love the rich reds and golds in the Standard Queen and Superior Junior Suite, but oh my, that amazing gold headboard in The L’Oscar Suite is off the charts.
Talk about a room to remember, but you may have to be fast to grab that one.
At Sloane, Chelsea
One of the latest additions to the romantic London hotels list, At Sloane opened in late 2023 after the hotelier behind Paris’ legendary Hôtel Costes, Jean-Louis Costes, Cadogan Estate and interior designer François-Joseph Graf teamed up to give a 19th century mansion a new lease on life.
Behind a facade by the Liberty building’s architect Edwin Thomas Hall, At Slone has 30 rooms ranging from the more intimate sized the Mini up to the Appartement Sloane, which sleeps up to four people with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living room.
Down on the ground floor the speakeasy style bar helps to set the mood with its dark woods and rich textiles, while up on the sixth floor the restaurant has around 300 Chinese vases on display with candles dotted throughout, and while the menu is kept a secret, it’s safe to say you can expect a French twist or two.
The Londoner, Central London
When this stylish London hotel opened its doors they declared themselves the “world’s first super boutique hotel”.
That’s a great line when you have 350 rooms and so are a lot bigger than many would consider a boutique hotel, but at The Londoner they’re also thinking super in other ways.
This luxury urban resort on the edge of Leicester Square includes three spaces known as The Residence that can only be used by guests. The Y Bar, The Drawing Room and the Whisky Room provide places to work and play and there’s complimentary antipasti, soft drinks, tea and coffee day and night, as well as a guests only cocktail party every evening.
You can get pampered in the subterranean spa, drink sake around the fire pit in the rooftop izakaya lounge before retiring to your loft-inspired room or suite.
The Franklin, Knightsbridge
From the outside The Franklin looks like a rather lovely private house. On the inside it has rooms that make me wish I could live in a house like that.
Considered one of the first boutique hotels in the world when it first opened in 1978, The Franklin offers 35 rooms spread over what were once four redbrick Victorian houses in a quiet Knightsbridge address.
Designed by Anouska Hempel, the interiors are sexy and stylish with lots of mirrors on the walls, picture frames, and furniture, including the four posts on the four poster beds.
All the bedrooms come with 400-threadcount Frette bed linen, Apple TVs, Penhaligon’s products, GHD hairdryers and straighteners. There’s a champagne bar alongside the reception, and the back of the hotel looks out onto a private communal garden with trees and flowerbeds.
Read: The best luxury villas in Sicily
And if one bedroom isn’t enough for you, you can also connect some to create multiple level suites. Though perhaps that plan is best left for when travelling with family or friends rather than a private getaway for the two of you.
The London EDITION, Fitzrovia
A collaboration between Studio 54 and boutique hotel king Ian Schrager and Marriott International, EDITION hotels are known for creating unique stays and the London EDITION is a much loved member of the family.
As well as being home to Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton’s stylish restaurant Berners Tavern, this romantic London hotel is a visual feast with a giant stainless steel egg dangling from a super high stucco ceiling, velvet sofas and oh so many paintings on the walls.
Share a punch in a silver cauldron in the darkly lit, wood panelled Punch Room or enjoy a cocktail over a game of snooker in the Lobby Bar.
The simple and stylish rooms have been inspired by luxury yachts with oak floors and walls and George Smith lounge chairs. And if you fall in love with your bed you can always buy one and have it sent to your home.
The Chesterfield Mayfair
Part of the luxury Red Carnation Hotels family, The Chesterfield Mayfair is all about old school glamour with impeccable service.
In the heart of Mayfair this beautiful boutique hotel has been created out of three Georgian townhouses, resulting in 94 deluxe rooms including 13 suites, a lovely restaurant, intimate bar, library and a conservatory where their ‘Original Sweetshop Afternoon Teas’ play with vintage sweet flavours. Just the thing when you’re searching for romantic London hotels to share with your sweet-toothed honey.
At The Chesterfield Mayfair every room has its own distinctive style and you could end up feeling like you’re in a palace, a London townhouse or on the African savanna. And if you can’t bear to leave your four legged friend at home the hotel is also pet friendly.
As well as providing dog beds and bowls and a goodie bag for your good boy or girl, with advance notice they can also arrange dog sitting, walking and grooming services.
The Rookery, Clerkenwell
Set within a row of houses that date back to 1764, The Rookery could be straight out of a bodice ripping romance novel with all of its four-poster beds, open fires stone flagged floors and Georgian styling.
This boutique hotel in Clerkenwell is a stone’s throw from Smithfield Market and Fabric nightclub and has 33 rooms and suites named after local identities from years gone by including prostitutes and knights. Every room is different but they all manage to mix antique furniture with modern comforts including air conditioning.
Bath lovers will also appreciate the romance in the bathroom where some freestanding tubs are accompanied by rich velvet curtains.
There’s a large bar in the conservatory where you can pour your own and use the honesty box. And while there’s no restaurant on site you can order from room service or have something delivered if you don’t want to leave your luxury time capsule.
The Exhibitionist Hotel, South Kensington
It may sound like a rather saucy title but don’t get the wrong idea, The Exhibitionist gets its name from the prominent and eye catching art works around this boutique hotel.
Created out of two Victorian townhouses dating back to the 1870s, The Exhibitionist is in an enviable position in South Kensington, less than five minutes’ stroll from the Natural History Museum and easy walking distance from Royal Albert Hall and Harrods.
Each of the 37 rooms and suites has its own personality, ranging from the gorgeous to the trashy. Really. The Drop Dead Gorgeous Splash Suite includes a hot tub and a separate bath tub so you can snuggle in together or spread out in one each, with two aqua TVs to watch too, while their Trash City Suite has London’s black plastic bin-bags mingling with luxury items.
And fans of furniture makers Jimmie Martin can sleep in their style by booking into the Penthouse Suite they curated complete with a private roof terrace.
The Ned, City of London
When The Ned first opened I was taken on a tour of some of the rooms, and as we went from one category up to the next I had to keep changing my mind about which room I’d most like to stay in for a romantic London hotels stay.
Frankly I loved them all, but not surprisingly when we reached the Heritage and Grand Heritage category rooms my wishing I could put the do not disturb sign on the door went up a notch or three.
Read: USA Holiday homes with the Wow Factor
More than £200 million was spent on turning an old Midland Bank building into a luxury hotel and while the 1920s glamour touches are found throughout, on the Grade-I listed fifth floor the Heritage and Grand Heritage rooms retain some of the original features designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens including marble fireplaces and French polished walnut wall panelling.
The super king size beds come as either four-poster or canopy, and there are Art Deco dressing tables and marble mosaic bathrooms.
Downstairs the former Grand Banking Hall has eight restaurants to choose from, but if you can’t possibly leave your gorgeous room The Ned’s 24-hour room service will come to your rescue.
Sea Containers London, South Bank
It’s not often that you find a mini vibrator, a couples vibrating ring and condoms in the mini bar, but that’s one of the cheeky options among the drinks and snacks at Sea Containers, London.
The first hotel designed by renowned British designer Tom Dixon, Sea Containers London is a work of art. From the dramatic 68 metre long copper hull that you first see at reception all the way up to the Rumpus Room, the stylish rooftop bar with views of St Paul’s, the hotel is full of touches that I love.
Splash out on a River View Balcony Suite and you’ll not only have a super styling space inside, you’ll also have two balconies looking over the Thames.
I’ve done a full review of the Sea Containers (or Mondrian as it was called when I stayed there), including a full walk around a River Balcony Suite. Or you can click below to check availability for your sexy night in.
Kettners Townhouse, Soho
Ah Kettners. Just the word brings back so many memories of late nights and a lot of laughter.
Originally established more than 150 years ago, Kettners restaurant once welcomed the likes of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill, though in my London years it was more people who were up very late in Soho and in the mood for a cheap and cheerful meal.
Read: Gorgeous dog friendly cottages in the Cotswolds
Now Kettners Townhouse has been given the Soho House treatment, and along with a fresh restaurant and bar you can now stay in one of 33 rooms in eight categories ranging from Tiny (there’s no sugar coating that one!) up to the Jacobean Suite with a freestanding copper bath that I just have to soak in one day and its own private entrance onto Greek Street.
Soho House has also taken an even bigger part of my London years, the BBC’s Television Centre, and turned it into their 19th private members club. I’m still not quite wrapping my head around my radio and television home in London being a members club and hotel, but perhaps one day I’ll stay at White City House and really spin myself out.
Karma Sanctum Soho
If you like a bit of bling and have a sense of fun then this could be the one for you.
This former M15 research building is now a boutique hotel with a rock and roll edge, complete with a guitar tuning service at reception.
Karma Sanctum Soho has 30 rooms split into six categories, each their own look. As I’m rather partial to disco bling, Sanctum’s Junior Suite with its column covered in mirrored tiles and freestanding bath surrounded by glowing pebbles is calling me the loudest, but there are also pink rooms with round beds and other fun options to choose from.
There’s a rooftop bar, as well as a residents-only 24-hour bar with a multi-person Jacuzzi, and a screening room with a bar and gorgeous old theatre style sofas to hire. Although maybe the flat-screen TV and in room movies might be more your speed if you want to share a film on this night.
Blakes Hotel, Kensington
When Mr & Mrs Smith awarded the Sexiest Bedroom Award to the Corfu Suite at Blakes Hotel in Kensington it just went to show that everyone has their own take on what’s sexy.
Don’t get me wrong, the Corfu Suite is gorgeous. In fact, I’d say it’s wildly romantic, with gossamer nets around a king size four poster bed, mother of pearl furniture, high ceilings and white on white glamour.
But for a sexy rendezvous I’m thinking the Cardinal Suite is the pick of the Blakes Hotel bunch. An abundance of rich reds and golds, it’s Opulent with a capital O and the stand alone bathtub with a bow around it is a new contender for the bath I just have to have in my dream home.
Read: Glamping Yorkshire style: Ten of the best tents, yurts and pods
I’m also loving The Library Suite where the four poster bed shares the room with shelves of antique books. There’s a gentleman’s club vibe going on and it’s a scene that’s just waiting for a sexy librarian.
So if you’re after one of the most romantic London hotel rooms or the sexiest, you have some pretty special options to choose from at the Blakes Hotel.
Vintry and Mercer, City of London
Inspired by the merchant taylors who used to bustle around in the surrounding streets, Vintry and Mercer features historic navigation maps on the walls, made to measure velvet headboards, plush velvet curtains and leather door handles.
Read: Best Hotels Near Glasgow Hydro
There are 92 bespoke rooms to choose from, the heated roof terrace has views of my favourite building, St Paul’s, and down underneath the hotel you’ll find a speakeasy style bar, DND (Do Not Disturb).
Perfect for a nightcap before retiring to your room and putting your own DND sign up for the night.
Sanderson London, Fitzrovia
Originally designed by Philippe Starck, this five star luxury boutique hotel in London’s West End mixes wonderfully quirky touches with drop dead gorgeous moments and after temporarily closing for a little while I’m happy to see they’ve now opened their doors again.
After being greeted by Salvador Dali’s Mae West lips sofa when you walk in the door there are eye-catching moments everywhere, including a whole lot of eyes looking back at you from the backs of seats in the bar.
Read: Ten romantic travel gift ideas
Their intimate cocktail lounge, The Purple Bar, is absolutely stunning with Venetian mirrors and purple Queen Anne chairs, and I also love the Billiard Room with its huge stained glass windows.
You can check out my full review of the Sanderson London here, including their wonderful Alice in Wonderland themed Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea. Or to check availability and rates for your own Sanderson stay click here.
Chic Victoria, Pimlico
On a private road in Pimlico this stylish townhouse features luxurious bedrooms and open plan living over three black and white and fabulous levels.
As it does sleep up to six in three bedrooms you could always share this one with friends. Or you can be decadent and keep the whole thing to yourself, sleeping in each of the bedrooms during your stay.
There’s a terrace where you can start your day with a hearty breakfast or end it with a nightcap in the fresh air. From here it’s a short stroll to Sloane Square, Hyde Park and the Houses of Parliament before coming back to your black and white luxury abode.
Romeo and Juliet, Kensington
Another luxury London home that you could share with some friends or keep to yourself on a romantic getaway, this lovely Victorian townhouse is spread out over five floors and has its own private patio where you can start the day with a cuppa in the fresh air.
The house is home to a mix of contemporary and traditional artwork, furnishings and chandeliers and is found on one of Kensington’s loveliest garden squares.
Read: Secluded romantic getaways in NSW
At Romeo and Juliet you have three bedrooms to choose from, though once you’ve seen the master bedroom with its ceramic flower features along the wall and bathroom with claw foot tub there might not be much of a decision to make.
And if you have kids and love it so much you decide to bring them back for a family holiday, there’s also a children’s playroom downstairs where they can keep themselves entertained while you unwind in the light filled living rooms.
Parisian Elegance, Notting Hill
The movie Notting Hill is one of those romances we can watch time and time again, and this stunning Notting Hill home is one we could easily stay in time and time again.
We’re told this is very home where David Hockney painted ‘Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy’ and while much may have changed since then to create a more contemporary style the high ceilings and lots of period details remain.
This large, open plan apartment is just a short stroll from Portobello Market and you’re spoilt for choice on great places to grab a bite to eat or relax with a drink before coming home to unwind in your own beautiful space.
Taj Jaguar, Westminster
For the Jag lover in your life, at the Taj Suites and Residences near Buckingham Palace you can stay in the only Jaguar Suite in the world.
Overseen by Jaguar’s Design Director, Ian Callum, the Taj Jaguar suite features specially commissioned furniture, artwork and displays with lots of subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, references to Jaguar’s style and design.
The 1,832 square foot apartment includes nods to both classic and contemporary Jaguar models, from the legendary 1960’s E-type to their hybrid concept car the C-X75.
Take a seat on the same fine leather that you’ll find in the cars for a drink in front of the sleek clean-fuel fireplace or do some people watching from your balcony. While you won’t spot her from the courtyard here in SW1 you can count the Queen as a neighbour at Buckingham Palace and are an easy walk from Westminster, Mayfair and St James’ Park.
Renoir’s Secret, Knightsbridge
Lush and plush this luxurious Knightsbridge apartment includes access to a private resident’s garden where you can enjoy a romantic picnic or just lie back together and read on a warm and sunny day.
With Harrods just seven minutes’ stroll away and Harvey Nichols an easy ten you can enjoy some high end shopping as well as picking up some delicious treats at Harrods Food Hall to enjoy under the chandelier in your cubby dining room at home.
While the Renoir on the wall may have been painted over 140 years ago in this apartment it’s seen in a very modern way in a TV art frame. And when it’s time to call it a night and turn off more of those chandeliers your huge soft bed awaits.
The Merchant Houseboat, Paddington
If you’ve ever thought that there’s something particularly romantic about a canal boat then why not find out what it’s like in real life with a stay on The Merchant Houseboat.
Just ten minutes from London’s Little Venice this canal boat is moored in the Paddington Basin but you can take it exploring or better yet, arrange for a boat captain to do all of that concentrating while you sit back with bubbles on the deck.
There’s a rowboat that you can take out to explore on the water and bikes that you can ride around on dry land. And while it may be compact this canal boat has still managed to fit in a free standing bathtub and space to hang out and watch movies from the projector.
If all of the romantic London hotels and holiday homes above have already been snapped up by other lovers out there, you can also find a range of luxury London homes through Plum Guide here. They only add the very best to their books so you won’t waste time scrolling through places that aren’t worthy of you and your honey.
And wherever you choose to spend your time together, we hope it’s a romantic getaway to remember.
Leave a Comment