London is a thing of beauty and a joy to behold. Given its architectural majesty, cultural wealth, and literary splendour, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Blossoming with splendid rivershores, captivating city lights, bosky parks, and enchanting walkways, the British capital is certainly a rich slice of paradise.
It is no wonder that London has inspired and sprouted countless romantic artists over the centuries. As such, it is the ideal setting for creating memories worth cherishing with your other half.
With London’s summer reaching its peak, a romantic getaway is in order. Read on to discover the most romantic hotels in London.
Hazlitt’s, Soho: For an indulgent staycation
Tucked away in London’s west end, Hazlitt’s is the embodiment of a luxuriant bed of roses.
The establishment is soaked in rich hues, from vivid reds to princely greens and bold pinks. The zestful colour palette, in harmony with the ornate cabinetry, massive art pieces, gilted drapes, flowery furniture, and flamboyant tapestries, creates a harlequin paradise. Hazlitt’s takes pride in its old-fashioned maximalism, a vision realised with taste and gusto.
Couples can unwind in one of Hazlitt’s kingly suites, with a champagne bucket by the bed, chocolates on the pillow, and gracious hospitality associates at their beck and call. A decadent afternoon tea ritual, a ritzy pub evening out, and even entry into some of Soho’s exclusive members' clubs are on offer. At Hazlitt’s, guests receive nothing less than outrageous extravagance.
Artist Residence London, Pimlico: For quirky lazy days
Artist Residence is a luxury 10-bedroom townhouse, nestled in a verdant alcove of central London.
In this traditional Georgian building, each bedroom is filled with delightful surprises. Every suite is an immersive artwork in itself. One room is plastered with alpine wood wallpaper to evoke an aromatic forest, while another room has an antique bathtub right next to the window. Tastefully designed and artistically inventive, the Artist Residence is an utterly unique holiday retreat.
The Artist Residence is also armed with a high-end restaurant and a bar, both littered with eccentric artworks, offbeat ornaments, and peppy pops of colour. This hotel certainly possesses a truly singular personality, making for a memorable and joyous weekend escape.
The Ned, Bank: A bit of all things fancy
Sprawling 3000 square metres, the former banking hall is fashionable excess personified, equipped with seven restaurants, three bars, and hundreds of suites. After its wildly successful launch in 2017 in London, branches emerged in New York and Doha.
Built in 1924, the Ned is a classical early modern structure, devoid of any ostentatious frills, characterised by sparkling white walls and symmetrically panelled surfaces. Its 250 rooms, ranging from deluxe bedrooms to spacious suites, are bejewelled to boot, reminiscent of the roaring twenties.
The avant-garde spa is perfect for a boujee self-care day – the spa club presents a range of clinical, aesthetic, and relaxing treatments, besides being outfitted with a mani-pedi parlour, a barber's shop, a salon, and a rehabilitation centre. Couples can also embark on an international gastronomical sojourn as Ned’s hosts authentic Italian, British, Californian, Asian-Pacific, and Mexican eateries.
Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair: For an utterly English experience
Brown’s is an impressive amalgamation of history, tradition, and modern sophistication. Having remained the hotel of choice for dignitaries, presidents, and celebrities for centuries, Brown’s boasts a regal history and an illustrious legacy.
Founded in 1832, Brown's is one of London’s oldest most unspoilt luxury hotels and it has never been rebuilt or renovated. The stately Victorian building has been a favourite homestead of the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie. Steeped in history, the hotel has sheltered several royals during the world wars, such as Queen Elizabeth of the Belgians, King Zog of Albania in 1939, and King George II of Hellenes.
The rooms in Brown’s Hotel are lavished to befit a king, with gilt wallpaper, handsome velvet furniture, richly patterned tapestries, and welcoming colour palettes. Couples can engage in a quintessential English weekend by visiting the traditional tea room, the theatrical fine dining restaurant, or the sultry bar.
The London Edition, Fitzrovia: For a glamorous getaway
The London Edition, located in the vibrant Fitzrovia district, is a labour of love by Marriott International, reclaiming the building’s history with modern luxury.
The 175 rooms are fashioned like chic alcoves, with oak floors, velvet tapestries, walnut wood panels, tufted furniture, and a cantilevered desk. The Edition’s exclusive penthouse is particularly staggering, enveloped by 360-degree views of London. Nestled in cushy ease, couples can feast on breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, truly enjoying the spoils of Marriott panache in the heart of London.
Edition's premises encompasses a plush restaurant led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jason Atherton, as well as a cocktail bar known as the “Punch Room,” a wood-panelled nook reminiscent of vintage private members’ clubs.
The Mandrake, Fitzrovia: For spiritual decadence
The Mandrake is a five-star boutique hotel renowned for its incredible culinary prowess and uniquely fanciful aesthetic.
Mandrake’s 33 bedrooms and award-winning penthouse are inordinately fashioned with mosaic patterns, psychedelic designs, and flora and fauna motifs. Aureate inscriptions, eccentric artwork, cashmere bedding, velvet tufted chairs, French rugs, and shabby-chic chandeliers pepper the deluxe rooms and suites. With claw-foot bathtubs and crystal chandeliers to boot, the Mandrake bestows its guests with a kaleidoscopic feast.
The establishment also houses a Tasmanian creeper-draped restaurant called Jurema, as well as a taco bar called Yopo. Highly driven by spirituality, Mandrake also hosts a wellbeing programme with yoga, sound healing sessions, and a special spiritual concierge menu.
Portobello Hotel, Notting Hill: A bohemian paradise
Portobello Hotel is a pastel-hued, luxury bolthole located in the heart of Notting Hill.
An archetypal regency building, the Portobello Hotel celebrates the bohemian charm and artistic history of Notting Hill through the eclectic atmosphere. Portobello's suites are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful hotel stays in London.
No two rooms look the same – from understated amber hues to bold peacock patterns, jungle-themed madness, chintzy excess, and fervid sanguinity, each room sings with immense character.
Quality homemade British meals are served in Portobello's cosy sitting room. There’s also an in-house tavern known as “Honesty Bar,” filled with delicious cocktails and retro crystal.
The Beaumont, Mayfair: For unattainable indulgence
Situated in one of London’s most affluent streets, the Beaumont is steeped in old-world money.
Art decor magnificence and 1900s-inspired American grandeur are the hallmarks of Beaumont, with chequered marble floors, lusty wooden panels, and ebony cabinetry. The hotel hosts 72 rooms and 29 suites and studios, all offering incredible views of London’s bustle and Beaumont’s private vineyards. With a muted colour palette, sumptuous fabrics, and subtle textures, understated elegance marks the establishment. The hoteliers left nothing to chance – every inch of the Beaumont, down to the soap, towels, and door handles, is of premium quality.
The Colony Grill, a renowned New York-style steakhouse; Le Magritte Bar & Terrace, a roaring twenties-inspired cocktail haunt; and the Gatsby’s Room, a private nook for soirees and afternoon tea, are few among the many exclusive niches at the Beaumont. The prosperous shopping spots of Mayfair are a stone’s throw away from the hotel, as are some of the locale’s impenetrable private members’ clubs.
London’s luxury hotels are decked out in all the trappings of an ethereal fairytale. Whether it is a special occasion or simply a mundane weekend, these heavenly sanctuaries are a surefire way to impress, flatter, and spoil your beloved. It’s time to whisk your loved one away to one of London’s beauteous romantic retreats.
