Forget Paris; London has long been the perfect getaway for romantics. 

Think of the declarations of love on the South Bank à la Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell in 4 weddings and a Funeral or that kiss in the private garden in Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts (I’m sensing a theme here). London is packed with romantic spots to pause at and ancient streets to stroll along. Along with the best bars and restaurants to wine and dine the object of your affection, London has everything you could want for a romantic vacation. 

Traveling as a couple is, in its very nature, romantic, and you deserve to have your trip be enchanting and passionate.

But every couple’s idea of romance can be quite different. It’s not always about rose petals scattered on beds and treatments for two, but instead, it could be about eating breakfast in a high-thread-count bed in fluffy white robes accompanied by chats and (ideally) Champagne at sunset with no rush to get to dinner. It’s a walk through a hidden park where you can steal a kiss in a dark corner. It’s reading a good book, with your feet curled up on a fireside sofa together. It’s about spending time together without interruption from the outside world.

We’ve researched the best luxury hotels in London, and what unites all of the hotels I’ve chosen is their attention to detail which makes them perfect for an extra-special stay for two. 

BLAKE’S LONDON

Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, Blake’s London is renowned as the world’s first boutique hotel. Blakes is famous for its inspirational design, sophisticated allure, and impeccable service, unlike any other luxury hotel. Various far-off lands inspire each room: Russia, India, Turkey, and is luxuriously decadent. With only 45 rooms, Blake’s discreet atmosphere of exclusivity and privacy allows you to feel that you are deliciously alone.

The Corfu Suite, which you enter from the garden, is my favorite. It has a dreamy white decor and an indulgent four-poster bed draped in gossamer white fabric. Perfect for romance.

CLARIDGE’S

Steeped in romance, Claridge’s has to be considered one of London’s most iconic hotels for romance as there’s nowhere quite like this art deco masterpiece. Claridge’s epitomizes timeless elegance and exceptional service. 

All rooms are uniquely designed and have comfort levels that entice you to immediately hang up the “Do Not Disturb” sign and settle in for a romantic weekend, which you can easily do with your personal butler and 24-hour room service. After all, the hotel is famous for its indulgent breakfasts in bed.

If you care to venture out, the award-winning Afternoon Tea in the Fumoir Bar is a must, or you might want to indulge in some couples’ spa treatments, and perhaps a languorous dinner at Michelin starred Davies and Brooks. 

I recommend booking a spacious Claridge’s Suite. Ask your personal butler to bring Champagne so you can cozy up in front of the ornate fireplace for a genuinely luxurious date night.

CORINTHIA

A stay at the Corinthia hotel is unapologetically glamorous. This ultra-luxe hotel offers breathtaking views and delightful services to make your stay here unforgettable. — this is Love in Luxury!

The Corinthia pampers you like nowhere else. As you enter the hotel, you are immediately transported into a world of luxury with its stylish and light interiors, beautiful artwork, and exceptional staff. It is the perfect destination for 48 hours of unadulterated romantic luxury. As a special treat for your love in luxury weekend, Corinthia has an in-room cocktail service, ‘Drinks to your Door,’ where a mixologist with their cocktail cart mixes your drinks so you can enjoy a digestif in the comfort of your room post-dinner. The Spa at Corinthia is considered one of the best in London and worth an indulgence in.

I recommend staying in the incredibly glamorous Hamilton Suite. Named after Lady Hamilton, the terrace looks out over Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, where Horatio, her lover, stands. 

HAZLITT’S

If you’re looking for something quintessentially English, this is the place for you. Hazlitt’s is a charming hotel in four conjoined 18th-century townhouses just off a leafy Soho Square. It is one of London’s best-kept secrets, but its charms should be shouted from the rooftops. 

It is a luxurious escape from the busy streets of central London, and this is a gorgeous place to stay. The staff at Hazlitt’s pride themselves on friendliness and impeccable service and will ensure you have the perfect stay. Whether you want to surprise your loved one with a selection of Charbonnel et Walker chocolates or procure last-minute tickets to a West End show, they’ll be more than happy to help.

What makes Hazlitt’s truly a treasure is the hotel’s library which holds tome upon tome of classic novels. The two Harry Potter books are particularly magical; both signed first-editions that J.K. Rowling gifted Hazlitt’s. It’s a fantastic space to curl up and read a book. And then, when you are ready, London’s most bustling neighborhoods are on your doorstep.

My favorite room is the lavish Duke of Monmouth Suite. This suite is sure to kick your romantic weekend up a notch. You can lounge in the cozy sitting room in front of your fireplace, sip wine, and order from the 24-hour room service for a romantic night in. Or alternately, the suite has an outdoor terrace with a retractable roof where you can enjoy a gorgeous London night.

HOTEL 41

Hotel 41 is a gorgeous, romantic hotel located in the heart of London, overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. Comprising of just 28 rooms and suites, this charming hotel will surprise and delight you from the moment you arrive at the private entrance with the relaxed and discrete feel of an exclusive private members’ club. You will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne from their beautiful Champagne trolley during your check-in.  

The hotel is striking and stylish, with a black and white theme running throughout. Complimentary snacks, freshly baked bread, daily cheese board, tempting desserts, and evening canapés emphasize the intimate luxury of exceptional service at Hotel 41.

I recommend staying in the grand Conservatory Suite, with its wood-carved bed positioned beneath a glass roof. What could be more romantic than sipping Champagne in bed and taking in the breathtaking views of the star-lit sky of London?

THE CADOGAN – A BELMOND PROPERTY

The Cadogan Hotel stands on Sloane Street midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, combining the elegance of Knightsbridge with the artistic vibe of Chelsea. It pays beautiful homage to two of its most famous past residents, Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry, mistress to King Edward VII. The door to Lillie’s house, where she entertained the King is now a private entrance for hotel guests and nods to Oscar include a specially commissioned peacock made from 25,000 Swarovski crystals and the velvet and tweed worn by staff.

With that titillating history and located around the corner from bustling Knightsbridge and chilled Chelsea, The Cadogan is ideally situated for a romantic city break. The hotel overlooks the private Cadogan Palace Gardens, where guests have exclusive access. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind. The Cadogan will arrange a picnic for you, and you can play a game of tennis, or just while away the hours in the lovely garden.

I recommend staying in their Royal Suite, Oscar Wilde’s room of choice, where he waited to be arrested for his tragic love affair. This suite is as indulgent as Oscar was, with complete stunning views of Cadogan Place Gardens, an epic corner bath, and personal butler service. 

THE CONNAUGHT

Americans adore it, and the English revere it. The Connaught is simply a hotel where luxe out luxes itself, and you cannot afford to miss experiencing it. It’s also ideally located in Westminster, London, making it ideal for couples looking to explore London’s iconic landmarks.

Effortlessly blending English grandeur with the genuine warmth of character and modern touches, The Connaught adds an extra touch of attention that you don’t usually find in other London hotels. With a ratio of three staff to one guest, the service is remarkable. From the moment you walk through the doors, you will feel like a VIP.

You can choose between contemporary or classic rooms, both beautifully decorated. You might not want to leave the incredible comfort of your room. Still, with two Michelin-starred restaurants and Aman’s first urban spa destination outside of their resorts, you really should enjoy the Connaught’s hospitality. And definitely take time to enjoy a martini served by white-gloved bar staff at the sleek and stylish Connaught bar.

I recommend the Terrace Suite, a true Mayfair marvel. 

As your butler unpacks your luggage, sip a welcome drink on the beautiful outdoor terrace and admire the fabulous views of the London skyline.   

THE GORING

Elegantly English with a splash of old-world charm for added effect, The Goring is the last remaining family-owned hotel set in the heart of Belgravia. The Goring remains the only hotel in London to hold a royal warrant and was the hotel Kate Middleton chose to stay in the night before her wedding to Prince William. 

You can see why royalty is so enamored by the place. You’re close to the Palace, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, and the parks, but you’ll find private gardens and magnificent restaurants within the hotel. You’ll feel like you’re in a private garden as you sip a cocktail from the adjacent Cocktail Bar.

I recommend the Royal suite where Kate Middleton stayed before her marriage. A footman is waiting to serve you a cocktail and unpack your luggage. Sip a welcome drink in the sitting room, where there’s plenty of space to kick back and relax or enjoy it on the marvelous balcony overlooking The Goring Gardens. 

THE NED

The Ned is a romantic, boutique London hotel with a considerable style. 

More an art deco complex than just a hotel, the Ned is home to an impressive 250 bedrooms, 17 bars, nine restaurants, two swimming pools, a gym, a spa, and more.

Romance can be about having fun together and having lots to do as it is about candle-lit dinners, and The Ned provides a couple with many options to do this. This is another hotel you’ll never want to leave, but if you do, you have both East London and Central London on your doorstep. A perfect position to enjoy the romance of the capital from!

Rooms are designed in a cozy art-deco style, and the suites are more luxuriously ornate complete with four-poster beds.

I recommend the Terrace Suite with its richly draped four-poster bed and original mahogany fireplace. An indulgent roll-top bathtub is housed in the luxuriously appointed marble bathroom. But what makes this extra suite special is the 375 square foot terrace with a large dining area and lounge, the perfect spot for hosting guests you might meet while having fun.

THE ZETTER TOWNHOUSE

The Zetter Townhouse is not your conventional hotel. This unusual property offers couples a taste of what it feels like living in the fashionable streets of Marylebone, London, in the Georgian era. The Georgian townhouse features 24 bedrooms and an opulent cocktail lounge, Seymour Parlour – an excellent place for couples to unwind with a drink in hand. A romantic stay here includes a candle-lit dinner, bespoke cocktails, and the traditional English afternoon tea.

The Zetter Townhouse is designed in a quirky fashion, and the lounge feels more like the private residence of an eccentric relative called Uncle Seymour. It is a fantastic place when you want to find a cozy spot to enjoy a bespoke cocktail and jazz. 

For the ultimate seductive escape, book Lear’s Loft Suite. You can snuggle up and sip cocktails in the living area while listening to your private record player or wander out to your private roof terrace for an outdoor soak in the rolltop bath. Lear’s Loft Suite was made for romantic stays. The luxurious Lear’s Loft has everything a couple might desire for an intimate and personal trip.

Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking A Romantic Hotel in London 

• What does romance mean to you? Are you looking for a romantic hotel with a jacuzzi in the room, a quiet bolt hole away from it all, or somewhere luxurious with couples’ spa treatments and a minibar? Consider the amenities you’ll expect on your romantic getaway, and make sure the hotel you choose has them all.
• Think about location. If you’re going to have an active trip with your partner, go out for romantic dinners, the theatre, and museums, you’ll want to be in Knightsbridge, Marylebone, or Covent Garden. But if you’re going to keep things quiet and calm, the hotel itself is way more important than where it happens to be in London.
• Weigh up the length of your romantic getaway against the price and luxury of the hotel. Arguably, one or two nights somewhere totally magical and incredibly romantic might be more enjoyable than longer somewhere a little less infused with romance.