Planning a romantic break in the capital and searching for the best London getaways for couples? You’re in the right place! As well as living in London for 4 years, I’m an avid hotel researcher. There’s nothing I like more than finding the coolest places to stay. I even have a spreadsheet with a list of all my bucket list hotels and their destinations. I take it VERY seriously.
London’s a city I’ll forever romanticise. There’s always something new to discover, and the disparity between the individual neighbourhoods make you feel like you’re in a completely different place each time you step off the tube. It’s home to one of the best culinary scenes in the world and a jam-packed calendar of events, so it’s the perfect place to visit with your partner.
You’ll find some of the best hotels in the country in London, but there’s a lot of them, so it can feel overwhelming deciding where to stay. But, I’m here to make it easy. In this guide, I’ll cover my 12 favourite hotels for a couples trip, and the reasons why I love them. From choosing your own check out time, to staying in a treehouse, each hotel has something to make your romantic weekend perfect.
Ready to discover my favourite London getaways for couples? Let’s go.
Photo Credit – art’otel
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.
London getaways for couples
1. The Mitre, Hampton Court
Photo Credit – The Mitre
The Mitre is top of my list of London getaways for couples. Overlooking the Thames and across the road from Hampton Court Palace, hotel locations don’t get much more desirable than this one.
The Mitre is the first opening from The Signet Collection, headed up by ex-Beaverbrook boss, Hector Ross. It’s unsurprising then that The Mitre is simply stunning, with each of the 36 rooms individually designed to retain the character of the 17th-century building it calls home.
History is at the heart of its story, the hotel dates back to 1665 when it accommodated travellers and guests of Hampton Court Palace. That history has been retained despite its renovation, with several of the rooms named after renowned characters from the past (including a few famous wives and one famous king).
Food takes centre stage here – there’s 2 restaurants and bars, plus a separate orangery for private parties and a snug winter terrace. Their riverside brasserie, 1665, is headed up by Ronnie Kimbugwe, who’s focused the menu around seafood as a nod to his Devonshire roots. The Coppernose restaurant is a more casual affair, serving up cocktails and nibbles. Outside, the terrace is home to the world’s first Whispering Angel concession -and if that isn’t the hallmark of a hotel with good taste, what is?
2. The Hoxton
Photo Credit -The Hoxton
If there’s a Hoxton Hotel in the city you’re visiting, book it without hesitation. Their first hotel opened in Shoreditch back in 2006 and since then they’ve expanded to locations across England, Europe & America, with 4 locations across London. They’re driven by community, culture and wanting to offer a space where guests can live like a local and truly get a feel for the neighbourhood they’re staying in.
There’s a big focus here on making your experience as relaxed as possible, evident in everything from the app to order room service, to the neighbourhood guides you’ll find on the shelves to help you familiarise yourself with where you’re staying. Fancy exploring? There’s ‘Hox bikes’ available for free throughout your stay.
If all you want to do is stay inside the hotel, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Every Hoxton Hotel has an incredible choice of food, and the Southwark location is one of my favourites. Downstairs you’ll find Albie – a casual all-day restaurant serving food from two local eateries; Eggbreak and Pecking Order. But the real gem is on the rooftop, where you’ll find Seabird, an incredible seafood restaurant serving up everything from octopus roll to manchego cheesecake. Seafood not your thing? Pop up for a drink and grab a seat on the outdoor terrace – the views are unbeatable.
My favourite part of The Hoxton
Undeniably the best thing about staying here is ‘flexy time’, an initiative they brought in back in 2019 to allow guests to choose their check-in and check-out times within a 24 hour period. Let’s say you booked to stay on a Saturday night – if you really wanted to, you could check in at 12:01am Saturday morning and check out at 11:59pm Sunday night (I know, because I asked).
3. The Standard
Photo Credit -The Standard
Despite the name, this hotel is anything but standard. The brand started in 1999, with its first opening in West Hollywood, and quickly expanded across America, asserting itself as one of the most iconic chains of boutique hotels.
In 2019, the opening of their London location marked their first hotel outside of America. There’s 266 bedrooms ranging from a ‘Cosy Core’ to the ‘Suite Terrace’ all with a fun and vibrant design. If you want to treat yourself, the suites have outdoor bathtubs and private patios overlooking St.Pancras station.
This hotel isn’t short of places to eat and drink, Michelin-starred Decimo serves up Spanish-Mexican cuisine, and laid-back Isla‘s seasonal menu is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In the evenings, Sweeties is the place to go for cocktails and DJs, and is open until 3am. Or you can grab a drink in the Double Standard, the hotel bar. There’s even a library if you’d prefer to sit back with a good book.
Just a 2-minute walk from Kings Cross, The Standard is in the perfect neighbourhood for a romantic weekend away. You’ve got Coal Drops Yard right on your doorstep, full of buzzy bars, restaurants and shops. Or take a stroll down the canal to Camden or Little Venice.
4. Treehouse Hotel
Photo Credit -Treehouse Hotel
Treehouse Hotel is the perfect London getaway for couples who want something completely different. Located just across the street from the BBC, you’re just a 15-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus.
All of the 95 bedrooms are high up, with large bay windows to give you incredible views over London’s landmarks. The design is playful, reminiscent of a childhood treehouse – expect bright colours, reclaimed wood and even treetrunks in the bathroom. Toys are scattered around the bedrooms, including the much-loved Paddington Bear.
The hotel’s also home to one of London’s most famous rooftop bars, The Nest, where you’ll find 360 views over London, DJs and an extensive cocktail menu. There’s also a pizzeria, a Mexican restaurant, a cafe, and the option of room service.
Sustainability takes centre stage here, the wood is reclaimed, there’s water filling stations on each floor, and they’ve pledged a commitment to reducing single-use plastics. There’s even a living wall on the rooftop, with the plants helping to improve air quality. Plus, free bikes are available to use whilst you’re staying, in another bid by the hotel to reduce its carbon footprint.
5. Princess Royal
Photo Credit – The Princess Royal
Hotel bedrooms don’t get much prettier than the ones at The Princess Royal. And the renovated Victorian pub has just 4 of them, so it’s the perfect intimate setting for a romantic weekend away. There’s something special about staying somewhere this small – that personal feel is hard to beat. Each room is individually designed, with design features from classic British brands, and locally sourced antiques. Try and book the Diana room – the bath at the end of the bed is the perfect addition to a romantic weekend away.
As you’d expect from a pub with rooms, the food takes centre stage. Ben Tish, the classically trained chef and the founder of Norma – a Sicilian-Moorish restaurant on Charlotte Street, has created a menu inspired by the Med. Expect dishes like whipped Nduja, chicken Milanese, and grilled red prawns.
Located in the stunning neighbourhood of Notting Hill, just a few minutes walk from Portobello market, there’s plenty to do on your doorstep. Catch a film at the Electric Cinema – one of the oldest working cinema’s in Britain, grab brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn, or have a drink in London’s prettiest pub, The Churchill Arms.
6. The Stratford Hotel
Photo Credit – The Stratford Hotel
Although Stratford might not be the first location that comes to mind when you think of a weekend in the capital, The Stratford might just convince you otherwise. From the team behind Chiltern Firehouse and the St Pancras Renaissance, you can expect only the best from their new venture.
This stunning boutique hotel is only a 6-minute train ride away from St.Pancras, and once you arrive, there’s more than enough to keep you entertained.
Rooms range from cosy doubles to the Manhattan Studio – with floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views and a super-king bed. The hotel’s inspired by New York’s long-stay hotels, and whilst the 145 hotel rooms occupy the first 7 floors, there’s 248 loft apartments at the top, available to rent longer-term.
There’s 3 restaurants at the hotel. Kitchen E20 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner across a lounge and outdoor terrace. The Mezzanine is a lounge bar – a great spot for working and relaxing, and overlooking Kitchen E20.
At night, it’s a word-class cocktail bar, with a menu inspired by the New York cocktail scene between 1930 and 1960. On Thursday’s, they run an “open deck” night, where they invite guests to try their hand at being DJ for the evening. The weekend sees the professionals take over again – resident DJs play from 9pm until late on Fridays, and there’s live music from 10pm on Saturdays.
Date night? Head to Allegra, voted 53rd best restaurant in the UK last year. The menu’s centered around seasonality, simplicity and flavour. Expect everything from to hand dived scallop to barbecued quail.
7. art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Photo Credit -art’otel
Situated right next to the recently refurbished Battersea Power Station, art’otel is one of the coolest places to stay in the city. The interiors are beautiful, with 164 bedrooms designed by award-winning Spanish artist and interior designer, Jaime Hayon.
The hotel describes itself as combining “art, design and hospitality” – expect lots of colour, unique artwork and a playful feel. Most of the rooms have views over the city, and it feels a shame not to choose one that does, since that’s the centre point of the hotel.
On the top floor of the hotel you’ll find JOIA, a Michelin-star restaurant with views overlooking the Power Station – the perfect date night spot. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the heated infinity pool on the 16th-floor. Offering 360 views over London, and a chance to see one of its most iconic buildings from a whole new perspective, there’s not many pools like this in the city.
On the ground floor is TOZI – an Italian restaurant with its very own art gallery. But you’re spoiled for choice with bars and restaurants right on your doorstep here, and an array of shops inside the power station itself. Just down the road is Battersea Park, my favourite park in the city. Grab brunch at Pear Tree Cafe or give Go Ape a go!
8. Nobu Hotel
Photo Credit – Nobu Hotel
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic luxury brands in existence, Nobu started as a series of Japanese restaurants, before expanding into hotels in 2013. There’s now 16 hotels across Europe, America and Asia, with 18 more due to open shortly. So it’s unsurprising that there’s actually 2 Nobu’s in London – Portman Square and Shoreditch.
Portman Square, in Marylebone, has 249 rooms and suites, plus incredible dining options – Nobu Restaurant, Nobu Bar & Nobu Terrace, as well as a more casual restaurant and bar. It’s also home to the world’s first Nobu Pilates Reformer studio and a state-of-the-art gym, pilates studio and juice bar. Over in Shoreditch, the only real difference is the location. These hotels are centered around the finer things, so expect only the best from your stay.
The bedrooms range from vast suites with views over the skyline, to cosier rooms perfect for the night. No matter what you choose, the attention to detail here is unrivalled.
9. Artist Residence
Photo Credit – Artist Residence
Artist Residence hotels are amongst my go-to hotel brand for a trip in the UK. The food is excellent, they’re well-located, and all of the hotels feature beautiful pieces of art and exceptional design.
Their London outpost is in Pimlico, not far from Victoria, Chelsea and the Tate Britain, if you’re in the mood for some culture. There’s only 10 bedrooms set across 3 floors of this stunning townhouse, giving it a real homely feel. And whilst each room is individually designed, they all include a TV, Roberts radio, a Nespresso coffee machine, fully-stocked mini bar and Bramley bath products.
Downstairs is home to a cafe space and a bar – the perfect place to carry you through from morning to night. There’s also a small outdoor terrace out the front, ideal for people watching.
10. The Pilgrm
Photo Credit – The Pilgrm
A trip to London often conjures up images of either saving up to stay in an expensive hotel or having to sacrifice design and comfort to save money. But the opening of The Pilgrm in 2017 changed the game. It’s one of the best London getaways for couples.
Located just across the road from Paddington station, it’s perfectly located for a stroll down to Little Venice, arguably one of London’s most romantic neighbourhoods. It’s eautifully designed with lots of cosy corners, artwork and plants and has an outdoor terrace for al fresco drinks. There’s 73 bedrooms here, facing either London Street or Norfolk Square, and all featuring wood, lots of greenery, and artwork chosen from the owner’s private collection.
Luxury hotel this is not, there’s no minibars, room service, or bathtubs, but their focus on the things you truly need from a stay mean you can usually bag yourself a deal. There’s no air con, which shouldn’t be a problem in England, but if you’re visiting in summer, it’s something to consider.
The location of this hotel is perfect for exploring, you’re just a 10-minute walk to Hyde Park, which you can walk through to Buckingham Palace and 10-minutes from Pergola, one of the best bars around.
11. The London Edition
Photo Credit – London Edition
The Edition brand was formed by American hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott, a partnership that set out to be the “A-list of great boutique hotels”. And that’s exactly what they’ve achieved. I stayed at their Abu Dhabi location last year and the service, design, food and amenities were unrivalled.
Located in Fitzrovia, just on the edge of Soho, The London Edition is the perfect London getaway for couples who like the finer things in life. This luxury hotel has 173 bedrooms, designed to feel like cabins on a private yacht. Expect oak floors, wood panelled walls and carefully curated art. If you’re looking to treat yourself, the choose a room with a private outdoor terrace, and enjoy breakfast with views of the city.
What I love most about The Edition is their dedication to good service. They go above and beyond to make your stay special. No matter what room you choose, you’ll get:
- Custom-made Le Labo toiletries
- iPod docking station
- Twice daily housekeeping
- Fully stocked minibar
- Bottled water daily
- Newspapers delivered to your door upon request
- Custom imported linens
Date night here will be extra special, as the hotel’s home to one of London’s best restaurants, Berners Tavern. From Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, the focus is on seasonal British cuisine. After dinner, choose from 2 bars, The Punch Room for a craft cocktail, or The Lobby Bar for a more casual atmosphere.
12. One Hundred Shoreditch
Photo Credit – One Hundred Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in London, packed full of brilliant bars and restaurants and bags of stuff to do. Wander through Colombia Road Flower Market, grab a bagel at Brick Lane Beigels, and then stop for dinner at Maya. Afterwards, make your way down to Old Street Records for live music until the early hours. And when you’re ready for bed, where better to crash than One Hundred Shoreditch.
Located on Shoreditch high street, this independent hotel is perfect for stepping out into the hustle and bustle. But once you’re inside, it feels worlds away from city life. The 258 bedrooms are designed to be a retreat from city life, and the hotel is impeccable throughout. There’s 5 restaurants, including a Palm Springs inspired rooftop with panoramic views over London, and a cool cocktail bar from an award-winning Mixologist.
Rooms range from studios to suites, but don’t worry too much about which one you choose, they’re all bright, comfortable and design-led. The devils in the detail here, with laundry & dry cleaning services, room service from 7am – 10:45pm, a Peloton studio and Peloton bikes available to rent in your bedroom, as well as a fully stocked mini bar and toiletries from DS & Durga.
I hope you found my guide to the best London getaways for couples helpful. Let me know where you end up staying!