The most romantic hotels in London this winter

A Junior Suite in this period hotel – the former home of writer William Hazlitt – sets the romantic scene nicely: maroon-painted panelling, thick satin curtains, enormous French bed and gilt framed mirrors. Overall it’s got a wonderful authentic vibe to it, original floorboards creak underfoot and every piece of furniture has a story to tell. There are surprisingly thoughtful design details too, the loo for example is concealed within what looks like a Jacobean love seat. They serve up a lovely breakfast to your room (there’s service 24 hours), but as it’s in the heart of Soho you’ll probably want to head outside for plenty of dinner à deux options.

Food is a big deal to the NoMad group (its LA and Vegas hotels are deservedly hyped) and its latest European outpost does not disappoint. Located right in the centre of Covent Garden, this is one of the loveliest hotels for couples in London for an elegant but relaxed dinner before catching a West End show. Snuggle into a green velvet banquette for delicate dishes like scallops with crispy pancetta. The atmosphere at night is particularly special, the inky sky is visible through the soaring glass roof which is dotted with hanging lanterns. Rooms are fresh and modern, with crisp white linen and rose pink throws plus stunning showcases of contemporary art.

The entrance to The Portobello hotel says a lot about the overall property itself, it’s quiet and discerning, polished yet homely. The brilliant white façade slots perfectly into this ever-so-pretty residential Notting Hill street. A winding staircase leads to individually designed bedrooms, some bright and vibrant, some dark and moody. Stacks of clearly much-loved books line the walls and fresh flowers in colourful painted jugs are placed on sunshine-filled windowsills. Book room number 13 for a four poster bed so high it’s got steps leading up to it. Or choose 16 for a freestanding tub (rumoured to have been filled to the brim with Champagne by Kate Moss and Johnny Depp).

Killer river views, clever cocktails and a buzzy, fun atmosphere are what makes Sea Containers a good choice for those looking for something a tad different to rose petals on the sheets. Easy to spot due to its signature neon sign, it’s situated on the South Bank, so perfect for the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre (10 minute strolls) but also crucially it has a life of its own, too. In fact one of its three bars, Lyaness, was once voted the best bar in the world. The in-house Curzon cinema with its vintage popcorn cart is also a real draw, but the spa is spot on too and often overlooked. It even offers side-by-side massages for couples (with a glass of Laurent Perrier thrown in).

It’s pretty unusual to find an outdoor bathtub in a city, but the swanky suites at The Standard have just that – a playful, slightly naughty touch, which makes it one of the sexiest hotels in London. Bringing its signature sass from across the pond (its older sister is in NYC) it’s got a big personality that shines through from its bold seventies style to its regular all-night parties. Make sure to book a Saturday night table for pre-drinks on the recently opened rooftop terrace for views of St Pancras (the Aperol Spritz slushy is already legendary) and stay for a boozy bottomless Sunday brunch downstairs at Double Standard, the hotel’s popular American burger joint.

There’s only a handful of rooftop pools in the city, but The Berkeley was one of the originals and it’s still just as coveted today as it was back in the 1970s. Exclusive to hotel guests, if the sun is shining the baby blue daybeds with striped fluffy towels give it a fabulous South of France feel; the circular Hyde Park treetops visible if you look down. This is the sort of hotel that’s suitably fit for a honeymoon (or mini-moon), perfect for high-end downtime after a wedding. Spend the day hidden up by the pool before retreating down to the restaurant for white-gloved service and five-course tasting menus or stay holed up in your honeymoon suite and order comfort food at its finest; truffled ham and brie sandwiches with fries gets our vote every time.

If there’s a more sultry, sexy spot for pre-dinner drinks in the capital than the cosy Fumoir Bar at Claridge’s then we’re yet to find it. In fact, the entire Art Deco style hotel is a fine example of 1920s inspired romance. Yes, the prices here are also some of the highest (for everything, the room rates, food, cocktails…) but there’s a reason and it’s all to do with utterly faultless service, the kind that anticipates your every move, yet never feels stifling. They also know how to deliver romance without it ever seeming cringey which is a hard feat to manage. No request is too big, so this is the place to excercise creativity if you’re looking for a romantic weekend in London (they particularly love to host couples for a wedding night or honeymoon).

Sister to the popular Hazlitt’s, this little hideaway is a warren of cute-as-a-button rooms discovered through wonky wooden doorways, antiques and curious knick knacks stuffed into every nook and cranny. It’s a charming contrast to its hip, edgy East London neighbourhood outside, so after wandering around cool cafés and independent boutiques head back and help yourselves to drinks in the honesty bar. Hunkering down next to an open fire for the afternoon is pretty magical. Room to book for a romantic weekend in London is The Rook’s Nest, a penthouse suite spread across two floors made for squirreling away. Peer out of the sloping roof and you can spot the domed peak of St Paul’s in the distance.

There was such a splash around this hotel when it first opened back in 2014 and pleasingly it’s still got that ‘something special’ atmosphere eight years later. For a Central London hotel the things-to-do list is long with a bowling alley, cinema, spa, gym, roof terrace with kitchen garden, bar, restaurant… There’s almost no reason to leave at all. Room rates are pricey, but there’s no need to go for a massive one, the superior category is a decent size, has a lovely queen-sized bed and all are decorated in that instantly recognisable Kit Kemp flair. If it’s a honeymoon suite you’re after however, the terrace suite on the top floor of the building is enormous with floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you’re looking to swerve the classic (sometimes stuffy) grande dames then The Mandrake with its kooky, off-the-wall style could be for you. The curious stuffed animals (alligators, peacocks) might not be to everyone’s tastes, but what can’t be disputed is the beauty of the indoor/outdoor terrace. One of those intimate under-the-radar spots where a summer first date could easily turn into hours of chatting and cosy cocktails entwined amongst the jasmine and passion flowers. The next morning fall on particularly healthy portions of huevos rancheros at restaurant Yopo and perhaps a banana, almond milk and honey smoothie to battle the hangover.

Celebrity spotting is rife here, so be prepared to be distracted on a date for stealed glances at the likes of Cara Delevinge, David Beckham or Kylie Minogue. The property opened to much fanfare with Nuno Mendes at the helm of the restaurant, however it’s now been taken over by Executive Chef Richard Foster who has revamped the menu with reassuringly classic food at its heart; wood-fired pizzas at lunch and black truffle pasta or “forty eight hour chargrilled chicken” at dinner. Rooms are all styled the same in a retro chic manner so there’s no FOMO when choosing a place to stay, but the south-facing variety have Victorian windows overlooking the courtyard and let in plenty of natural daylight.

There’s views, and then there’s the head-spinning 180 degree vista at the Shangri La at The Shard, easily making it one of the most romantic hotels in London. Landmark spotting from bed, from such a high vantage point is as thrilling as it sounds and is a guaranteed way to impress. Perhaps it’s the height, perhaps it’s the sleek design or maybe it’s the serene movements of the impeccable staff but a stay here almost feels other-wordly at times. Expect all of the luxe hallmarks of any upscale hotel of its kind: heated floors in the marble bathrooms, pillow menus and butlers and the lovely added touch of binoculars (and in some rooms even telescopes for star-gazing).