Whether you’re about to get down on one knee and propose or going on a first date in London, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate romantic occasion to whisk a loved one off. If you’re planning a weekend escape to the capital this February 14th, or indeed at any time of year, there are so many exquisite hotels to make your celebrations extra luxurious and lovely.
As a couple, exploring London is always a special treat and celebrating Valentine’s Day in this vibrant city is no exception. While it makes sense to stay at one of the city’s most romantic hotels, there are many luxury places to stay, showcasing the very best the capital offers visitors.
Here is a handpicked selection of unique hotels for…
Luxury stays and sweet surprises
Valentine’s Day gives couples of every age and from everywhere the perfect excuse to celebrate their love with a luxury stay. From rose petals on the bed to chocolate-dipped strawberries, hotels will raise their game to make your stay unforgettable. The luxurious Milestone Hotel is a fabulous venue with romantic packages for its stunning rooms. Dating back to 1689, guests can sip champagne or enjoy a lovely afternoon tea after a day spent exploring the city.
Most luxury hotels in London will make that extra effort to make your stay as romantic as possible with Valentine hearts, pillow chocolates and loving floral arrangements. You’ll know if your other half appreciates celebrating special occasions with sweet treats, such as handmade luxury cakes, chocolates and other loving gestures.
Regal splendour
Kensington and its surrounding area is famed for its regal beauty and perfect for a Valentine’s Day tour of the city. The area is great if you love the Royal heritage of central London, and there are a number of elegant hotels, making it an ideal location to admire Kensington Palace (the birthplace of Queen Victoria) and the ornate gardens from your grand hotel suite.
The Kensington Hotel is an elegant five-star hotel set in a charming 19th-century townhouse. From here, enjoy scenic views of the River Thames, take a couples’ cruise along the River Thames or book a meal at any number of Michelin-star fine-dining restaurants and wine bars for a quiet drink in a cool setting.
Another option close by is the striking Gore Hotel which dates back to the 1890s and is only a five-minute walk from Kensington Palace. Inside, the hotel’s opulent spa and private cinema will make your stay memorable. While here, you and your partner could take a stroll in Kensington Gardens or pop into the Natural History Museum. For shopping, London’s most famous department store, Harrods, is nearby, plus the Royal Albert Hall might be staging a performance to complete your romantic break.
Literary love and poetry
For extra attentiveness during your trip, you might want to book a memorable hotel somewhere connected to Britain’s bygone romantic writers. Many of London’s literary figures were inspired by what they saw, who they met and even the imposing homes they once stayed in. For example, the wistful English poet John Keats once lived at the Keats House museum, where you can tour his home and workplace.
The Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel sits near the famous Bloomsbury group’s haunts with literary-themed rooms for a romantic retreat. The Goring Hotel hosted author Oscar Wilde in its earliest days, with flamboyant décor that echoes his signature style.
If you’ve only just got married, London has witnessed many famous nuptials in beautiful hotels and hosted honeymooners in its time. The Langham Hotel, for instance, was where Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning spent their honeymoon in 1846, so is perfect for literature lovers.
Visitors can view the original love letters between the famous poetic couple. If you meander through the capital’s cobbled streets, look out for its historic blue plaques that adorn period buildings, a nod to famous figures from the past. For example, heartbreaker and poet Lord Byron lived at 50 Great Russell Street in Bloomsbury, a few steps from The Courthouse Hotel (a striking Grade II listed Baroque property), which is conveniently located in Shoreditch. While here, raise a glass in the hotel’s underground Bad Romance bar.
Cool couples
For the coolest couples on a budget, you can still enjoy a special Valentine’s hotel at one of London’s best designer boutique hotels, many of which offer fun packages and perks for the romantic holiday. The Hoxton hotels are known for their cool vibe and great value, while Hub, by Premier Inn, have a modern style and affordable rates; some offer that luxury touch with free champagne for couples! At Sloane, parcelled in a 19th-century red-brick and a collaboration between French hotelier Jean-Louis Costes and the esteemed Cadogan Estates, there is a private dining room with just one table for extra-special date-night meals.
Whatever your taste and treats you have up your sleeve to make Valentine’s extra special, take time out to discover the heart of London’s best neighbourhoods to tick off the sights. You’ll both be spoilt for choice if you want an intimate candle-lit dinner in your hotel or an exciting night out.
High-end hideaways
The world-famous Ritz offers Valentine’s packages complete with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and breakfast in bed. The Savoy Hotel creates dazzling displays with thousands of roses in the lobby and petals scattered across its beds. It was here that Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana enjoyed a romantic dinner at the hotel’s Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill.
For a truly indulgent getaway and plenty of pampering this Valentine’s, there are some fantastic hotels with luxury spas. The Shangri-La, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental offer first-class stays with their unbelievable couples’ treatments, private dining and stunning settings.
First-date fun
For a cosy date to a discrete hideaway, London’s hotels have hosted many of the hottest celebrity couples during their high-profile love affairs. The Ritz Hotel is the world-renowned hotel where Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly had their first date. The Prince was said to have a reserved table in the Palmer Room restaurant.
If you’re arranging a first date, pick a quirky and fun place at The Zetter or Boundary for a combo of a cool atmosphere and great cocktail bars – ideal for getting to know someone. Meanwhile, the citizenM boutique hotel hosts singles’ events and social mixers if you’re looking for love on Valentine’s Day. Ace Hotel and The Ned also have lively bars and a buzzing social scene. The Ned Hotel welcomed Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift to their rooftop bar at the start of their short-lived romance. You, too, could also share a bottle of wine at one of London’s top rooftop bars.
With its world-class hotels, London provides so many options for an unforgettable Valentine’s getaway. Whether you want luxurious pampering or a quirky cool vibe, the city has accommodations suited for every style and budget.
Just add your loved one for a romantic holiday to remember. The capital oozes romance, and there are plenty of activities and things to see and do for an unbeatable date.
