With some of the world’s best hotels based right here in London, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a plush break without leaving town. Here are 10 cool staycations for couples in London
By Hannah Hopkins
Ideas for a Couples Staycation in London
Artist Residence, Pimlico
Design-lovers should book into the Artist Residence, where they pack in eclectic rooms (think limited-edition prints and custom-made furnishings), a seasonal kitchen and an art-inspired cocktail bar.
artistresidencelondon.co.uk11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea
No one does old-school glamour quite like 11 Cadogan Gardens, where boutique rooms are opulent, decadent and individually-designed. Hidden inside a traditional Victorian facade, it’s elegant restaurant Tartufo cannot be beaten for Italian cuisine and nightcaps.
11cadogangardens.comChiltern Firehouse, Marylebone
For serious star-spotting you can’t beat Chiltern Firehouse, where the fashion pack, including Kate Moss and Alexa Chung, are regular guests. Book into one of the 26 tastefully restored rooms, housed in a Grade II-listed fire station, and owned by hotelier André Balazs of Chateau Marmont fame and dine in a kitchen with renowned chef Nuno Mendes at the helm.
chilternfirehouse.comGreat Northern Hotel, King’s Cross
Opened in 1854 by renowned Victorian designer, Lewis Cubitt, this upscale boutique hotel is ideal for those wanting to make a night of it before heading to France from St. Pancras International. Unwind pre-trip with sumptuous suites and bathrooms with claw-foot tubs.
gnhlondon.comThe London EDITION, Soho
The London EDITION has everything you need to eat, sleep and play under one roof. Not only are its beautiful designed rooms an Instagrammer’s dream, you can also blow-the-budget at Jason Atherton’s luxe Berner’s Tavern restaurant, hangout in the library bar and dance the night away in its fashionable nightclub. The hotel is even launching custom-built EDITION x tokyobike bicycles in slick matt black, with a series of exclusive London bike tours to explore the best the city has to offer in the worlds of art, fashion, food and design.
editionhotels.comMondrian London, South Bank
With a transatlantic theme running throughout, the Mondrian is a trendy South Bank hotel designed by Tom Dixon (note the myriad copper fixtures). In the lobby you’ll find a giant blue anchor and a metallic ‘hull’ reception, a sea-themed restaurant and an ‘underwater’ spa. The award-winning Dandelyan bar and the rooms – some with views over the river – aren’t bad either.
morganshotelgroup.comThe Culpeper, Aldgate
Everyone raves about The Culpeper’s aesthetically-pleasing rooftop garden (get there early to bag yourself a seat), but few know about it’s recently opened bedrooms, ideal as a weekend crash pad. Modest but design-led, they’re smack bang in the middle of the foodie hub of Spitalfields.
theculpeper.comThe Hoxton, Shoreditch
Functional and effortlessly cool, The Hoxton in Shoreditch is a mainstay of the nightlife and hospitality scene. Rooms have pared-back decor and slick en-suite bathrooms, while breakfast is delivered in a bag to your door (edgy). If that’s not your style head to the downstairs all-day American-style grill.
thehoxton.comThe Laslett, Notting Hill
With an amazing Notting Hill location, modish interiors and a social media-ready breakfast, a stay at The Laslett will make you the envy of others.
Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone
It’s easy to miss the latest Zetter Townhouse, set on a residential road in Marylebone (look for the pale blue door), but once you head inside you’ll be rewarded with eccentric-Grandmother interiors and a lively bar, headed up by modern-day alchemist Tony Conigliari.
