12 Most Romantic Hotels

The Gainsborough Bath Spa takes a lot of its influence from the iconic Roman Baths, which are just around the corner from this city-centre hotel. In fact, the 3 indoor pools look a lot like the city’s most popular attraction, albeit without the green water and crowds of tourists. You can relax in the different water temperatures before hitting the saunas (both traditional and infrared), steam room, ice alcove or even the fully equipped gym.

Fortunately, your holiday doesn’t need to be a Roman one – the rooms themselves are refreshingly modern in their design and facilities and the hotel’s first-class restaurant services up contemporary British cuisine in a stylish Georgian setting. Be sure to check out the ‘wine wall’ if you’re going to enjoy a romantic meal here.

Imagine looking out from a rooftop restaurant, across ancient ruins and garden greenery, with the Tiber flowing by in the foreground and the sun setting over Rome’s skyline behind it. 47 Boutique Hotel offers just that, with the added bonus that you are just a few steps away from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, and Palatine Hill. As locations go, it’s hard to beat!

Naturally, we wouldn’t suggest this hotel as a top romantic getaway just for its convenience. Aside from the aforementioned rooftop terrace, you can expect stylish, comfortable rooms, a Turkish bath, and a gym from this fantastic 4-star hotel.

Who can say no to a romantic getaway in Paris? Well, Parisians, probably, but for everyone else, there’s Maison Souquet. This 5-star hotel is located just around the corner from the famous Moulin Rouge and looks like it. Imagine the most decadently luxurious, elegant décor you can – that’s pretty much what you can expect here. Think deep purple plush furnishings, crystal chandeliers, rich woodwork, and fine details on every surface.

The beautiful design doesn’t stop at the reception and bar, but also extends right into the rooms, suites, and spa. Even the 10-metre indoor swimming pool has an elegant look.

The Scotsman Hotel is kind of like the rest of Edinburgh – gorgeous historical architecture on the outside, but contemporary and convenient under the surface. While the building dates back to 1905, the facilities within certainly do not. The rooms are bright and airy, the restaurant serves outstanding contemporary cuisine, and the hotel has its own luxurious cinema. Yes, a cinema!

If you’re keen to explore the city, The Scotsman Hotel is certainly a great place to start from. Located just the other side of Edinburgh Waverley station from Princes Street, the list of iconic attractions within an easy walk goes on and on.

The Pavilions Amsterdam achieves the rare feat of being both conveniently close to the centre of a major city while also being calm and peaceful, especially in the evenings. It’s only a couple of canals (about 500 metres) away from the Royal Palace, the Oude Church and the notorious nightlife area that is De Wallen, yet you could easily feel like you’re on a quiet backstreet and there’s little to disturb your sleep.

And what a sleep you’ll be able to get in the plush, modern rooms of this fabulous 4-star hotel! The building may date back to the 17th century, but its furnishings, facilities and décor do not. Expect luscious fabrics, rich colours, soft chairs and 4-poster beds under gilded ceilings. Sweet dreams!

You can’t get much more in among the action of Barcelona than right on La Rambla, the main shopping, dining, and nightlife hub of the city. Yurbban Ramblas Boutique Hotel goes one better, being right at the top end of the street, near Plaça de Catalunya. Despite the touristy location, the hotel’s “local soul” ensures that your stay is distinctly Barcelonan.

This noteworthy location certainly does not mean this is a place for party animals. The modern and genteel 3-star hotel oozes style and sophistication, though certainly not at the expense of comfort. The rooftop terrace is a big bonus, too.

The Gilpin has the historical stone and slate look that the Lake District is famous for, but the waterside rooms look almost like repurposed shipping containers, only more rustic and charming. It’s worth mentioning, at this point, that the lake house in the name is a separate property about a mile away, on Knipe Tarn, but is run by the same highly capable and friendly team.

The lake house is definitely the top choice for a romantic getaway, thanks to the outdoor hot tub, indoor swimming pool and beautiful natural surroundings. The main hotel is certainly no slouch, either, with a first-class spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

If you’re picturing a luxury hotel in New York City, you’re probably thinking of The Plaza. After all, it’s one of the most iconic properties in the Big Apple. The château-style white frontage looks out across the full length of Central Park while the white-and-gold interior styling is timelessly elegant and luxurious, especially in the Palm Court restaurant.

Of course, being iconic is less important in a hotel than being comfortable, but The Plaza delivers there, too. The rooms retain the hotel’s distinctive classical grandeur that starts at the lobby champagne bar, though with the addition of modern amenities and conveniences. Other contemporary additions include a fully equipped gym and a full-service spa.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally booked a room in the Doge’s Palace when you arrive at Maison Venezia. The canalside hotel is charmingly weather-beaten on the outside, but clean, stylish, and classically luxurious on the inside. Think canopied beds and gold accents and you’re on the right page.

The actual location of the hotel is some distance away from Venice’s star attractions. Though given that just getting around the city is a memorable adventure, that’s hardly an issue. The neighbourhood is comparatively calm, peaceful, and authentic, meaning your romantic break in Venice feels less like a trip to a theme park.

Cap Rocat advertises itself as the most hidden and private hotel in the Mediterranean, and it’s not hard to believe. The 5-star hotel is a repurposed ancient fortress in a 74-acre nature reserve, so amazing views are part of the package. 

Imagine walking through the castle-like gatehouse to a room built into a cave in the rock. Step out of the cave entrance to find your own private infinity pool looking out at the sun setting over the Bay of Palma. From the stunning spa to outstanding restaurants to the private beach, you will struggle to find a more romantic getaway anywhere in the Med.

As disconcerting as the name might be, The Slaughters Manor House is a delightful 4-star hotel that’s about as Cotswolds as it gets. The name comes from its location in Lower Slaughter, just down the road from Upper Slaughter – a pair of very typical Cotswolds villages. Like the manor itself, almost every building in the area features the iconic yellow Cotswold limestone and slate roof tiles.

The hotel certainly lives up to at least part of its name – the ‘Manor House’ part. Think Chesterfield sofas, 4-poster beds, and afternoon tea on the lawn. Modern additions, including an excellent restaurant, add convenience to the classical comforts.

NoMad London sits almost directly over the road from the Royal Opera House. The Grade II-listed former courthouse has the same classical, collonaded look. The interior is a bit of a surprise, favouring old-fashioned furnishings with contemporary accents – a nod to the brand’s New York origins.

The NoMad Restaurant is arguably the hotel’s highlight, which successfully hits the balance between classic luxury and modern casual comfort. The soaring conservatory roof and stylish lanterns illuminate the restaurant’s eclectic contemporary menu.