We’ve finally made it to Spring, and that means our tastes when it comes to hotel breaks are changing with the seasons. Rather than cosy, warm fires and nooks for reading, we’re looking for bright, floral fixtures and easy access to parks, gardens, and the great outdoors.
Spring also means we’ve finally come to the end of a horrible fallow period for Bank Holidays, so we can finally start planning trips away. Here are our picks for the best hotels in and around London for a Spring getaway, from secret gardens, penthouse dining, and cherry blossom installations to floral-inspired afternoon teas.
The Mandrake
What could be better for Spring than a hotel literally named after a plant? Designed by Tala Fustok Studio, the hotel’s inspiration comes from the medicinal properties of the mandrake plant. Spaces are named after plants steeped in myth and legend, but also used to heal and incite delirium. Eclectic décor is complemented by pops of vibrant colours and an ever-changing rotating of artwork, sporadic and unexpected artistic performances, and curated playlists in each space. A stay at The Mandrake is a stand-out spring experience.
where: 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
website: themandrake.com
The Clermont, Charing Cross
As the days become longer and the first glimpses of spring begin to bloom, The Clermont Charing Cross acts as the perfect base for exploring all the picture-perfect moments that London’s array of gardens and seasonal events have to offer. Guests can step out into bustling city life with Trafalgar Square and London’s West End close by or take a relaxing stroll through St James’s Park and admire the beautiful trees, plants, and flowers starting to bud, grow, and bloom.
In between exploring the city, guests can indulge in a quintessentially British springtime affair with The Clermont afternoon tea hosted in the conservatory area of the hotel’s restaurant. Boasting views of Trafalgar Square, this elegant afternoon tea experience offers a range of sweets, savouries, and scones, with additional cocktail, champagne, and sparkling wine options.
where: 101 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0SJ
website: theclermont.co.uk
Artist’s Residence
This is one trendy spot you need to try this Spring. While its London location might not have the seaside pull of Brighton or the traditional inn feel of its Oxfordshire hotel, it does win us around with its cool charm.
Located between Chelsea, Tate Modern, and Westminster, this boutique hotel features ten rooms, each uniquely designed and full of fun furnishings. We love the loft room, tucked away with rooftop views over the area. Featuring statement, mismatched furniture, it’s the 1930s French-style bathtub you’ll want to sink into all weekend long.
where: 52 CAMBRIDGE STREET, PIMLICO, SW1V 4JD
website: ARTISTRESIDENCE.CO.UK
The Corinthian London
Spring means we can finally start to dine outside again, and there are few better outdoor spots than the roof of the Royal Penthouse at the Corinthian, complete with panoramic views over the River Thames and, basically, all of London’s skyline landmarks.
But don’t worry, the penthouse isn’t the only portal into nature here – you can also try their garden restaurant, an oasis in the heart of the city made for alfresco dining. With an ever-changing menu, this season The Garden is embracing the better weather with an Italian offering.
where: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
website: corinthian.com
The Westin London City
Springtime brings leisure and relaxation to life at The Westin London City. Savour their delightful Eat Well Menu, designed to nourish and energise your body. Or, rejuvenate your senses at the Heavenly Spa by Westin, complete with an indoor pool for ultimate relaxation. In addition, with plenty of gardens within walking distance of the hotel including St Dunstan-in-the-East and Cleary Gardens, there are plenty of opportunities to take in all the spring flowers and greenery right in the heart of the City.
where: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD
website: marriott.com
Down Hall
As warmer, lighter days emerge, one of our favourite places to enjoy the first signs of Spring just outside of London is at the luxury, award-winning Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate. Nestled amidst 110 acres of beautiful grounds, Down Hall is celebrating the season of new beginnings with a range of activities. Take leisurely strolls around the stunning estate, experience a Spring wellness retreat, or indulge in a Sunday Feast at the Potting Shed – with most of the produce grown in the hotel’s very own kitchen garden. There’s something for everyone at Down Hall this Spring.
where: Matching Rd, Hatfield Heath, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS
website: downhall.co.uk
Shangri-La at the Shard
Spring always comes early at Shangri-La, situated 34 stories up the shard and known for their seasonal celebrations. Alongside floral decorations adorning the hotel from the lobby to penthouse suites, they have just launched their nature-inspired ‘Bees in Bloom’ afternoon tea in collaboration with luxury handmade jewellery brand Alex Monroe.
The new bee-themed afternoon tea is set to create a buzz with hive-inspired hotel decorations and menu, including the Honeybee Spritz Cocktail, with a rum and lemonade base complemented with notes of lime, mango, strawberries and chilli-infused honey.
where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
website: shangri-la.com
Four Seasons London at Park Lane
Ideally situated in Mayfair, Park Lane is perfect for a spring family getaway at Easter or on one of the May Bank Holidays. Their new ‘suite family offer’ features an Easter-themed scavenger hunt, a welcome bottle of champagne, and bespoke sweet treats from the in-house pastry chefs as well as much more.
With newly renovated rooms and suites, a Forbes Five-Star Spa overlooking London’s iconic skyline, and the newly opened fine-dining restaurant Pavyllon London from multi-Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno, this is a sure bet for world-class personal and priceless experiences that you will never forget.
where: Hamilton Pl, Park Ln, London W1J 7DR
website: fourseasons.com
The Prince Akatoki
Embark on the ultimate spring escape at The Prince Akatoki, perfectly positioned in the heart of Marylebone, just a five-minute stroll from Hyde Park. Here, Japanese hospitality intertwines with the blossoming beauty of London’s iconic park as Japanese cherry blossoms herald a season of renewal and tranquillity.
Inspired by the ancient Japanese word for dawn, Akatoki, the hotel invites guests to embrace the essence of the season with 82 design-led rooms, adorned with traditional Yukata gowns and infused with the fresh scents of Malin+Goetz toiletries.
Foodies can indulge in the flavours of spring at Tokii, where fusion delights await, or master the art of sushi with a sushi masterclass.
where: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
website: theprinceakatoki.com
Sloane Place
Sloane Place is in the heart of Chelsea and a firm favourite stop for the Chelsea Flower Show and the borough’s localised flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom. As Spring rears its head, Sloane Place is the perfect launchpad for strolling around this leafy part of town to spot the blossoming trees and take a trip to Chelsea Physic Garden, one of the capital’s most well-loved gardens.
where: 60 Lower Sloane St, London SW1W 8BP
website: sloaneplace.com
