The Best Hotels With Pools to Book in London
Whether you’re looking for an antidote to those fog-filled winter mornings or somewhere to cool down on a scorching summer’s afternoon, there are plenty of London hotels with pools. From a party-ready rooftop pool with cocktails on tap to a sporty two-lane waterway with a lap timer to boot, don your favourite swimsuit and dive into the smartest places to stay with pools in the British capital – all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. The Landmark London, for Victorian charm
Hotel
Although its grand exterior hasn’t changed since the first guests arrived in 1899, the Landmark is packed with modern five-star facilities, chief amongst them a heated, no-chlorine pool flanked by leather loungers and a separate jacuzzi. Revel in the building’s heritage as a luxury railway hotel by booking the smart, purple-and-beige Grand Central Suite, decorated with antique furniture and Victorian suitcases. In the glass-ceilinged atrium, enjoy one of the best afternoon teas in London amongst towering palms.
2. One Aldwych, for a tranquil retreat
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
You’ll totally forget that Covent Garden is next door in this hotel’s blue-lit spa, where sealife projections play over the surface of a chlorine-free pool enlivened with underwater music. After a few laps, unwind with a massage, a steam in the sauna or a workout on the latest Technogym gadgetry. Splash out on the blue-washed Dome Suite for a circular living room inside the building’s copper cupola, warmed by an electric fireplace and equipped with a free mini bar.
3. The Ned, for VIP access
Luxury
Soho House and the Sydell Group are behind this behemoth hotel and members’ club in the City of London, housed in an enormous former bank. Slip off down to the Neoclassical spa to use the 20m (66ft) pool, Moroccan hammam and steam rooms. Afterwards, take your pick from one of the seven restaurants in the food hall, or head to the top floor, where there’s a rooftop pool that surveys St Paul’s Cathedral, although you do need to be a full member to use it.
5. The Corinthia, for serious spa treatments
Hotel
There are four entire floors dedicated to wellness at the Corinthia Hotel on the Thames Embankment. Come here for everything from personal training sessions to pedicures and laps in the swimming pool. Don’t hurry back to reality too soon – you could spend an entire afternoon on the other-worldly thermal floor, home to a tension-busting hot tub, ice fountain, sauna, heated loungers and private sleep pods.
6. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, for fitness fanatics
Spa Hotel
7. The Haymarket, for designer interiors
Chain Hotel, Luxury
St James’s can be stuffy, but the Haymarket Hotel feels distinctly down to earth, thanks to designer Kit Kemp’s coordinating clash of bright fabrics. Downstairs, the 18m (60ft) heated indoor pool doesn’t take itself too seriously, either, since it’s housed in a hedonistic grotto with a colourful light installation and a cocktail bar to one side. Rent the whole space for a private pool party of epic proportions.
8. Shangri-La at the Shard, for a hotel pool with a view
Hotel
The Sky Pool at Shangri-La at the Shard looks down on London’s landmarks from 52 storeys up. Officially the highest pool in Western Europe, there’s almost a cinematic feeling to swimming here, which is apt, considering it’s more of a photo opportunity than a place to properly practise your breaststroke. If you can’t take your eyes off the view, get a glass of bubbles at the adjacent Gong Bar and watch the city put on a show at sunset.
9. St Pancras Renaissance, for vintage glamour
Boutique Hotel, Suite Hotel, Business Hotel, Hotel
10. The Connaught, for unparalleled luxury
Spa Hotel
Expect nothing less than all-out glamour from this classic Mayfair hotel with ornate ceilings, wood panelling and oh-so sumptuous upholstery. Downstairs, at the Aman Spa, the jet set wash away their sins in an enormous black granite swimming pool and a delightfully scented steam room infused with essential oils. Once you’re feeling pure of mind and body, it’s time for a re-tox in the award-winning Connaught Bar – don’t miss the martini trolley, of which Mr Bond would definitely approve.
11. The Bulgari, for a glitzy stay
Spa Hotel
Sleek beyond measure, the spa space at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge is dominated by a 25m (82ft) colonnaded swimming pool made of Italian limestone. It’s surrounded by loungers and cabanas cast in creamy drapes that speak to the calm and collected. This being Bulgari, there’s a blingtastic vitality pool, too, tiled in gold and equipped with powerful massage jets ready to make light of niggles and knots.
Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.
Heading to West London? Discover our guide to the best hotels in the area and book now on Culture Trip.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.