The world’s most romantic hotel rooms

Destination

By Juliet Kinsman

October 1, 2022

Discover the reasons to check into the most romantic rooms imaginable – from a Barcelona penthouse to a royal welcome in Bangkok.

Romance is about escaping the ordinary. Hiding from the humdrum. Feeling like you’ve stepped into a fantasy life. Creating a seductive space is about much more than red roses and petals on the bed – it’s about conjuring a feeling that makes your heart smile and your toes tingle. From pulse-quickening perches with knockout views, come-hither beds that you’ll never want to leave, to nothing-is-too-trouble service – here Juliet Kinsman selects six seductive stays.

Panoramic Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Paris

This Art-Deco-inspired address on the Rue Saint Honoré is as rich in history as it is in elegance. Feel like 1950s’ film stars in the City of Love, as you recreate your version of moments immortalised in arty black-and-white tableaus of yore.

These suites are flooded with natural light and filled with specially commissioned artworks making them a favourite of fashionistas and gallerists who appreciate the finer things in life. Just make time for a Michelin-starred supper from Sur Mesure Par Thierry Marx and a spell in the secret garden.

Hyde Park Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Views over a Grade I-listed green space, open fireplace, spacious salon with a private library – consider the Golden Age of Travel evoked to perfection. Chandeliers, silk wall coverings, leather-topped desks and Greek-marble bathrooms are among the tactile touches in Joyce Wang’s considered interiors in this suite.

With all the suites at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, you'll be able to celebrate Valentine’s any time of the year. Siren calls come from Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and The Spa with its 17-metre swimming pool.

Penthouse Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

When a suite comprises an entire top floor, you know it must promise special panoramas. Eight stories up on the Passeig de Gràcia, the Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola's interiors ensure every angle in the Penthouse is pleasing to the eye.

You have Gaudí’s iconic landmarks as your neighbours, dining downstairs by Carme Ruscalleda and a private garden and rooftop pool to explore – although the double hydromassage bath and La Prairie products may indulge you enough that your 24-hour private butler only sees 'do not disturb'.

Garden Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Royal dignitaries stayed in this more than 140-year old hotel when there wasn’t room in the Royal Palace. The Chao Phraya room is as peaceful as can be with some of these 12 suites set across two levels.

Oriental silks and fresh orchids are just some of the tasteful reminders of your Thai-capital coordinates, with a sprawling white-marble ensuite bathroom guaranteed to transport you far, far away from Bangkok's buzz.

Patio Villa at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

Step out onto pink powdery sands here on the exclusive island of Canouan in St Vincent and the Grenadines from these luxury Caribbean villas. Mandarin Oriental, Canouan’s flawless Italian architecture blends sophisticated design with showcasing nature at its most beautiful — from the green, green hills to the blue bay beyond and its coral reef perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing.

Mandarin Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

It's perennially koyo and hanami in the 22 romance-stoking suites here in the Cesar Pelli-designed Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower in Tokyo’s business district, thanks to a design overhaul that saw textile designer Reiko Sudo working her magic together with the artful eye of creative director Ryu Kosaka. For a view of Mount Fuji, choose a guest room acing west.

Woods and water is still the nature-loving interiors theme of the cityscape-view upper floors of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, with a contemporary take on the traditional ‘flower shower’ print revived in the restyled furnishings. Here the sense-stimulating season-saluting spaces showcase golden autumn colours alongside wisteria and cherry-blossom blooms evoking Japan’s iconic springtime scenes.

About the Author

Juliet Kinsman

Juliet is a travel writer who contributes to titles such as Condé Nast Traveller. She is also a regular guest on BBC Radio London, and ex-editor-in-chief of Mr & Mrs Smith