In the mood for love - Romantic hideaway hotels in London

Hazlitt's is full of character, and is so sought after, it doesn't even need to advertise. Its success is based on word of mouth alone. Dark walled bedrooms give it a great Gothic feel but luxury is not spared here either. The hotel gets its name from the 18th century essayist, William Hazlitt. So writers be prepared, perhaps the muse will descend if you stay here. There is an honesty bar for guests to entertain your friends, and you can also refuel on hearty British fare before stepping out to enjoy the bright lights of Soho and the rest of London too.

St John Hotel is full of the quirky eccentricity of one of its owners, chef Fergus Henderson. His campaign for 'nose-to-tail' eating means that you get to try lots of new things in his restaurant; squeamish people, and vegetarians, look away now. The bedrooms are stripped down simplicity, almost futuristic in outlook, and stark white. But the minibar contains some yummy nibbles and surprises, and comfort is not spared in this, the latest venture in the Henderson empire. The St John Hotel is perfect for the romantic aesthete who loves to eat nose to tail and share their passions with their loved ones.

Belgraves brings a little bit of Brooklyn to Belgravia. That's a lot of the letter B, but just one more needs to be added, BOUTIQUE. If you want to still pretend you're in New York, with cool contemporary fixtures and fittings, and super helpful doormen, then this is the place for you. But London gets a look in too, with British Chef Mark Hix's restaurant menus, which showcase the best of British and provide you with excitement and sustenance to make your stay here entirely pleasurable. If you're a smoker, you'll love the 'cigarden' outside, and if you like shopping, this could be the place for you.

Blake's is boutique London at its international best. Redesigned by Anouska Hempel, this little gem takes you on a journey through India, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Egypt, and Italy. Decadence, abundance, dark mysteries and beautiful silks delight the eye and ease you into a strange and wonderful world. There are rooms dedicated to Marlene Dietrich and Coco Chanel, but somehow, Hempel's great design eye manages to stop things going too over the top. The hotel has been featured in countless design magazines, and the barmen mixes a mean cocktail too. This is the velvet and brocade version of Romance that will provide the perfect setting for rich, spicy love.

The Zetter Hotel and Townhouse is great. Even if you don't need to stay here, there's great service and a wonderful atmosphere in the great bar, which is like a Georgian or Victorian gentleman's own private club. Mismatched comfy sofas and armchairs line the plush crimson and velvet rooms, curiosities adorn the walls, and the staff mix great cocktails with olde Englishe ingredients. If you can, it's worth staying in one of the 7 rooftop studios, then you'll really feel you're in your very own boutique. Up here, high above the rooves of Clerkenwell, with all the city at your feet, you'll feel, and be treated like a King or Queen.

Luxury for the fashionable Lady or Gentleman. Timeless, yet contemporary, the Halkin promises style aplenty. There's even a 'couture chocolate afternoon tea' to enjoy should you so wish to partake of English culture with a modern twist. The hotel claims to be London's first boutique hotel, and opened back in 1991. In the heart of Belgravia, and just across the road from Hyde Park, this is perfectly placed for both the West End, St James' and Kensington and Knightsbridge. Marble bathrooms feature even in the standard double rooms, and the hotel also offers suites and studios. The biggest, the Como suites feature dining tables for 6, luxurious sitting rooms, large double bedrooms, and some come with private balconies and second bathrooms too.

The Covent Garden Hotel works hard at its boutique flavour. Dressmaker models are signature design additions in every room, along with paisley and sumptuous fabrics, this hotel works hard to create a homely atmosphere and a haven from the busy streets outside. If you're at home in Theatreland, you'll be in your element here, just step outside and most of London's biggest theatres are quite literally on your doorstep. Walk just a few steps away and you can stroll by the Thames, or take in London's South Bank and more arty offerings on the South Side of the City. Classic films are screened every Saturday in their very own cinema, now can you get any more boutique than that?

Enjoy a touch of royal association if you choose to stay at Hotel 41. It's located just behind Buckingham Palace, residence of Queen Elizabeth II herself, and opposite the Royal Mews. You can walk through many of London's beautiful parks if you stay here, and you're also just 5 minutes from Victoria Station, one of London's main transport hubs. No two rooms are alike in this hotel, but all share a black and white theme. Scented candles, fresh fruit and flowers, and even open fireplaces in some rooms set this hotel apart, and give it a romantic cosseted luxury feel. Dock your Ipod, to create your own romantic mood, and then all you have to do is sit back, and enjoy.

The Bulgari hotel opened up in 2012 and says that it provides a haven of calm right near the shops and busyness of some of London's most exclusive areas. The 85 rooms are light filled and beautiful, you enter a slick black marble lobby, and are met with impeccable style and elegance. You walk in to beautiful book lined rooms with calm furnishings and elegant walnut woods. Bulgari's history as a jeweler and silversmith is woven throughout the design, and mixed with English style in their London hub. That gives you the perfect film star luxury, history and heritage to create the stage set for your romance.

The Ritz is synonomous with luxury, elegance and expensive living. Tea at the Ritz with its elegant cake stands, crackling fire, posh china and tinkling chatter is a go to place for many Londoners and those from further afield, even if they're not staying at the hotel. In short, the Ritz gives you that feeling of a special occasion, so staying at the Ritz is luxury and romance epitomized, for the whole of your stay. The hotel promises rooms fit for a King or Queen, and staying here, you're just a short walk from Buckingham Palace itself. All furnished in the signature Ritz colours of blue, peach, pink and yellow, these are rooms full of fabric, acres of ruffles, antique furniture and lashings of gold leaf. Could you get any more luxurious or romantic?