These places to rest your head across the capital have long been about much more than a good night's sleep, as they're housing some of the city's best food and incredible cocktails. Tempted to leave your digs? Hit the last button in the lift and you might just find panoramic vistas, sky-high swimming pools and a teensy tiny garden; these are our favourite hotels with rooftop restaurants and bars in London.
The Trafalgar St James and The Rooftop
One of the best hotels with rooftop bars in London and part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Trafalgar St James has all the grandeur you'd expect from a luxurious central spot. While the room names take inspiration from historical and royal figures, the interiors themselves have a surprisingly urban feel to them. And if you're looking to go out for a bit? Travel up to The Rooftop for alfresco drinking and dining while watching over the famous square.
Take in some of the capital's most iconic landmarks from The Rooftop.
The Gantry and Union Social
Sitting pretty on the first floor of The Gantry, Union Social is a rooftop terrace at a gorgeous Stratford spot. Fronting stunning interiors decked out in foliage and floor-to-ceiling windows, which includes doors leading out onto the sunny outdoor space, this beauty is the perfect place for drinks or a bite to eat. Its all-day dining menu boasts international dishes, from the likes of miso noodle bowls to homemade arancini, with a crackin' drinks list and late-night DJs to boot.
This dreamy destination should be on your bucket list.
Novotel London Canary Wharf and Bōkan
This rooftop hotel in London adds a little luxury to your urban escape, featuring its own gym, pool and sleek sky-high restaurant with a view of the buzzing financial area. When it comes to the rooms, expect simple spaces fronting a cool, calming colour palette at Novotel Canary Wharf. Feeling peckish? Venture to Bōkan. Not only can you feast on award-winning British grub, but there's a dedicated gin menu to dive into when topping up your tan from a relaxing daybed.
Head up to Bōkan's sunny rooftop terrace for tanning and sipping gin.
Dorsett City Hotel and Jin Bo Law
Out of all the hotels in London with rooftops, this chic space is right on Shoreditch's doorstep. While the rooms themselves have a stripped-back coolness, it's the restaurants and bars that are worth shouting about. Get your fill of elevated British cuisine at VQ, while Shikumen Luxe will have you delving into aromatic Chinese cooking. When it comes to drinks, head to Jin Bo Law. Sitting on the 14th floor, this elevated watering hole will have you gazing at the skyline.
With live DJs to soundtrack your evening, the party is always popping off at Jin Bo Law.
The Montcalm Royal London House and Aviary
Nestled in Finsbury Square, The Montcalm Royal London House offers a sense of calm thanks to its mid-century rooms, which are decorated with splashes of colour and monochromatic bathrooms. If you're feeling thirsty, you've got two incredible bars to choose from. Firstly, there's Burdock - a relaxed setting boasting shuffleboard tables. Then, the oh-so-gorgeous Aviary is home to sky-high igloos in the winter and sunny alfresco opportunities come the warmer months.
You can still soak up some amazing views from Aviary's private pods.
Sea Containers and 12th Knot
Set on the Southbank stretch, Sea Containers is inspired by 1920s transatlantic sea travel and has the restaurant to match. Head straight up to rooftop bar 12th Knot for views across some of London’s most famous sites, including St Paul’s and the Gherkin. Inside, there are plush velvet sofas for slurping your way across the globe. Then, rest your head in a cabin-like room, where you'll be met with grey shades, golden-edged mirrors and splashes of pink.
Smart cocktails, views over the Thames and hotel rooms designed by Tom Dixon make up Sea Containers.
The Hoxton Southwark and Seabird
Looking for a hotel with a rooftop restaurant in London? The Hoxton has cemented its place among the best. Olive greens and framed prints set the tone for bedrooms, while rooftop space Seabird nods to NYC. Potted plants sway next to exposed brick walls, as rattan chairs come alongside painted floorboards for a boho vibe. The real draw has to be the raw bar though, which houses the capital's longest oyster list.
NYC vibes and skyline views can be found at The Hoxton's Southwark location.
Boundary and Rooftop Bar & Grill
Shoreditch has some of the best London hotels with rooftop bars and restaurants and Boundary is helping to solidify the area’s slick reputation. If you’re planning a stay, the boutique venue has 17 crisp, white rooms, each with individual quirks, ranging from a New York cityscape in the bathroom to the OTT suite by David Tang (think Chintz wallpaper and velvet armchairs). Schedule time for the Rooftop Bar & Grill among the clouds though, as fondue is its speciality.
Work your way through vats of fondue at this hip East London location.
Treehouse Hotel and Madera
Part of the world-renowned SH Group, Treehouse Hotel London is all about cosy spaces made from repurposed materials; chalked blackboards with handwritten messages are dotted throughout and fairy light laden wooden pallets dominate the lobby. The stunning view across the city also lends itself to the idea of a treehouse. Take in the sights at Madera, a buzzy, LA-style restaurant serving up Mexican-inspired dishes and masses of margaritas.
Big kids can live out their treehouse dreams in plush style here.
Shoreditch House and Pen Yen
If you're after a London hotel with a rooftop pool, Shoreditch House is your best bet. But that's not all, as Japanese restaurant Pen Yen is whipping up a variety of sushi, robata and yuzu-laced desserts. It might be members' only here, but you'd be mad to miss out on doing a few laps and lounging around next to these views of the city, before refilling on tender fish or succulent meat. So, you better nab your own membership or find someone to take you.
Take a dip and chow down at Shoreditch House.
The Culpeper and The Roof Garden
More a pub with rooms than a hotel, The Culpeper is four floors of absolute cuteness just a stone’s throw from Spitalfields Market. Start at its toes, where hanging plants and wall-to-wall sash windows create a light and airy boozer; next up, a restaurant specialising in seasonal set menus. Five simple, stripped-back bedrooms fill the second floor, each having fireplaces and oak headboards. At its very top, the roof has been transformed into a garden, completed by a firepit for chilly nights.
With a garden and stargazing events, The Culpepper is one unique rooftop.
ME London and Radio Rooftop
ME London's Radio Rooftop is on the 10th floor and one of the capital's most popular sky-high haunts. While it serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, with the city as a photogenic backdrop, that's not all this venue has to offer. A sleek space for laying down your head after a busy day, this central destination features contemporary design throughout all of its rooms. So, expect to find state-of-art technology, massive windows and private balconies that allow you to soak up London's skyline.
Between cocktails? You can snap Insta-worthy furnishings and stunning city views.
The Standard and The Rooftop
After hotels with rooftop bars in the UK? Recognisable by its 1974 brutalist architecture, The Standard’s first venue outside The States features an array of different spaces for any kind of budget. Stretched across the 11th floor is The Rooftop, a brightly coloured suntrap serving punchy cocktails and wine on tap. There's even a menu of light bites and American-style hot dogs to enjoy when hunger pangs strike.
Head to the top of The Standard for views of Kings Cross.
Ham Yard Hotel and The Roof Terrace
Despite its Soho location, Ham Yard Hotel's rooftop has got all the charm and grandeur of a country pile. More is more at this quintessentially British space, as huge patterned headboards frame double beds and green striped wallpaper decorate the suite. Upstairs, The Roof Terrace is usually only for hotel guests, homing two beehives and a herb garden; keep an eye out on their events though, as outdoor yoga, gin tastings and cocktail sessions are open to all.
A bowling alley, theatre and slick rooftop make up Ham Yard Hotel.
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