There's no better city than London in summer, and while you might be happy spilling out onto the pavement from a pub or picnicking in a royal park, we've picked the very best hotels in London with swimming pools for when you're wishing (/desperately longing) for water.
We love a lido but then, so does everyone else when it's hot. Instead, these five-star hotels offer respite as you cool down away from the crowds.
Even if the next heatwave only lasts three days, and it's likely to be left unloved during the rest of the year, an outdoor pool is the preference, for obvious reasons. But London also has impressive pools within its stellar spas and fitness clubs, which are just as refreshing on a hot day.
Here, we round up the most luxurious London hotels with pools, from The Berkeley's iconic rooftop number to The Corinthia's super-sleek alternative for shade and silence.
The one for skyline-facing swims: Shangri-La at the Shard
It’s in one of the highest structures in Europe, so it’s not surprising that the skyline views are going to be good fifty or so floors up at London’s Shangri-La.
The aptly named infinity Sky Pool has ridiculous views of tiny London below, including (happily for trainspotters) glimpses of the carriages chugging in and out of London Bridge station. Possibly not the best spot for any vertigo sufferers though…
The one for architecture fans: Art'Otel Battersea
If you like your swims to come with a view of one of London’s most iconic buildings, look no further than the rooftop pool at Art’Otel Battersea, which has an eye-popping panorama of its next-door neighbour, AKA the redeveloped Battersea Power Station.
The listed building provides the backdrop to the spectacular terrace, but you’ll be able to spy much more than its famous chimneys. Once you’ve dried off, head to Joia for creative Mediterranean cooking – and yes, more views.
The one with the super spa attached: Pan Pacific London
Pan Pacific in the City has a wellness space that is guaranteed to make you feel good, with a serene infinity pool, a gym and a part of the spa (designed with Bonpoint) that’s dedicated to children aged between six and 16.
We’d be content relaxing by that peaceful pool, but if you’re in need of a little more assistance, there’s an impressive array of treatments, using techniques from South-East Asia, as well as Chinese medicine. You’ll be able to book everything from sleep-improvement programmes to flight-recovery rituals.
The one with the views: The Berkeley
Providing serene views over Hyde Park from its beautiful rooftop, The Berkeley takes you nine floors high to experience its temple-like swimming pool, which provides all the luxury you'd expect from this Knightsbridge hotel.
A popular spot for those in the know, the pool is reserved for staying guests of the hotel and comes with striped sun loungers aplenty, and a bar serving a spritz menu, champagne and magnums of rosé wine, as well as Mediterranean small plates.
The one with palm trees: London Marriott Hotel County Hall
No time to head to the Maldives? No problem. At the London Marriott Hotel County Hall you'll find a truly tropical place to unwind on its top floor. The hotel's sun-soaked indoor swimming pool isn't all about the turquoise water, either.
Here, you can bask in an abundance of natural light as you swim a few lengths at one of the largest hotel pools in London – a place fit for an Olympic swimmer, at a lengthy 25 metres.
The one for health hedonists: Corinthia Hotel London
Spa fiends who want to take their love of wellness retreats to the next level will do well to check in to the Corinthia London, where a labyrinth of pure bliss awaits. Its super-sleek ESPA Life spa is the perfect hideaway in the city and a stunning place to escape from the sun when it gets too hot.
The next-generation spa is spread over four floors and complete with a shimmering swimming pool surrounded by black Italian marble. In between dips, there's a smaller vitality pool, experience showers, a glass amphitheatre sauna and ambient fireplaces to experience a hotel haven at its best.
The one with creatives in mind: Mondrian London Shoreditch
Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Mondrian London is loved by East London creatives who like to drink, dance and relax at this neighbourhood hub. Its chic yet unpretentious spaces include a heated rooftop pool with hipster-approved festoon lights and a restaurant attached to see to the refreshments.
What's more, the Moroccan-style tiled pool with a view of the arty area's urban surroundings is open year-round, making it ideal for summer dips and less-Baltic winter swims.
The one for poolside partying: Haymarket Hotel
With its neon-lit pool flanked by a well-stocked pewter bar, Haymarket Hotel's basement is more kitsch night spot than tranquil spa space. The fantasy den for grown-ups is perfect for decadent private events or a melodramatic birthday bash.
Its ever-changing light installation by Martin Richman is the real show-stopper. Sparkling under hundreds of fibre-optic lights, the hotel pool is surrounded by gold chaises longues and bar-style seating for those who just like to sit back and soak up the vibes.
The one hidden in a marina: The Chelsea Harbour Hotel
Offering a brilliant location overlooking a marina and just steps away from the King's Road, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is an all-suite hotel with a seriously impressive pool. The 17-metre indoor stunner with swan-neck jets is the ultimate sanctuary for temperature-regulating relaxation.
Part of the hotel's well-equipped health club, the swimming pool takes in natural light, with unfussy interiors and comfortable loungers to lay back and enjoy the surroundings of this secret hotel haven.
The one with inimitable Italian style: Bvlgari Hotel London
An exclusive subterranean spa home to another of London's biggest hotel swimming pools, Bvlgari Hotel London's offering is lined with shimmering green and gold mosaics.
The colonnaded pool encompasses Italian extravagance at its best, from its textured Vicenza-stone loungers and cabanas to the refined and glamorous architecture – we'd expect nothing less from Bvlgari.
The one fit for James Bond: Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
Home to one of London's little-known infinity numbers, Canary Riverside Plaza invites swimmers to see the River Thames from its glass-encased heated pool. The 20-metre rooftop pool is one of the capital's only swimming pools overlooking the Thames.
It also had a starring role in the James Bond film Skyfall, stepping in for the sleek Shanghai hotel where Daniel Craig swims a lap. Only Virgin Active members and guests of Canary Riverside Plaza can make like 007 and take a dip in this famous London filming location.
The one that goes above and beyond: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah
The 20-metre pool at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah is flooded with natural light, thanks to its glass atrium-style roof. It's one of the few organically treated, hypoallergenic lap pools in London, for chlorine-free swims.
Besides its heavenly pool in the clouds, the elegant hotel offers incredible views, and the five-star service and opulent spaces for which the Middle Eastern hotel group is renowned. It's also home to a Talise spa, which recently partnered with Tuscan brand Seed to Skin, created at the 13th-century Borgo Santo Pietro, for all-natural treatments.
Five sleek weekenders for a stay in London
