Scenic Swimming: Beautiful London Hotel Pools
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1 year ago
Aquatic bliss is but a hotel booking away
London is home to some incredible swimming pools, including the futuristic Sky Pool floating in the Nine Elms sky. Away from the wild swim spots, lidos and members clubs, many of these beautiful pools can be found in London’s top hotels. Here are the best London hotel pools to dream about – and book.
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Beautiful London Hotel Pools
Sky Pool At Shangri-La Shard
Fancy floating 52 stories above London? The Shard’s infinity Sky Pool, Western Europe’s highest swimming pool, is the one for you, with unparalleled views of the sky through floor-to-ceiling windows. Breaststroke a few lengthy laps (it’s about 10 metres long) before recuperating on one of the soft seats waiting by the sidelines, with a magazine and a glass of fruit infused water, taking in that skyline view.
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The Details: The pool is open to hotel guests only, and a booking slot is required to swim; this can be secured during booking or check in. The pool is open 6am–6pm, and children can swim from 9–11am and 3–5pm.
Find It: 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London SE1 9QU
BOOK: shangri-la.com
Laurels Pool at Mondrian Shoreditch
Good things come in small packages, as the old adage goes – and it’s certainly true at Shoreditch’s Mondrian hotel, where a shimmering rooftop pool sits alongside cool California-inspired restaurant and bar, Laurel’s On The Roof. Not one for swimming lengths, take a refreshing dip as the sun sets, accompanied by frequent DJ sets.
The Details: Open to guests staying at the hotel and drinking or dining at Laurel’s On The Roof. Time to make a dinner reservation? Laurel’s is one of our favourite dining spots in Shoreditch. Note that no children are allowed from midday onwards.
Find It: 45 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PT
BOOK: book.ennismore.com
The Berkeley Hotel
This uber luxury London hotel sits on the edge of quiet Belgravia and busy Knightsbridge, and is home to a heated rooftop pool overlooking Hyde Park and central London. Take a refreshing dip with a cityscape backdrop, and top it off with a tropical smoothie or seasonal spritz from the pool bar, or some small plates and snacks.
The Details: Open 7am–5pm year round. Family time from 8–10am and 3–5pm. Exclusive to hotel guests.
Find It: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
BOOK: the-berkeley.co.uk
Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel
It’s over to Canary Wharf for this breathtaking hotel pool – which is actually part of an adjacent Virgin Active health club, but hotel guests get complimentary access, so we’ll take it. Set right on the riverside of the Thames, this 20 metre pool is a beacon of light, and is accompanied by three floors of expansive fitness facilities, as well as a sauna, stream room, and further hydrotherapy pools.
The Details: Hotel guests get complimentary access to the health club, which is open 6am–10pm Monday to Thursday, until 9pm on Fridays, and 8am–8pm on the weekend. The pool closes 30 minutes before the health club. Children under the age of 16 can swim between 8.30–10.30am.
Find It: 46 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 8RS
BOOK: canaryriversideplaza.com
The Langham
From bank vault to 16 metre swimming pool, this art deco hotel pool The Langham makes for the most soothing of swims. Afterwards, unwind in the steam room or sauna, or take a breather in the contemplation lounge.
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The Details: Open 7am–9pm daily to hotel guests. Guests under 16 years old can use the pool before 10am and after 2pm, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Find It: 1C Portland Place, Mayfair, London W1B 1JA
BOOK: langhamhotels.com
The Ned London
Is this the sundowner of dreams? The Ned’s rooftop pool is a London staple, stretching 20 metres and overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. A members club and a hotel, expect also to find a cool poolside rooftop bar serving tasty food and drinks and an outdoor terrace.
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The Details: Open 7am–midnight Monday to Saturday, and until 11pm on Sundays. Members only.
Find It: 27 Poultry, Bank, London EC2R 8AJ
BOOK: thened.com
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
This subterranean swimming pool offers a pocket of tranquillity in the bustling heart of King’s Cross. Located in the cavernous steam kitchens of the original St Pancras Hotel, wind down with soothing lengths in the heated pool (it’s kept between 31 and 34°C), soaking up the colourful surrounds, before relaxing on a spa lounger or in the therapeutic steam room. Or take a more active approach with a trip to the fitness centre, too.
The Details: Open to hotel guests, or get two hours complimentary access when you book a treatment at the St Pancras Spa.
Find It: Euston Road, King’s Cross, London, NW1 2AR
BOOK: marriott.com
