London’s frenetic cityscape is home to a surprising number of large and inviting swimming pools, and the best of these can be found in five-star hotels.

From The Berkeley’s rooftop mosaic-tiled design overlooking Hyde Park to St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London’s Victorian-inspired affair, these venues offer a level of luxury and indulgence you just won’t find at your local leisure centre.

This ambiance comes at a considerable price for non-hotel guests, but it may be worth paying on the odd occasion for the space and calm to swim in, plus extras such as massage jets, scented candles and fluffy white dressing gowns. 

So, if you’re spending a fabulous weekend in London or you’re a full time city-dweller, treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence and check out these luxury London hotels with a pool, available whether you’re spending the night or not.

Corinthia London

A low-lit, intimate affair surrounded by marble heated loungers and private sleep pods, the pool at Corinthia London is a work of art. 

The Corinthia has partnered with ESPA to deliver a super luxurious spa experience, which is made up of four levels including 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, a nail studio and a thermal floor with an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna and ice fountain.

Who can use it? Hotel guests can use the gym 24 hours a day and spa facilities for free. External guests can purchase a day pass.

Opening hours? Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday, 7:30am to 10pm.

How much? £150 for an external day pass. 

The Langham 

The Langham’s 16-meter swimming pool comes as part of The Chuan Health Club, the hotel’s ‘body and soul’ focused spa. Built on a philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, it’s the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of London. 

The pool is particularly impressive, having previously been a large bank vault, but is now the centre of this underground sanctuary. After taking a dip in the pool, the hotel recommends guests enjoy the sauna and steam room, which are in addition to the modern gym facilitates and spa. 

Who can use it? Guests of the hotel have unlimited access, but you can also purchase a Health Club Membership or get a treatment for 50 minutes or longer to use the full facilities. Note: this doesn’t include waxing, pedicures or manicures. 

Opening hours? Monday to Friday, 10am to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 8pm. 

How much? Health Club Memberships start at £700 for a three month pass, which must be paid upfront. 

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London’s spa is something of a show-stopper. Originally the hotel’s underground kitchen, many of the original features have survived, such as great brick archways, floor to ceiling arched windows and beautifully restored tiling.

As a nod to the hotel’s location next to London’s most central train station, the spa menu is themed on journeys, with treatments such as the Time Traveller 60 minute massage and 90 minute Journey to Africa. 

As well as the beautiful Victorian-inspired pool, there’s also a fitness centre where you can sweat away the day.

Who can use it? Hotel guests have full access to the pool and spa, guest day passes and memberships are also available. 

Opening hours? The pool is open from 6am to 11pm, or 10am to 4pm for non hotel residents, excluding members.

How much? Booking a treatment of 60 minutes or more gets you full access to the spa. You could also purchase a four hour day pass for £60 from Monday to Thursday, between 10am and 4pm. 

Hotel Café Royal

Step off Regent Street and into the calming oasis in the belly of Hotel Café Royal, one of London’s most opulent hotels. The dimly lit urban retreat, known as The Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, marries innovative Western practices with ancient Eastern traditions. Visit one of the nine treatment rooms and the private Hammam, or just make the most of the pools.

Akasha offers a range of specialist hydrotherapy treatments including Watsu sessions carried out by certified staff in the dedicated Watsu pool, as well as an 18 metre long lap pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The whole area benefits from mood lighting, restorative sounds and uplifting aromas, to ensure you’re totally relaxed.

Who can use it? Hotel guests are welcome to use all facilities, as are external guests if they purchase a day pass.

Opening hours? Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday, 8am to 10pm.

How much? Spa day packages start at £225 and includes afternoon tea at the hotel, a 90 minute treatment and access to facilities. Or membership to the facilities is priced at £250 a month.

Images: Courtesy of hotels / Additional words: Abi Jackson