31 best hotels in the UK & Ireland 2026, according to editors
A sun-drenched holiday in the Caribbean might be nice, but the best hotels in the UK and Ireland offer something far more relaxed, charming and quintessential. The great British staycation has grown in popularity over the past couple of years, and there are countless hotels in the UK good enough (and fancy enough) to make you feel like you're actually away. If you know where to look, of course.
The good news? We've been working hard (ahem) visiting some of the most luxurious hotels the UK and Ireland has to offer, in a bid to reveal the editor-adored spots you should check into for a weekend or longer. Yep: we’ve literally ventured to every corner of the British Isles – from Edinburgh and Somerset to Yorkshire and the Scottish Highlands – to discover the very best boutique hotels, seaside boltholes, treehouse hotels and country house hotels with golf courses and Michelin-starred restaurants. There’s something for everyone, so consider your UK getaway sorted.
Elsewhere, book the best Airbnbs in the UK, holiday cottages with hot tubs, Airbnb houseboats or girls weekend away Airbnbs if self-catering is more your vibe.
Keep scrolling for our edit of the the best hotels in the UK and Ireland right now.
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Treehouse Hotel LondonWhy we love it: When sorting accommodation, many London tourists fall into the trap of booking a lacklustre ‘base’ on the outskirts of the city – no personality, no vibes, just a bed and a kettle (if you're lucky). May we humbly suggest that to truly get the most out of your London stay, you need to experience the finest city hospitality. Enter: Treehouse Hotel, an urban retreat in Marylebone that you'll return to again and again.
In the heart of the city (a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Oxford Circus Tube station), Treehouse Hotel is a luxurious enclave located high within London's famous skyline. Here, you're encouraged to embark on a new adventure, starting by taking in the playful interiors – complete with rainforest-style greenery, vintage cuddly toys, books, and thought-provoking artwork in each room.
Speaking of rooms, Treehouse Hotel has 95 bedrooms, including 12 suites. If you're feeling particularly decadent, go ahead and book one of the spacious Clubhouse suites, each featuring a roll-top copper tub, a walk-in rainfall shower, a king-size bed, and of course, that all-important skyline view. Oh, and you can bring your (well-behaved) pup along, too. At no extra cost, Treehouse Hotel offers welcome treats, essentials including beds and bowls, and even a Canine Concierge! What's not to love?
While you'll never be short of nooks and crannies to explore at Treehouse, there's one thing you won't find: single-use plastic. Sustainability is artfully woven through the hotel's philosophy, from the interiors (lots of reclaimed wood and greenery) to impactful initiatives to cut carbon emissions and conserve water, earning it the prestigious Green Key eco-certification.
Treehouse Hotel is all about finding sanctuary, community and creativity – exemplified by the dining options. The main restaurant, Madera, serves ‘Cali-Mexican’ inspired dishes, including Josper-smoked salmon with habanero mango salsa and coriander lime rice, Sirloin steak with morita chill sauce, charro beans, rice and tortilla, and Yellowtail tiradito, with artichoke hearts, sirano, and roasted coconut. For afters, head to the Nest, the rooftop bar, for cocktails. We recommend the ‘Rhubarb Triangle', a fun mix of El Rayo Blanco, rhubarb and cardamom cordial, and Franklin & Sons ginger ale. A perfect accompaniment to enjoy those 360-degree skyline views of London.
Why we love it: There are hotels you visit, and then there are hotels that feel like they’ve been quietly expecting you – Chewton Glen is the latter. A long-time favourite among discerning travellers and one of Britain’s great country-house hotels, this is a retreat where the New Forest’s ancient oaks give way to the sea breeze of the Hampshire coast. Recently refreshed after an extensive refurbishment, the hotel balances tradition with modern polish — think soft velvets, mellow leathers and a quietly confident palette that makes the grand public rooms feel instantly inviting.
Dining is split between The Dining Room, a glass-roofed space that blends garden views with refined modern cooking, and The Kitchen, James Martin’s relaxed restaurant where wood-fired pizzas and local seafood set a more easy-going tone. The 72 rooms and suites cover every mood: classic bedrooms in the main house, contemporary estate rooms with terraces, and a string of magical treehouses elevated among the treetops, each with its own deck and hot tub.
Days unfold at a leisurely pace; perhaps a spa treatment or dip in the hydrotherapy pool, a pickleball match, afternoon tea or a walk to nearby Highcliffe beach. There’s also golf, tennis, cookery classes and even axe-throwing for the adventurous.
What truly elevates the experience, though, is the team: attentive without ever being intrusive, they create a warmth and ease that makes even the grandest corners feel like home; a rare balance that defines the hotel’s effortless charm and sets it apart from other five-star contemporaries.
Chewton Glen remains the definition of polished English hospitality: a place where everything runs smoothly, the setting steals your breath, and relaxation feels like the natural order of things here.
Why we love it: Dublin has been on my list of cities to visit for the longest time – I'm nearly 30, and I firmly remember attempting to plan a boozy weekend away in the Irish capital with my university friends sometime circa 2014. It never materialised. Needless to say, when my sister recently announced she'd be relocating to Ireland with work – and settling in Dublin for a year – I was overjoyed. For her, of course, and at the prospect of finally being able to explore.
It was last autumn when I finally took a short flight from London to Dublin City Airport, later checking in at The Chancery Hotel. It's a four-star property located right in the heart of Dublin city centre, and it couldn't have been more perfect for four days' of eating our way around the city's cobbled streets. It's around a 40-minute drive away from the airport, and located on a quiet road just 300 metres from Dublin Castle.
This might be a strange thing to say, but the first thing I noticed when I stepped inside the stylish, marble-clad lobby, was the smell. This hotel smells incredible, at like, all times – and the warm, retro-inspired interiors are elevated to match. Upon check-in, expect coffee delivered to a soft, leather sofa or nibbles served to the cosy bar, before you get whizzed up in an elevator to your stylish, state-of-the-art room. The rooms have all the mod-cons: perhaps the best rain shower I've ever had the pleasure of using, complimentary toiletries, sound-proofing, desks for remote workers, televisions with Netlfix and other streaming services, and impeccably comfortable beds.
If you manage to peel yourself out from under the duvet, ensure dinner at the hotel's European restaurant, Fawn, is on your agenda. Overlooking a courtyard garden, the stylish restaurant serves fresh Mediterranean starters like Pan-Fried Gamberi and Bruschetta, fresh pasta and locally-sourced mains including Pollo alla Parmigiana and Salmone Scottato. Elsewhere, visit the gym or escape the city through a Jo Browne luxury, vegan-friendly body or face treatment delivered by a skilled therapist. Otherwise? My top Dublin recommendations include a day trip to Dún Laoghaire (including lunch at Happy Out cafe), a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, and dinner at Doolally.
Why we love it: The Experimental Group’s first UK hotel beyond London, Cowley Manor Experimental brings Parisian flair and inventive cocktails to the Cotswolds. Set in the quietly beautiful Churn Valley, this 19th-century Italianate mansion feels delightfully removed from the region’s showier scene. The interiors, reimagined by designer Dorothée Meilichzon, riff on Alice in Wonderland - giant columns, checkerboard patterns and surreal lighting - but remain firmly on the stylish side of eccentric.
Bedrooms combine playful details with comfort: lacquered lava-stone bathrooms, leafy tones that echo the grounds, and suites overlooking the lake. The C-Side Spa, one of the first destination spas in the area, still impresses with its slate-lined pools, forest views and excellent massages.
Chef Jackson Boxer leads the restaurant, celebrating local produce with a light, seasonal touch, while the Experimental Group’s bar expertise shines in imaginative drinks like the Horlicks Milk Punch or porcini-infused Cognac. Service is relaxed yet capable, and the atmosphere hums with the easy confidence of a place designed for fun.
Surrounded by meadows and walking trails, Cowley Manor feels both escapist and effortlessly modern. It's a playful, glamorous reboot of the English country retreat, where curiosity and good taste happily go hand in hand.
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Courtesy of The Retreat at Elcot ParkWhy we love it: The phrase ‘affordable luxury’ is so overused these days that it's almost become meaningless, but never has the term been more applicable than to The Retreat at Elcot Park in Newbury, where rooms start at just £150 a night. Just a 40-minute train or 90-minute drive from London, a grand redbrick house - which might as well be plucked straight from the pages of a Jane Austen novel - sits amid rolling green countryside and forms the main communal area and rooms. Guests are greeted through the always-open front door with a complementary glass of wine (no matter what time they arrive) and from here, they meander out into the wider house and its grounds, pausing for a board game in the central Atlas Room, stopping for a manicure at the beauty parlour just across a gravelled, chair-decked courtyard or heading straight back outside to flop beside the outdoor pool and gaze out across the surrounding fields, snacks and drinks on their way.
And though the main pool is outside, the indoor areas of the small, but perfectly formed, Signet Spa are also a hive of activity, with a hydrotherapy pool, Himalayan Salt Sauna and Aroma Steam Room.
When not floating between pool and sauna in a chunky white robe, strolling the grounds, playing tennis on the on-site court or poring over the goodies at the hotel's farm shop, sustenance can be sought in the Atlas room, with its cluster of chairs and sofas, the 1772 Bistro, which looks out across the pool and serves elevated brasserie-style food or Yü, found down an intruiging Tardis-blue corridor, separated from the rest of the hotel, with views through the bay window and a pan-Asian menu that will feature plenty of sushi and sashimi.
Upstairs, pantries stocked with complementary drinks and snacks are peppered around the corridors - ideal if you fancy a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, an after-dinner movie snack plate or a midnight feast - and so too the guest rooms, each decked-out in individual vintage wallpapers. Think: copper tubs beside the bed, thoughtfully-placed antiques, squishy beds and statement headboards.
The Retreat marries grand, 19th-century style with a playful, modern atmosphere, offering up the perfect country-luxe retreat for wearied city-dwellers.
Why we love it: If you’ve looked into holidaying with your kids abroad, you’ll be well-versed in Ikos and Sani (the super family-friendly European hotels) - and we’ve just found the UK’s answer: Luxury Family Hotels. As the name suggests, this hugely popular group is a collection of five family-run hotels, all located in stunning surroundings with swimming pools, plush spas, great restaurants and an Ofsted-registered kids clubs offering complimentary childcare (yes, you read that right).
We stayed at New Park Manor, which has just had a jazzy refurb, and we’ve recommended it to everyone seeking a relaxing and fun-filled family break ever since. Luxury Family Hotels are seriously well-versed in smoothing the pain points of travelling with children to elevate a desperately-needed family holiday to something that actually feels like a break. There’s a sprawling toy-filled den to rival Hamley's, rabbit feeding, a cinema room with arcade games, epic outdoor play area, pre-dinner story time, and post-dinner movie night with popcorn. They even leave milk and cookies out to lure little ones back to the room after a delicious dinner at The Vinery - a cosy and intimate eatery with friendly staff and what my husband and I dubbed the ‘don’t ruin our dinner starter pack’ - a collection of toys, games and books to occupy little ones at dinner.
New Park Manor is also home to an exceptional family-friendly spa, giving adults the opportunity to either ditch the kids at the den and make use of the Scandi-style outdoor hot tubs or invite them along to experience a wonderful little isgha treatment. The spa has just introduced one of four Somadome pod's in the UK, a technology-enabled meditation pod.
The hotel group has certainly done its due diligence on exactly what a luxury family staycation looks like - no wonder families return time and time again.
Why we love it: There’s more than meets the eye to Seaham Hall, located on a clifftop in a rustic harbour town on Durham’s heritage coast. On first impressions, this appears to be a classic, Georgian, country house hotel. The mood inside, however, is contemporary luxury, thoughtfully designed to work with the hotel’s historic heritage.
Reflecting its coastal setting, you’ll note subtle seaside details have been paired with vibrant colour accents. There are 24 suites available, offering a variety of sizes and amenities – from private gardens to panoramic sea views. My room was exceptionally comfortable and more than generous in scale. The bathroom alone compared to a small studio flat, with a decadent roll top bath, high ceilings and terracotta tiles. Through our French doors, we step into a private garden with our own hot tub. It’s an indulgent space to breathe in the crisp sea air while relaxing in seclusion.
There are two dining options. Formerly known as The Dining Room, TDR is newly refurbished and offers the hotel’s fine dining option and an award-winning menu. Unsurprisingly, fresh seafood plays a leading role on the menu with the likes of wild sea bream and Venetian-style fish stew on offer. There’s also a good variety of other dishes to explore, including tempting sage and brown butter fried ricotta dumplings.
What is more unexpected is Seaham Hall’s second restaurant – and your route to it. From contemporary country house charm to Far East influences, descending a spiral staircase transports you to what feels like an entirely different world. An underground, winding wooden walkway, flanked by blue-lit water, leads you to a tranquil atrium featuring a majestic elephant sculpture. It’s this passage that connects the hotel to its 44,000 sq ft aptly named Serenity spa. Here you’ll find Pan-Asian restaurant Ozone, where a few menu highlights include soft-shell crab noodles and Tonyu ramen. There’s no need to get dressed for dinner – spa guests can head straight over in their robes and slippers for relaxed dining.
The spa itself boasts state-of-the-art amenities including a 20-metre indoor pool, hydrotherapy tubs, salt sauna and Zen Garden. There’s an excellent variety of treatments to choose from including Ishga treatments using Scottish seaweed and natural spring water. With luxury skincare health brand, Novara, launching at Seaham in Jan 2025, it’s sure to secure the hotel’s status as a top spa destination in the North East.
If you’re drawn to contemporary luxuries in a timeless, coastal setting, Seaham Hall makes for an excellent choice.
Jake EasthamWhy we love it: For those of you currently looking to book your next staycation, no doubt the UK's south coast, Welsh beaches and idyllic little villages of North Yorkshire are tempting you. But may we suggest you don't overlook the midlands when it comes to planning a dreamy retreat?
Not only does the recently-launched Tawny hotel in Staffordshire boast the world-famous Peak District a mere stone's throw away, but it is actually set in its very own mind-blowingly picturesque oasis with 70 acres of rewilded gardens and woodland bursting with foliage, follies and lakes.
With a choice of 34 beautiful, low-impact rooms - all of which come complete with an outdoor spa bath from which to stargaze the night away - there are various different accommodation options to suit the type of stay you're looking for. From cosy, homely huts to big, brand new ‘flegdlings’, ‘boathouses’, luxury ‘retreat’ suites and elegant ‘treehouses’ with all of the amenities of a high-end hotel room, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting where you'll rest your head.
With a heated outdoor pool that's just as blissful for summer swims as it is a winter dip - with the moody steam rising into the frosty atmosphere serving as the only reminder that it is, in fact, not July (or Greece, for that matter) - and the exceptional Plumicorn restaurant boasting the most delicious seasonal menus, you'll find very little need to leave your new favourite oasis during your stay at all. Unless, of course, it's to head to reception to book a few extra nights.
Why we love it: With its proximity to London and postcard-perfect honey-hued villages, I’ll take a trip to the Cotswolds over a jaunt abroad any day of the week. If you’re looking for the perfect base that combines tradition, luxury and fodder for the whole family, Ellenborough Park offers the quintessential Cotswold experience. First impressions count here and the drive up to the sumptuously traditional 15th Century manor house is a beauty. The 5-star, 90-acre estate is nestled between the Cotswolds’ highest point and the gallops of Cheltenham Racecourse, boasting breath-stealing vistas, which are best enjoyed from the wooden slatted chairs with gin (homemade by the hotel no less) and tonic in hand. Front of house staff are passionate about the property and love offering tidbits of Ellenborough Park’s rich history. Whilst the manor dates back to the 1400s it underwent a multi-million-pound renovation in 2017 when it was restored to contemporary glory. The result? English heritage at its finest: think stone fireplaces, stained-glass windows, secret turrets and towers, and regal oil paintings watching down as you enjoy afternoon tea in the Great Hall (my toddler still reminisces fondly on her stay at ‘The Queen’s castle’).
Bedrooms are in keeping with the regal theme and offer four-poster beds and sprawling bathrooms with roll top baths and rainfall showers. There’s plenty of room for all the family and little ones are well catered for with kitschy welcome packs, plush teddies and Yoto audio books waiting on the bed. Our favourite touch was the cloakroom packed to the rafters with Dubarry outdoor wear and Le Chameau boots to borrow for muddy hikes. There is also a croquet set and picnic backpacks to borrow. The outdoor pool, which is heated to 30C all year and looks up to the biscuit-stoned building, was a total highlight. Couples and groups will love the Spa Garden Retreat, an exclusively roped off outdoor garden spa with hot tub, sauna and lounging area for quaffing champagne. The hotel does al fresco perfectly and we spent 90% of our time in the grounds, playing with the giant chess set and sipping Taittinger champagne from the Horse Box in quirky carriages on the hotel’s lawn.
It’s not just the kiddies that are catered for, Ellenborough Park is home to 14 dog-friendly rooms, as well as four Pooch Bedrooms (complete with Le Chameau dog bed, a Sir Woofchester welcome pack and doggie tapas menu, bark brew and good-doggie lollipops). You can choose to dine at the Horse Box bar, which is akin to a country pub and ideal for families and furry friends, or in the more lavish dining room.
Food is excellent; the Cornish crab with fennel, apple, pink grapefruit, rye and tarragon was deliciously fresh, whilst the Sirloin, which came with triple cooked chips, confit tomato and portobello mushroom, was indulgent.
Why we love it: Just about everything you could want from a countryside escape - with extra highlights that you hadn't even imagined - Somerset plays host to an undeniable gem in The Newt. A working country estate with a luxury hotel and spa offering, this is one of those places to put on your list to save for a truly special occasion. Whether you visit in the height of summer - when the 800 acres, 3,000+ cyder apple trees and bazillions (approx.) of flowers are busy flourishing - or in the depths of winter - when, speaking from experience, the downpour-obscured gardens are all the more magical - there is no ‘peak’ season at The Newt; with every month, every day, serving up an entirely new experience worth exploring on one of the hotel's brilliantly organised garden tours.
The main house, Hadspen House, is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house with 23 individually - and impeccably - designed bedrooms, each of which have owner Karen Roos to thank for the interiors masterclass. The Botanical Rooms is situated downstairs, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a slap-up majoritively homegrown dish (over 350 vegetables and salad varieties are cultivated here) where a unique grill fired from the estate's woodland prepares venison and meat from the area. The spa is a mere few steps away, with seven treatment rooms, an indoor pool and an indoor/outdoor hydro pool which - we can confirm - is just as picturesque in rain as it is in shine.
Nearby are 17 more bedrooms within the recently-launched Farmyard. Accessed via self-drive golf buggys available located by the main house, it hosts its own swimming pool and jacuzzi as well as the popular Farmyard Kitchen which offers up a simpler - but equally delicious - menu of hearty sharing plates. The discovery of a Dyson hairdryer and pair of GHD straighteners in our room just as my own decided to malfunction less than an hour before our reservation here confirmed this hotel as the very best of the best.
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Harbour Beach Club Hotel and Spa, Devon
Why we love it: If you’re planning your next staycation, chances are you’ve thought about the West Country, and with good reason. Devon is just a few hours on the train from London – but really feels like a world away from the city. When it comes to elevating a staycay, The Harbour Beach Club Hotel and Spa is one to have on your list. True to its namesake, it differs from its sister hotels in its beachfront location. Right on South Sands Beach (and I really mean right on the beach), the panoramic views of the sea and countryside make this such a special spot. Even better if your budget allows you to snap up a sea view room.
Hop on a ten-minute ferry from South Sands Beach if you want to explore Salcombe's centre. Or, take the scenic route and follow the coastal paths into town. Whilst Salcombe itself is stunning, you needn’t leave the hotel at all if you’re looking for a secluded retreat stay. We recommend booking the hotel's complimentary beach yoga to start the day. The class caters to all levels so is the ideal slow start to a staycation morning. And, of course, spend some time in the spa, which is complete with pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Whether you book a treatment or nab a sun lounger on the spa's terrace, you're sure to feel refreshed after an afternoon here.
Whilst Salcombe itself has lots to offer foodies, you can also do some beachside dining at the hotel. The restaurant's menu has something for everyone – whether you're keen to try a twice-baked soufflé (a Harbour-specialty, we hear), the market fish of the day, or a classic Beach Club Burger.
The view alone will have you wanting to return.
Coworth Park doesn’t scream for your attention - it doesn’t need to. Nestled among Berkshire’s soft hills and polo fields, this 18th-century manor quietly gets on with being immaculate. Rooms are split between the main house and converted stables, all warm-toned, with copper roll-top baths and bespoke furnishings inspired by the grounds outside, creating the kind of countryside home-feeling someone with excellent taste might actually live in.
The spa, a sleek, sunlit contrast to the house’s heritage charm, looks out across the verdant greenery and manicured gardens from its elevated position. Treatments are expertly-executed and the 18ft pool, the real jewel in the crown here, with its amethyst statues, is surrounded by a large thermal suite, complete with sauna, a steam room, a snow shower, an experience shower and RLX Satori Loungers.
At Woven, Coworth's signature restaurant, chef Adam Smith’s tasting menu does what good food should: it makes you pause mid-sentence. The food, as much as possible sourced from the estate itself, is accessible, earthy and technically brilliant, from the amuse bouches and sensational bread course onwards to the turbot primped with caviar, lobster and purslane. Come hungry, come expectant.
What stays with you here isn’t the grandeur. It’s the pacing. Staff have perfected the rare art of appearing exactly when you need something and vanishing when you don’t. There’s space to breathe here, not just physically, but socially. Coworth Park isn’t trying to dazzle you. It’s offering a version of ease that’s increasingly hard to come by - especially just 45 minutes from London.
And in that quiet confidence, it earns your attention - and affection -and keeps it.
Rosella DegoriOnce a slightly tired conference hotel with a starring role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oakley Court has been reborn as one of the most stylish riverside retreats in England. Overlooking a serene curve of the Thames near Windsor, this gothic mansion has been completely reimagined under the creative direction of Alex Eagle and designer Sophie Hodges, who have turned its Victorian eccentricity into something effortlessly chic.
The interiors mix Seventies silhouettes with jewel-toned fabrics, chinoiserie prints and playful, ruffle-skirted furniture. Outside, 35 acres of manicured lawns and meadows roll down to the water, where the River House transforms with the seasons; cocktails and DJs in summer, ice-skating and hearty feasts in winter.
Dining at Oakley Court spans casual Italian-inspired fare that can be enjoyed almost anywhere across the various lounges and dining spaces (might we recommend nabbing a fireside spot in The Parlour), with fresh vegetables from the walled garden, to inventive seasonal pop-ups. Notably, Akira Shimizu operates an omakase menu on weekends, theatrically created table-side to a communal, yet intimate setup of of up to 12 diners.
Rooms in the main house are individual and characterful, with stained glass, wood panelling and well-stocked bars featuring pre-mixed martinis, while the Boathouse offers up-close river views.
Attentive (and achingly cool) staff, a fashionable crowd, and the sense that something interesting is always happening make Oakley Court a true modern classic. It's glamorous, it's laid-back and it's just 40 minutes from London. What's not to love?
Ben CarpenterPerched at the edge of the city's lungs, The Royal Lancaster towers 18-storeys above Hyde Park, offering unparalleled views across the open green space, a tonic for the punishing pace of urban life, and those lucky enough to nab a room here are in for a treat.
Beyond the sprawling lobby, a hub of activity in its own right, with various seating areas peppered throughout, the hotel boasts a collection of bars and restaurants, from the award-winning Nipa Thai (try the steamed chicken and peanut dumplings for a quick-hit of authentic Thai flavour), to Hyde Café, a down-to-earth pitstop, perfect for settling in with an artisan coffee or a crumbly croissant in the morning, and then there's the Blooming British Afternoon Tea in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, which is itself just a 30-minute leafy stroll from the hotel.
There's no spa but there is a gym and in-room spa treatments can be booked in advance of, or during, your stay. We personally love an in-room treatment - it means you can seamlessly slide into bed afterward or flop straight onto the sofa to make the most of that post-massage euphoria.
Speaking of rooms, there are over 400, each with their own unique view across the city. The Park Suites in particular, which stretch across the front of the building, and are afforded views across the fountains of Hyde Park and the London skyline beyond (The Royal Albert Hall to the right of the living and dining room and The London Eye to the right of the bedroom) through walls of windows across three sides. Across these three room suites there is space to sprawl out, work, play and relax, whether it's entertaining friends with room service at the dining table, curling up on the sofas for an on-demand film, immersing yourself in the luxury of the digital nomad lifestyle at the desk area or watching the sunset as the light dwindles from the comfort of your bed (in effect, a private light show).
On the other side of the slick revolving doors, you're just a brisk walk away from the bright lights and big shops of Oxford Street, the galleries and bars of Soho and, of course, the unmistakable undulating design of the Serpentine Gallery beside the lake it emulates just over the road in Hyde Park itself.
And if you're travelling with kids, you'll be pleased to hear that children are genuinely welcome here - in fact, the staff seem to love them, and we found ours effortlessly and authentically cared for by everyone member of the RL team we came into contact with.
Courtesy of The GroveIf you're a North London resident, you'll know that The Grove Hotel in leafy Hertfordshire is the pinnacle of neighbourhood country house hotels. You can barely breathe the words ‘The Grove’ in some necks of the wood without being immediately interrupted by people gushing, “oh The Grove, I love The Grove.” And it's not long after driving down the undulating driveway, which weaves its way through the championship golf course onsite, that you realise exactly why people are such fervent fans of the place.
Just a 20-minute train journey from the city centre, the pace of life here couldn't feel more different. There's a composed stillness here, a calm that pervades both indoor an outdoor spaces entwined with a playful energy and a lighthearted appreciation of the good things in life that immediately pull you away from the day-to-day and instead envelop you in the softer, slower side of things.
Sprawling lawns, spiritedly-manicured gardens and rustic woodland span out around the historic country house, itself decked out in plush fabric, over-the-top furnishings and larger-than-life art works. There's personality around every corner here, and that doesn't get diluted as you head upstairs to the Mansion House collection of rooms and suites, some with freestanding tubs looking out onto the lawns, others with four-poster beds and many with working fireplaces. And while the rooms in the newer part of the hotel are more uniform and modern in structure and feel, they still manage to weave in lots of the design elements found in the original part of the building.
On the culinary side of things, the famous Glasshouse - which dubbed one of the world's most luxurious buffets - offers a vibrant gastronomic experience, with a fresh seafood bar, live pasta station and Indian street food counter among its vast and varied options. We were back and forth for the entire evening, our plates piled high with an ever-bizarre smorgasbord of food, culminating in a trip to the chocolate fountain, the pièce de résistance of the extravagant dessert cart. The Stables, housed in the… you guessed it… old stables, serves hearty English classics, with guests able to spill out into the courtyard when warmer weather allows, while Madhu's (which won ‘Asian Restaurant of the Year’ in the Asian Restaurant Awards 2024) adds some spice to the hotel's offerings, bringing the flavours of New Delhi to the English countryside.
Then there are the string of individually-decorated lounges, jutting out into the garden toward the ponds; take a relaxed lunch in the long lounge to the soundtrack of a live harpist and as the sun sets, enjoy cocktails in the sultry deep blue lounge.
And finally, no review of The Grove Hotel would be complete without a standing ovation (in written form, at least) for the spa. The Sequoia Spa, with its distinctive black swimming pool designed to emulate the aforementioned ponds just outside, is a masterclass in how to deliver true relaxation. It's a maze of relaxation rooms, treatment rooms, lounges, saunas and an outdoor terrace, ideal for enjoying a light lunch or a smoothie in between dips on a warm day.
Plus, the talented team of intuitive wellness practitioners here, together with Bamford, have created a collection of exclusive treatments including signature rituals, massages, and facials, all of which are designed to maximise relaxation, healing and peace, true peace. And peace, as I discovered, is always on offer at The Grove.
laryssaerrattWhy we love it: Beaverbrook isn't the sort of hotel you stay at once and reminisce fondly over. It's the sort of hotel where you find yourself planning your next stay before you've even checked out, because you simply can't wait to return.
Step back in time at this luxurious country house hotel, set amongst 400 acres of sprawling grounds in the Surrey Hills, once a late-19th century mansion where Lord Beaverbrook used to entertain everyone from literary giants to political leaders. Thanks to a recent redesign by Susie Atkinson, every corner of Beaverbrook is an interior design-lover's dream, from the clawfoot bathtubs in the bedrooms to the floral-print walls, lined with an extensive collection of artworks, both contemporary and antique. But the hotel didn't lose its old-timely British charm – the UK's first home cinema, where Beaverbrook used to discuss the war with Churchill, remains virtually untouched.
The food is exquisite, and you're spoilt for choice. Try the Japanese grill at the Dining Room, tuck into a wood-fired pizza the Deli, or enjoy fresh, seasonal produce in the plant-filled Garden House Restaurant. Breakfast at Beaverbrook is a particular highlight, and a preposterously large bagel – stuffed with scrambled eggs, cream cheese, smoked salmon, olive tapenade and chives – remains one of the best we've ever eaten.
Plus, hot of the press for 2024, Beaverbrook are launching their Full Moon Circle spa series, offering nine different spa days focusing on the moon and solstices, incorporating breathwork, sound healing and a cacao ceremony. Find out more here.
Why we love it: This sprawling castle in Co. Clare is like something out of a fairytale. Dating back to the 11th century when it was the ancestral home of the O'Brien family (including Donough O'Brien, a son of the famous Brian Boru), Dromoland Castle has been a luxury hotel since the 1960s. But all of that rich history and heritage hasn't been lost in its recent multi-million-euro renovation. Here, you feel as though you're stepping back through time: the long and winding drive to the castle gates, the sprawling and beautiful estate grounds, the towering Gothic-style grey stone walls; the labyrinthine corridors lined with antique paintings and furnishings.
Each of the 97 rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, with traditional decor yet modern amenities, plus large, deep bathtubs ideal for relaxing after a long day exploring the grounds. Dining-wise, you have plenty to choose from, from afternoon tea by the fire to a tipple at the impressive cocktail bar. But don't miss dinner at fine-dining restaurant Earl of Thomond, where high-quality, seasonal Irish ingredients are whipped up with into mouth-watering dishes (we're still dreaming of the braised black sole on a bed of creamy asparagus and topped with buttery brown shimp and chives).
You'll find keen golfers here, as well as workers attending corporate events. But it's also a popular wedding venue (and it's not hard to see why), or simply a great place to stay if you find yourself on a roadtrip through Ireland.
Why we love it: Much like the Rockit Rocker and Tomee Tippee blackout blinds, Four Seasons Hampshire is a parent-pleasing recommendation that we pass around the nursery gates and NCT Whatsapp groups like Gospel. Yes, there are lots of brilliant family-friendly hotels out there but this is the one we return to time and time again - especially considering its proximity to London. Ideal for parents who don’t want to compromise on luxury, the hotel itself is seriously plush with upscale interiors and next-level food but with staff and facilities that both welcome - and embrace - children in all their high-pitched, messy glory (the welcome milk and cookies help with that).
An 18th-century manor set within 500 (!) acres of picturesque grounds and parkland, Four Seasons has become a slick operation that’s seriously well-versed in offering families a desperately-needed weekend away that actually feels like a weekend away. Sun’s out? You can fish, ride bikes, canoe, have a picnic or play tennis. Rainy day? Decamp to Sharkie’s Reef - the hotel’s epic indoor water park that our daughter talks about on a near-daily basis, groom the hotel’s very own ponies or spend the afternoon in the playbarn that rivals a top London nursery.
Food is glorious for both big and small guests - and the bunny-eared pizza and Aperol Spritz at La Terrazza has become one of our bucketlist meals. The spectacular Wild Carrot restaurant, atop the kitchen garden, offers an opulent outdoor seating area, a cosy sofa-clad bar and a more formal dining room, serving dishes made from only the best, locally-sourced ingredients with an epic family-friendly Sunday roast buffet to boot.
Looking for the perfect festive break? You’ve just found it. The Hotel’s ski lodge restaurant, Off Piste, will make a welcome return this winter with cheese fondue, bratwurst and charcuterie sharing platters. The hotel will also play host to a Christmas market, festive afternoon teas and a plethora of family festive fun, with everything from cosy carriage rides around the estate to festive craft activities at the property’s onsite kids club. A return trip to the UK’s most epic family hotel just went straight to the top of our Christmas wish-list.
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Why we love it: A visit to Hampshire's Heckfield Place, put most simply, was one of the most indulgent, soul-soothing treats of my year. I set off on a train from London Waterloo towards Winchfield, and upon arrival, was greeted by a friendly local taxi driver who had been arranged to collect me by the loving Heckfield team. The drive to the Heckfield Estate was speedy – just 15 minutes – and despite a bout of torrential rain, my arrival felt warm and welcoming.
Heckfield Place is the former home of Charles Shaw-Lefevre, a 19th-century VIP, but it was bought by Boston-based billionaire Gerald Chan back in 2002. Gerald dreamed of creating a hotel, though it took years of work to get his vision over the line. A dedicated team, including designer Ben Thompson, GM Olivia Richili – previously of Aman Hotels – and Skye Gyngell – previously of Petersham Nurseries – have done a stellar job at bringing it to life.
Though cosy and classic, the gorgeous interiors feel contemporary and forward-thinking. Expect marble staircases, ornate floral displays, art from the private collection of the owner and a comforting earthy palette. The same, wonderful design continues across the bedrooms – of which there are 45 across five categories. Bathrooms are marble with Wildsmith Skin toiletries, bedside tables are adorned with ceramic lamps and terracotta pots, and deep-seated window-side armchairs are the perfect spot for a touch of reading.
My favourite part of my visit was a lunch at Hearth: a restaurant centred around an epic open fire, where the menu is focused on the very best produce available on that day. We enjoyed burrata with grilled aubergines and home farm tomatoes, charred squid with chilli oil and Pak Choi, duck kofta with cherry sauce and shredded summer cabbage, and barbecued sirloin of beef with Chimichuri. Elsewhere, the dark and sensual Moon bar is a perfect space for a nightcap, and breakfast is as fresh and imaginative as everything else you'll eat throughout your stay. Healthy-yet-filling, with a side of the lightest-butter-you'll-ever-eat. Whipped on-site, no less.
Even if the rain, there's plenty to explore across the far-reaching grounds. Head on down from the house to the woods, and stumble across those lakes where you can wild swim, row in a rowing boat or enjoy a lake-side picnic. You can take part in author talks, art classes, treasure hunts and foraging class – and walk via the farm and greenhouses to discover where the ingredients of your prior lunch have come from. Oh, and the long-awaited arrival of The Bothy spa, which opened in 2023, really nails the hotels' luxury offering.
Why we love it: Cosy season is officially upon us and we implore you to break out of your hibernation era and embrace the great outdoors on a winter staycation. Looking for the perfect setting to enter hermit mode? We can’t think of a more fitting location than Cliveden House. Hey, if it’s good enough for Meghan Markle the night before her wedding…
The five AA Red Star award-winning hotel, which is a Relais & Châteaux property, is located in beautiful Berkshire (just 40 minutes from London), and is owned by the National Trust and part of the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection. They really don’t come much more quintessentially British than this. The walls are practically alive with history because it has played host to countless powerful personalities, wild parties and v. scandalous affairs (yes, the infamous Profumo Affair started right here). If only the walls could talk…
Each one of the 47 bedrooms will lure you into thinking you're enjoying a night at your pal's stately home; each is furnished with absolutely exquisite antiques, beautiful chintzy wallpapers and incredible original artworks. You could spend your entire stay holed up in the luxurious room but we implore you to peel yourself away from the four poster bed, take a trip down the Gothic Revival mahogany staircase and sink into an armchair in the lobby or bar. The cocktail menu is a must.
If you can muster the energy, the spa is unreal. The perfect summer / winter set-up, there's a fabulous outdoor pool and hot tub (which guests were enjoying in November). Inside you'll find a decadent indoor pool and hot tub, an orangerie-style room for relaxing, and some of the best treatments we've tried (the Oskia Theraface Pro facial is a non-negotiable).
Dinner in the Cliveden Dining Room is a real treat - and the tasting menu hits the perfect note without being too rich and overwhelming as so many 1250-course menus can be. Executive Head Chef, Christopher Hannon, heads up the kitchen which wheels out an incredible array of locally sourced and fresh produce guided by the seasons. We kicked off proceedings with a warming Autumn truffle mushroom tea, beef tomato tartare with a very clever confit pepper yolk, and a Blue Cheese Tortellini we could've devoured 10 of. The seared scallop with seasonal pumpkin and punchy cranberry was delectable, and likewise the succulently seared fillet of beef barbecued rib. Dessert - a celery and berry light crème and lemon and almond pink grapefruit jelly - were the perfect finish to the very best of the best British tasting menu. Oh, and the setting - with its dazzling crystal chandeliers, plush velvety fabrics, and views over the nineteenth-century Parterre, the National Trust gardens and River Thames - is really something.
I've been inundated with messages from friends telling me Cliveden is on their bucket list - and I implore you to add it to yours.
The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
Why we love it: Hotels don't get much more iconic than the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa which sits (yep, you guessed it) smack-bang in the centre of Bath's historic Royal Crescent. That is: one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the world, and one of only 812 UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally. There are 45 beautifully-designed bedrooms and suites to choose from (many of which boast separate drawing rooms and entirely-marble bathrooms) as well as fine dining experiences and an acre of gardens. The spa is second-to-none (the Five Element Aroma Massage comes in GLAMOUR-editor recommended) and the service is exceptional. Seriously: you won't have to lift a finger.
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Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, Plymouth
Why we love it: The history of Boringdon Hall stems from the Domesday Book (1086), where one of the earliest mentions of a permanent construction was recorded. The name "Boringdon" comes from the Saxon "Burth-Y-Don," meaning "enchanted place on the hill", so if you're a bit of a history buff you're going to want to book here ASAP. One foot inside the great doors of this stunning place will tell you it's rich with antiquity, but it's the modern touches that will have you eager to return.
From the AA 4 Rosette restaurant Àclèaf, which features in the MICHELIN Guide 2022, to the luxury four poster beds in the guest rooms, Boringdon Hall is a great example of why we enjoy the finer things in life - especially when they're are so well executed. We recommend two nights minimum to really make the most of your stay, with a few hours spent enjoying Gaia Spa's naturally relaxing facilities and treatments, and a seasonally lead signature tasting menu dinner courtesy of the genius that is Head Chef Scott Paton.
Photographer/Emma CromanWhy we love it: It's not often that a brand new hotel pops up with exceptional decor, a beachfront location and an affordable price tag, which is why Port is such a special find. Super friendly staff, delicious food (particularly the breakfast bacon!), a beautiful bar with a broad range of drinks and Instagrammable spots around every corner, this hotel is the reason Eastbourne is fast-becoming the go-to staycation for stylish city-dwellers looking to unwind.
Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno Wales
Why we love it: Get your walking shoes ready! Set on Pydew Mountain, Bodysgallen Hall is a luxury 17th century house boasting 220 acres of beautifully-kept gardens, traditional English interiors, an award-winning restaurant, plus (the best part): a luxurious spa including an indoor pool, steam room, sauna and hot tub. Guests also have access to multiple public rooms open for relaxing, drinks, afternoon tea (we highly recommended the freshly-made cakes and scones!) to enjoy at your own leisure. Relaxation at its finest.
Why we love it: Middlethorpe Hall is a William III country house built in 1699. It was once home to the famous Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, but today is renowned for its grand rooms and boutique spa - which the welcoming doorman Mark will happily show you around. One of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, you'll find it located just two miles from York’s city centre and surrounded by 20 acres of its own beautiful gardens and parkland. Be sure to book in for dinner one night during your stay; not only is the service impeccable (shout out to Cedric), but the food is some of the best York has to offer having won multiple awards and rosettes.
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Carbis Bay Hotel and Spa, Cornwall
Why we love it: This elegant hotel offers wonderful sea views, an award-winning restaurant and direct access to Carbis Bay Beach - a member of The Most Beautiful Bays In The World organisation. Picturesque St Ives is just 1.5 miles away, so your spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal towns.
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The Varsity Hotel, Cambridge
Best for: Spacious rooms with a view
Why we love it: Searching for space and views in a city as busy as Cambridge is certainly hard to come by, but tucked away on a side street away from the hustle of the main streets of Cambridge and right next to the punting-filled River Cam, is a hotel that feels just like home from home. The Varsity Hotel may seem like a small hotel on entering the lobby, but what seems lost here is certainly made up for in size in the incredibly roomy Senior Fellow Superking room complete with homely interior touches. The large single pane window in the room honestly took our breath away when we first walked in, and offers a boundless view of Cambridge that neighbouring hotels are unlikely to compete with. Admittedly this is one of the more pricey rooms to choose from, but worth it for the space and views alone.
Six Cambridge is the rooftop restaurant in the hotel and you must make sure your booking is in time for sunset to make the most of the golden hour. The food is delectable and you’ll want to order the Burrata to start and the Mint Grasshopper desert cocktail to finish; you’ll struggle to decide which main to choose from, trust us. The best thing about a hotel restaurant is the ability to take a bottle of red back to the room, so seize the opportunity and finish with a glass on the sofa and take in the night sky.
If you need a pick-me-up the next morning, there’s a compact spa included next door where you can simply chill for an hour or choose one of their Elemis treatments. The jacuzzi is a surprisingly funny spot to watch the tourists pass by on the river as they see you bubbling away!Save when you book the best hotels in the UK with these booking.com discount codes.
Best for: City centre.
Why we love it: Fancy a city break? The County Hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne awaits. Its rich interior serves as the perfect base to return to after a day of exploring - the independent hotel is located in the heart of Newcastle city centre and opposite Newcastle’s Central Rail and Bus Station, so it’ll still feel like a proper holiday as you needn’t drive yourself there!Save when you book the best hotels in the UK with these Booking.com discount codes.
Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Scotland
Best for: Loch views.
Why we love it: For somewhere more far-flung, look to Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch in Scotland. A privately owned Victorian hotel, located on the edge of Loch Rannoch and the 'Schiehallion' mountain, the grand property features individually decorated rooms with a mix of antique and modern fittings for added character. Each bedroom includes an en suite bathroom complete with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary The White Company toiletries. We’re booking a week’s stay ASAP.Save when you book the best hotels in the UK with these Booking.com discount codes.
Best for: City centre.
Why we love it: On the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is a property set in a Victorian manor house hotel with 18 elegant rooms in the main building and four garden suites. It even offers a Michelin green star restaurant serving a varied menu including local Welsh produce.Save when you book the best hotels in the UK with these Booking.com discount codes.
Best for: History.
Why we love it: University Arms hotel, Cambridge, offers 192 rooms and suites with views over Parker’s Piece, historic Regent Street, and the hotel’s inner courtyard. Conveniently situated in the Cambridge City Centre district, this hotel is situated 350 yards from Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
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