
Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a urban hotel in United Kingdom. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of urban hotels in United Kingdom is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
England, Greater London, London, Paddington
Inhabit Southwick Street
(4 stars)A luxurious flagship hotel in the historic Paddington area of London, Inhabit Southwick Street – a member of Design Hotels offers respite from the bustling city centre and a range of world-class amenities to enhance your stay. There are 159 thoughtfully designed guestrooms showcasing the best of contemporary Scandinavian design with traditional Eastern and British twists. On-site dining is available in Yeotown where fresh, plant-based cuisine is served all day or at Pantry where you’ll find healthy snacks and soft drinks on offer. Inhale at Inhabit is the comprehensive wellness centre boasting indulgent treatments and a yoga studio alongside the fitness centre featuring a Peloton bike. There is a calming library and a retail facility where guests can browse.
England, Bath and North Somerset, Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
(5 stars)The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a five-star haven of elegance and tranquillity in the historic centre of Bath. The hotel is an iconic property in Bath set within an acre of manicured gardens. Each of the hotel’s bedrooms is unique in design with its own character and charm, while their suites are brimming with Georgian elegance and 5-star amenities. If you want to go all out, book their garden villa which provides guest with their own private residence within the grounds of the hotel. Their award-winning spa includes a 12-metre relaxation pool with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym and dining at the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant is sure to delight and in the summer months, you can dine in the garden.
England, Oxfordshire, Oxford
Old Bank Hotel
(4 stars)Situated in the centre of town, the Old Bank Hotel is ideally placed whether you are visiting on business or for leisure. With elegantly decorated, spacious rooms which include Wi-Fi and TV. The building is dripping with character thanks to its three interconnecting buildings dating back to the 14th century. There are 42 bedrooms ranking from standard rooms to superior deluxe rooms. Breakfast, lunch, high-tea and evening meals are available in the restaurant or from room service.
Scotland, Grampian, Aberdeen
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
(5 stars)The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is located 9 km away from Aberdeen Airport. Its 12 five-star rooms offer astonishing luxurious facilities. The lovely surroundings add to the comfort of each spacious room. A comfortable lounge overlooks the beautiful gardens which are very quiet at night. Guests can relax in the amazing spa or work out after enjoying a morning traditional English/Irish breakfast. It’s a fabulous hotel offering great service by well-trained and attentive staff.
England, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove
The Grand Brighton
(5 stars)An iconic and historic Victorian hotel, this building has become a landmark on the seafront. Built to an Italian Renaissance style, it retains many period features, but with a contemporary vibe inspired by its surroundings. The Grand’s new dining room, Cyan, has become a destination restaurant. Here, two and three-course set menus and a curated range of small plates, sharing platters, and signature dishes can be ordered. There’s also the option of the Victoria Terrace Grill and bar. Single rooms through to Grand Collection suites can be booked, with higher grades providing BOSE sound systems, sweeping sea views, 32” LCD flat-screen TV and Noble Isle bath products.
England, Merseyside, Liverpool
The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery
(5 stars)The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool is a luxurious hotel situated on Dale Street in the heart of Liverpool. The hotel features 168 lavish rooms and 11 suites, all stylishly decorated. Guests can enjoy dining at the Seaforth British brasserie, afternoon tea at the Botanic Tearoom, and cocktails at the Palm Court. The Thermae Spa offers a range of treatments, a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.
England, Greater Manchester, Manchester, Salford
The Lowry Hotel
(5 stars)A fashionable address and celebrity haunt, The Lowry has an Elemis spa with eight treatment rooms, a relaxation area and a sauna, plus a hair salon. Rooms also have the wellness brand’s toiletries, along with huge windows, walk-in wardrobes, baths and fine artwork. The Hotel is named after one of Manchester’s most famed artists and hosts revolving art and photography exhibitions. Head to the first floor River Restaurant and Bar for hearty a la carte dishes, or lighter bites – kids can select from a mini gourmet menu (toddlers eat for free, with those under 12 at half price).
England, Lincolnshire, Stamford
The George Hotel Of Stamford
(4 stars)This incredible ivy-clad building is a veritable labyrinth, with many nooks and crannies. The site has been home to an inn or hotel for thousands of years now, so brings with it a wealth of hospitality heritage; dine in its formal Oak Room or relaxed Garden Room, order bubbles at the 14th-century Champagne Bar and get a snack in the York Bar. Bedrooms are adorned with features such as heavy antique drapes, curtained four-poster beds, patterned bedspreads, dark wood panelling and carved headboards. Each has a unique style and layout, so you can stay time and again and have a new experience.
Scotland, Lothian, North Berwick
Marine North Berwick
(5 stars)With open views across the golf course to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, this is the hotel to choose if you want to be right beside the sea. The Marine has been restored to reflect its grand past, with tastefully chosen furnishings and textiles exuding a sense of old-world opulence and vintage flair, that’s as inviting as the outlook. Dine on local beef, game, and freshly landed seafood at The Lawn and order a cocktail or afternoon tea beneath the glittering chandeliers of the stylish Bass Rock Bar and Lounge. The French skincare brand Caudalie has partnered with the hotel to bring its spa treatments, designed using scientific techniques and active ingredients from the brand’s Bordeaux vineyards.
England, Cheshire, Chester
The Chester Grosvenor
(5 stars)The Chester Grosvenor is a great dame in the city of Chester having been open since 1865. Located in the heart of the city overlooking the famous Eastgate Clock it’s in the perfect spot for a city break in Chester. Rooms in the hotel are beautifully appointed, each individually styled and luxuriously spacious. For something extra special their suite category offers open plan living with separate lounge and bedroom, spacious marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and some suites even have their own entrance foyers. From the chic sophistication of Michelin-starred Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor and the elegance of The Arkle Bar and Lounge to the newly refurbished 2 AA Rosette La Brasserie The Chester Grosvenor offers some of the best dining in the city and at the end of the day exploring soothe the mind and pamper your body at the hotel’s spa, where you can choose from a menu of relaxing spa treatments.
Scotland, Lothian, Edinburgh, New Town
The Balmoral
(5 stars)Sitting at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, The Balmoral meaning ‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic is more than just a hotel, it’s one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic landmarks.A true masterpiece of Scottish Baronial design, its exterior is a romanticised interpretation of medieval Scottish castles brought to life through its warm sandstone façade. While intricate carvings along with decorative turrets, gables and ornate columns, all add to its sense of history and grandeur. A masterpiece outside is equally matched inside, including 187 rooms, suites and one-of-a-kind signature suites including the J.K Rowling Suite where the novelist herself finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Experience award-winning fine dining at Number One, sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, stylish brasserie dining and bar Brasserie Prince, and an exceptional whisky collection at SCOTCH. The Balmoral Spa adds to the experience with indulgent treatments, making the hotel a true resort-like escape in the heart of the city.
England, Bristol
Hotel du Vin Bristol
(4 stars)Found in a collection of converted sugar warehouses in the city centre, this is one of two Hotel Du Vin in Bristol – the other lies further out at Avon Gorge – As such, it has Grade II listing and is filled with quirky industrial features. Modern amenities found in the 40 bedrooms (set across three floors) include Nespresso machines, air conditioning and premium bedding as standard. Dine out on the terrace in good weather or enjoy the ambience in its award-winning French bistro. And enjoy a beverage or two in the aptly named Sugar House Bar. If you’re planning an extra special visit, book the Veuve Clicquot suite with its twin bathtubs, or Harvey’s for its private terrace.
