Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

Love the ambience of a boutique hotel but prefer the freedom of your own luxury apartment when you’re away? Imagine your ideal space in a magnificent historic building in Leeds. Now set it within the distinctive soundscape of the cathedral, and you’ve discovered The Bells Serviced Apartments. Luxuriate in the super kingsize bedrooms of the Big Ben penthouse, with its panoramic views over the city. Alternatively, indulge your inner introvert in the snug library-like atmosphere of the Old Tom apartment with its private balcony. For the ultimate in indulgence, both the Gothic-inspired Emmanuel, and oak-panelled Great George apartments have private balconies with hot tubs.

A multi-million-pound makeover has given this award-winning hotel a new lease of life. Close to the shopping and dining district of Deansgate, the Radisson provides everything you need under one roof: Peter Street Kitchen serving Japanese and Mexican small plates, French cuisine and afternoon teas in The Library by Assouline, superfast WiFi, a spa spread across an entire floor, gym and a 12-metre subterranean pool. 263 rooms and suites come with floor to ceiling windows, handcrafted Vispring mattresses and paraben-free REN toiletries. Found on Peter Street, the metro is five minutes on foot, with Picadilly Station a further 10 minutes away.

As the name implies, this Grade II listed building used to be the city’s Stock Exchange (between 1904 and 1906). Tom Kerridge has since taken up culinary residence, with his new in-house restaurant and bar, The Bull & Bear. Here guests can experience grand, yet informal all-day dining under the impressive domed ceiling. Tom has two further dining options in the hotel – The Vault and The Bank Private Dining. The Stock Exchange Hotel’s architecture is fitting with an Edwardian Baroque style, and sleek, contemporary interiors hint at the hotel’s heritage. Push the boat out by booking The Residence, a fully serviced apartment complete with its own roof terrace.

Found just 2.4 km from Aberdeen Railway Station and just 20 minutes away from Aberdeen centre, this 19th-century hotel mixes historical design and contemporary amenities. The hotel’s rooms are elegant and offer great modern features and top-of-the-class items inside of each room. Guests can socialise and relax in a beautiful and elegant lounge and TV area while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the place. For anyone who wants to play golf, the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is just 10 minutes away by car.

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.

Set on the corner of Russell Square, this hotel with a Grade II listed facade was relaunched as part of the Kimpton collection, in 2018. Unmissable, as it occupies an entire block of this prestigious neighbourhood, the building incorporates a Burr & Co. coffee shop, Palm Court (perfect for an elegant afternoon tea) and the Galvin Bar & Grill, led by the Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. Chandeliers, wrought iron balustrades, marble columns, gilt finishings and ornate period plasterwork sit alongside the brand’s signature contemporary design, creating a grand, yet fashionable vibe.

Native Bankside is a stylish aparthotel located in London’s vibrant Bankside district. Housed in a restored Victorian tea warehouse, the property blends historic charm with modern comforts, featuring exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and arched factory windows. The aparthotel offers 75 thoughtfully designed studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, each equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, washing machine, and complimentary Wi-Fi, creating a home-away-from-home experience. Guests can stay active in the on-site fitness suite, which includes Peloton bikes. While there is no on-site restaurant, a 24/7 grab-and-go pantry is available, and the renowned Borough Market is within walking distance. Situated on a quiet cobbled street near the River Thames, the hotel is moments from cultural landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern. With excellent transport links, including Southwark, London Bridge, and Blackfriars stations nearby, Native Bankside offers a unique and convenient stay in the heart of London.

Book a room with a view, in this all-Scottish destination hotel, where the traditions of the highlands are blended with contemporary style and amenities. Situated along the tranquil waters of the Firth of Lorn, the Oban Bay Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for a getaway in the west of Scotland. Just a short walk from Oban’s town centre, it’s perfectly located for those seeking a peaceful retreat, yet close enough to explore the local attractions such as Oban Distillery and scenic ferry trips to the Isles. Enjoy the finest Scottish seafood and beef in The Grill Room and book a one-of-a-kind outdoor spa experience in their Thermal Spa.

Treehouse Hotel Manchester brings a playful and eco-conscious retreat to the city. The second UK property in the Treehouse Hotels portfolio, this 224-room hotel blends nostalgia with modern luxury. Its ground-floor restaurant, Pip by Mary-Ellen McTague, champions low-waste, seasonal cooking. The hotel features Flix, a 43-seat screening room, The Playground gym, and seven treetop-inspired event spaces. A curated cultural programme led by Manchester icons Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford celebrates the city’s arts and music scene.

Complete with panoramic views over the City of London, Canopy by Hilton London City echoes the spirit of one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The UK’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel is set within the multi-million-pound Minories development close to Aldgate station and offers the perfect base for design-conscious visitors looking to immerse themselves in London’s East End. 

The hotel’s interior design reflects the rich culture of the area’s historic textile industry inspired by the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields in the 17th century with guest quarters and dining spaces featuring floral patterns and woven fabrics reminiscent of the techniques used by the Huguenots. Artworks created by local artists adorn the public spaces throughout the hotel while inspiration from the area continues throughout the hotel, East End-inspired dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients are served at the hotel’s restaurant Penny Squares, which takes its design inspiration from the quilting technique popular in the textile industry. 

Meanwhile, St. Clare Coffee and Bar, provides the perfect place to relax, work or socialise over a craft coffee or East End-inspired cocktail in the hotel’s ground floor. A must-visit is the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace Florattica which offers uninterrupted views of the City of London and serves delicious small plates with a great selection of drinks against a vibrant backdrop inspired by the floral patterns of the Huguenots.

Sitting proudly on London’s South Bank directly opposite Westminster lies the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Set within the former Greater London Council building which dates back to 1922, the property offers destination dining at Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar while the historic Library serves award-winning afternoon tea with stunning Thames views. Accommodation options include 241 elegantly designed rooms and suites including 35 balcony rooms, suites and lofts with panoramic views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye along with a gym, swimming pool and M Lounge for premium room and suite category guests.

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street. This boutique hotel, located on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh’ with views looking out across the Old Town, offers 64 uniquely designed rooms inspired by the city’s rich literary history, featuring cosy armchairs, vibrant decor, and stunning city views. Savour mouth-watering dishes at the award-winning Twenty Princes Street Grill & Smokehouse, renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and innovative menu. For a more relaxed setting, Juniper Bar provides creative cocktails with a backdrop of panoramic city vistas. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, Hotel Indigo boasts top-notch amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, a well-equipped fitness centre, and versatile meeting spaces.