Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

If you’d rather stay somewhere central and buzzing with activity, the Kings Head Hotel has a host of amenities and attractions on its Cirencester doorstep. But there’s plenty to keep you from leaving the 46 roomed premises – a spa and cinema in the cellar, the elegant dining room, cosy bar, frequent events and live entertainment. The 14th-century building also contains the remains of a Roman mosaic, encased in glass in the lobby. Kids and dogs are welcome in this relaxed yet luxe inn.

This exciting new edition to Liverpool’s Lime Street inhabits an old railway building; as a result, it bursts with both period and contemporary character, with original features and a fun, whimsical design. The commanding Radisson Red property accommodates 201 bedrooms, a barbecue and robata grill restaurant called Stoke, a gym, meeting and event spaces and a private dining room across its 10 storeys, as well as offering some great views of St George’s Hall. There are nods to the city’s icons and landmarks all around the buildings, with a plethora of bespoke artworks on the walls.

Luxury doesn’t have to break the bank. This beautiful and modern luxury hotel is as stylish as it is affordable. Designed by Dutch Design Agency Concrete, citizenM Glasgow showcases the best in modern design, colour and fun. Feel like sleeping in a red room? Purple more your style? Change the mood lighting with their innovative tablet MoodPad. It’s an easy-to-use control for your tv, air con, window blinds and of course, mood lighting. Though they don’t have a kettle, twin beds or cots, every room does come standard with XL King-sized beds, luxury bed and bath linen, wall-to-wall windows, rain shower, free movies and wi-fi throughout. Don’t forget to head down to canteenM for a bit of lounging around. Order a cocktail at the bar, grab a snack and take a seat on one of the ultra-cool sofas or chairs. Who said the budget wasn’t luxurious!

Overlooking the 18th hole and clubhouse of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews, the 5-star Seaton House provides the famous Scottish golfing town with its most refined hospitality experience to date. Formerly The Scores Hotel, the property has reclaimed its original name, following a sensitive restoration of its two Georgian townhouses which date back to 1864. The Luxury Editor spent a weekend at Seaton House, so read on to discover why this is, without doubt, St Andrews’ most sophisticated new address. Positioned on ‘The Scores’, St Andrews’ most iconic road, Seaton House offers 42 luxurious guest quarters, including expansive garden and terrace suites, destination dining by celebrated Edinburgh’s seafood restaurant Ondine Oyster & Grill, Bar and outdoor alfresco dining terrace and a further all-day dining experience, The Board Room.

Located in the seaside town of Deal, The Rose used to be simply a pub with rooms. Now it’s a designer boutique hotel with five standard rooms and three suites, all of which have been individually styled with impeccable taste (the owner used to be design editor of US magazine Wallpaper). Local art and Farrow and Ball wallpaper adorn the walls, with rolltop baths, Austin Austin toiletries and mid-century furnishings to boot. But don’t expect a TV in the room – instead, there are record players, with a selection of vinyl – ideal for those wanting to switch off from screens. An innovative take on British dishes is served in the equally modish restaurant, with seasonal cocktails served in the bar.

One of the cities newest luxury hotel’s The Tambulaine is a stunning and elegant hotel in an ideal location close to the centre of Cambridge. The hotel takes its inspiration from its namesake from 16th century dramatist and Cambridge alumni Christopher Marlowe’s most famous character. The hotel offers 155 guest rooms, which include floors to ceiling windows to let in maximum light. Décor is charming and full of character, with a base palette of Cambridge blue highlighting dark wood panelling, polished concrete, gleaming brass and richly patterned fabrics. The hotel’s bar offers seasonal menu options, while the Brasserie-style dining room features a majestic carved marble bar, along with accents of soft leather, gleaming brass and salvaged timber. And if you want somewhere to cost away in head to the library which features leather armchairs, an open fire and is where their Afternoon Tea is served each day.

Offering some of the most stunning views in the whole of Canary Wharf, the Novotel London Canary Wharf sores high above the surrounding buildings. The sophisticated top-floor bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cool cocktail at the end of the day while soaking up the scenery. The check-in process is informal and is sure to put nervous travellers at ease while offering a memorable personalised touch. Lovers of luxury will want to make sure that they secure one of the 26 sumptuous suites, which have open plans to help them feel especially spacious and decadent.

Boasting a stunning location on the Quayside and overlooking the River Tyne, the Malmaison Newcastle features a romantic and contemporary atmosphere. Couples are sure to appreciate the dark décor and low lighting, which will set the scene for a romantic getaway. Those who want to indulge in a little pampering are provided by a range of luxurious treatments in the underground spa, while the brasserie offers fine dining experiences in a sumptuous setting. Each of the 122 guestrooms features lavish touches such as dark velvet curtains and dark red carpets. Lovers of luxury will want to make sure that they secure one of the fourteen spacious suites that can be found on the seventh floor.

With just 34 rooms and suites, Portrush Adelphi offers an intimate base in one of Northern Ireland’s most storied seaside towns. Set moments from the crashing Atlantic and the golden sands of White Rocks Beach, the hotel’s interiors channel a sense of local heritage. Deep navy panelling, emerald-green tiled bathrooms, tartan textiles and cable-knit throws evoke the rugged coastline and countryside, while framed artwork captures the drama of the Causeway cliffs.

At the heart of the property, The Red Sail Room serves modern Italian dishes with seasonal produce from the surrounding farms and waters, complemented by a warm, club-like atmosphere. Guests can relax with a drink in the lounge, borrow a complimentary bicycle for a ride along the coastal paths, or make use of golf club storage before a round at Royal Portrush, just minutes away. Pet-friendly touches ensure four-legged companions feel as welcome as their owners. Beyond the door, the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the untamed Causeway Coast offer a dramatic backdrop to this boutique retreat.

Housed in an ivy-clad Georgian Mansion surrounded by wrought iron railings, Hotel du Vin enjoys a prime setting on the quaint Town Quay. The property is a former merchant’s house, turned chic modern boutique hotel. It provides a comfortable familiarity for those already au fait with the chain and is large enough to provide facilities such as a courtyard for alfresco drinks, a bar and a bistro (serving French and British-inspired cuisine), alongside a sense of exclusivity (there are just 38 individually styled bedrooms).

Opt for modern accommodation in the city centre, right on the banks of the River Ness (some rooms have views directly over the fast-flowing water). Handy for the railway station, shops and nightlife, this serves as a great base for those wishing to tour the Highlands, but with plenty of places to go and things to do by day and after dark. There are 191 bedrooms spread over four floors, a kitchen for all-day dining and a lounge area, to relax with a beverage. AC Hotel caters equally well for families (including four-legged friends) and business travellers.

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.