Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

The first JW Marriott branded hotel in the UK, this elegant townhouse overlooking Hyde Park, was once home to the Grosvenor family/Dukes of Westminster. While its heritage stems back to the Roaring Twenties, the interiors display a classic contemporary panache. Bedrooms boast king-sized beds, fully stocked minibars, marble bathrooms and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries. It has an American-style steakhouse on the ground floor and a fine dining restaurant by chef Richard Corrigan, as well as two additional eateries and bars. Do stop by The Great Room – now a meeting hall, it was once an ice rink, where none other than our monarch, Queen Elizabeth, learned to skate.

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.

This luxury hotel is in the heart of Chelsea and was originally built by Lord Chelsea as four separate townhouses in the 19th century, this hotel has a rich heritage and an elegant design. The Victorian-style establishment is part of the historical Cadogan Estate, and it offers 56 rooms, 25 of which are individually designed suites. The design seamlessly incorporates contemporary and classic warm tones to bring out elegance and class. The stylish bar offers classic cocktails, and the innovative menu has a variety of foods you can choose from. The top-notch chefs use local produce and fresh ingredients to prepare food. The boutique bedrooms have marble bathrooms as well as Ormonde Jayne toiletries. Quality Italian linen, as well as the fluffy bathrobes, are comfortable and warm. You get access to complimentary Wi-Fi and a gym that is always open.

Reward yourself with 5-star service and luxury amenities at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. Located in one of the capital’s best addresses Park Lane Mayfair and moments away from many of the city’s best attractions like Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace and Knightsbridge. Make yourself at home in their elegant rooms and suites, featuring plush pillow-top beds, marble bathrooms and many with views out to Hyde Park. Savour delicious dining at JW Steakhouse and start the evening off with a cocktail at Red Bar and the Bourbon Bar. This landmark hotel is perfect for business travellers and guests who appreciate a touch of contemporary British design and style without the stuffiness.

Standing like a sleek glass-fronted sentinel in the City of London, Pan Pacific London offers a striking departure from the familiar stately bastions of Mayfair and Knightsbridge. Since opening, it’s brought refined, contemporary Singaporean hospitality to the Square Mile, where high urban energy outside combines with a zen-like calm inside. Offering 237 rooms and suites, a two AA-rosette restaurant, an afternoon tea lounge and an entire floor dedicated to wellness, complete with an 18.5m infinity pool offering a meditative vantage point over the city buzz below.

Pan Pacific London’s commitment to excellence has been further cemented by their retention of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status, its fifth consecutive win in less than five years of operation.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

So named as its bedrooms and terrace are sky high, Treehouse offers panoramic views over the landmarks of London and one of the quirkiest, yet fanciest hotel stays around. It’s designed to engender the same kinds of cosy, adventurous feelings of childhood clubhouses that were built among the branches, with vintage furnishings and pops of colour. But it’s all very upmarket and bang on trend. The Nest is the big event here; a hip, bohemian day and night spot, offering sublime food, mixology, DJ beats, interior foliage trailing from the ceilings and 360-degree skyline views. There’s also a Mexican restaurant, a pizzeria and the Backyard cafe hangout.

Privately owned and run by a married couple, this stately house in Ramsgate has entertained politicians and royalty. A huge restoration project brought the late 18th-century property back to life, highlighting its stunning and intricate period features, yet infusing an airy modern feel. The in-house eatery, Townley’s Restaurant and Bar has harbourside seating as well as an alfresco terrace and serves locally sourced produce. Some of the hotel’s 13 bedrooms have sea views and, due to the building’s age, all rooms bar one are accessed via stairs.

It is located within sight of the Marylebone, the Dorset Square Hotel is the perfect accommodation option for both business and pleasure when in London. This boutique hotel is set up in a spectacularly renovated regency townhouse. It offers luxury accommodation for couples with top class-cuisine. It also has a magnificent view of a lush private garden square which was the first Marylebone Cricket Club ground.The rooms exquisitely pair scintillating design with minimalist, gadget-lit comfort. The interior also includes vibrant colours with contrasting eccentric fabric.

People who have a love for the finer things in life are sure to appreciate the style and decadence of this former County Hall for Northumberland. The Vermont is situated right next to the Castle Keep and offers stunning river views as well as a very convenient location for those who want to see the sights. Everything has been created on a grand scale in this neo-classic building, from the huge reception area with its magnificent chandeliers to the mirrored pillars and tables in the large and plush bar room. Guests can be sure that they will be treated to plenty of modern amenities such as a fully loaded fitness centre and sauna. There are 101 guestrooms to choose from with the best options providing enchanting views of the river from their huge picture windows. Guests who are celebrating a special occasion also have the opportunity to hire the hotel’s Rolls Royce so that they can explore Newcastle in style.

Hotel 41 is a hidden gem located near Buckingham Palace, exuding the intimate ambience of a private members’ club with a prestigious Forbes Five Star rating. This intimate hideaway of a hotel features 30 exquisite rooms and suites, relaxed social spaces and a chic ambience made for discerning travellers. At the heart of the hotel is the sophisticated lounge and historic dining room which offers around-the-clock refreshments along with the unique ‘plunder the pantry’ – a delightful daily treat of sweet and savoury snacks for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Each room is individually styled in black and white, adorned with mahogany panelling, sumptuous bedding, marble bathrooms, accented with playful prints by René Gruau and drawings by French caricaturist Sem. Scented candles and many other fine and indulgent details make for a relaxed and luxurious stay. For a truly special sleep-over, book the Master Conservatory Suite which is set over a split level with a glass ceiling so guests can sleep under the stars in the utmost of comfort. Known for its personalised service, attentive team and sophisticated style, Hotel 41 is an elegant and discrete escape set in a royal location.

This hotel is located on Henrietta Street, and this street is known for its fine architecture. The hotel is owned by a Paris-based business group, but it does not feature French designs. In fact, the rooms have a traditional English and highly unusual design and feel. The general mood in the place is calm, professional and friendly. In total, the hotel has 18 rooms, and one of them is specially designed for visitors with disabilities. There is also an exquisite cocktail bar and a remarkable restaurant.