Best Urban Hotels in United Kingdom

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

Hazlitt’s is located in Soho and takes it’s name from William Hazlitt the 18h century essayist. Prepare to step back in time to a bygone era of old world English opulence, the minute you step through the door you won’t believe you are right in the heart of central London. Hazlitt’s is popular with creatives coming to the city and remains very much low key with much of it’s success based solely on word of mouth reviews. Very much a home from home, relax in the library with a good book, have a drink from the honesty bar or unwind in your rooms Victorian roll top bath.

Believe it or not, this boutique hotel was once an Episcopal Church, which lends culture and heritage to the beautiful space. It may have once been a church, but Malmaison is anything but austere. The crowd tends to be young and hip, and each of the rooms are lush and contemporary. Dine at the onsite brasserie for fusion fare or head to the Malbar for an upbeat vibe and wild cocktails that sets the tone for a night of excitement.

Established by celebrity designer Anouska Hempel, Blakes was the capital’s first five-star boutique residence. Its exclusivity and privacy make it popular with celebrities evading the limelight (Princess Margaret, Sarah Ferguson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Moss are all said to have stayed here). The decor is inspired by exotic lands – each bedroom reflecting a different pocket of the globe. Its urban garden was created by Matthew Williamson, is open for daytime meals, early evening drinks and boasts a glass birdcage like dining pod. While by night, dining takes place in the venue’s organic Mediterranean eatery. Guests at Blakes Hotel have access to the South Kensington Club, with its traditional Russian bathhouse, or can request in-room spa treatments. 

Conducive to romance, this consistently highly-rated hotel offers a four-poster suite with a seven-foot bed and chaise longue. Other bedrooms come in palettes of neutrals and soft retro colours. Some have a light Regency feel, others lean toward an art deco vibe, while others again have a distinctly contemporary air – all have bags of luxury character. This hotel is also the location for Bath’s only Michelin starred restaurant – the Olive Tree is at the bottom of the Queensberry’s Georgian townhouse building and the Old Q Bar, widely believed to be one of the best pubs in the city.

An immersive experience as much as a hotel, The Mandrake is a theatrical yet fashionable boutique property in Fitzrovia. Its 34 cocoon-like bedrooms include a penthouse. Ostrich feathers, curtained beds, heavy jewel-coloured fabrics, clawfoot tubs, esoteric paintings and candlelight create an opulent backdrop for your stay. The Mandrake’s unique design approach is thanks to the Beirut-born owner Rami Fustok, himself an art collector and draws more than its fair share of A-listers. Spiritual healing wellness events take place in the basement, there are two bars; Waeska and Jurema serving ethnobotanical cocktails and YOPO, the South American restaurant led by Executive Chef George Scott-Toft.

Bursting with individuality and charm, The Scotsman Hotel is an Edinburgh institution. The beautiful Baroque buildings in which this luxury hotel sits was once home to the National Newspaper – which is now the hotel’s namesake. Interiors showcase many original features, including luxurious floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained glass windows – all combined with modern amenities and unique signature details. Each of its  58 rooms and 14 suites is individual, stylishly appointed and a comfortable sanctuary in the heart of the city. Guests can dine at the hotel’s destination restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar or seek a moment of solitude in many of the cosy spaces throughout the hotel. And home to a 48-seater classic cinema, guests can enjoy a trip to the Picturehouse with the utmost convenience.

This boutique hotel is five minutes away from Sloane Square if you are going by foot. The luxurious bedrooms have marble bathrooms, and you get access to free Wi-Fi so that you stay connected to the rest of the world. The interior design of this hotel leaves a lasting impression on anyone that stays. For interior décor, the hotel has been furnished with antiques collected from all over the world, paintings, as well as classical furniture. All the rooms are air-conditioned to ensure you enjoy comfort and excellent air quality. The Penhaligon’s toiletries and bathrobes provided in every room make you feel at home.

This city centre hotel is part of the QHotels Collection and is one of Leeds most famous and beloved landmarks. Following a recent transformation, the hotel offers elegant grandeur with art-deco style and first-class service. The hotel comprises 232 stylish bedrooms and suites; from cosy doubles through to roof-top terrace suites. Opulent interiors continue through to The Grand Pacific – the hotel’s restaurant – where diners can enjoy all day dining with flavours from far flung lands, fused together with quintessential British classics. For coffee, cocktails or Afternoon Tea, The Bar or Café Pacific are the perfect places to indulge in a tipple or two. With premium meeting and conference facilities and convenient location, the hotel is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers too.

Taking its cue from the original Artist Residence in Brighton, this hip, creative hot spot is found in the up-and-coming St Paul’s district. Decorated with limited edition art prints, shabby chic original fixtures, industrial accents, and an eclectic mix of vintage and reclaimed furniture, it’s a bohemian dream, with the added benefit of luxe conveniences like Roberts radios, Nespresso coffee machines, fully stocked minibars and organic Bramley bath products. There are many room categories to suit every type of traveller including the Broom Cupboard, Boot Room, Factory, Loft, The Lookout and an Artist Suite – some of which are dog and family-friendly.

Amidst the charm of the lively capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is your new favourite five-star hotel, The Fitzwilliam. Situated in the heart of the city, it is the ideal hub for your next stay, regardless of the occasion. With 146 rooms and suites, you can find comfort and tasteful contemporary design without even lifting a finger – elegant bathroom facilities, fluffy robes and Egyptian bed linens are just the start of your experience. The Fitzwilliam also provides facilities for any kind of trip to the big city, from luxurious dining experiences with the one you love to Afternoon Tea with your friends on a Girls’ Weekend. They also provide space for cocktail masterclasses, murder mystery events, and private dining which is guaranteed to impress you. Regardless of the why, or the who… choose to conquer Belfast in style by staying at The Fitzwilliam.

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.