Best Luxury Hotels in England

Independently owned, The Newt is a remarkable property dating back to 1687. Set in a Palladian mansion, Hadpsen House, it’s on a working estate close to Castle Cary. The grounds are home to an orchard, maze, walled garden, cyder press, swimming ponds, a farm shop, ice cream parlour and even a gardening museum. Karen Roos, one of the owners, was once editor of Elle Decoration South Africa and has brought her exquisite taste to the 23-bedroomed hotel. Spend time rejuvenating at the Scandi-style spa and feast in its two fine restaurants.

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.

There is so much to entice the weary traveller at this luxury 5-star boutique hotel with a private members club, nestled in the heart of St James’s. The hotel oozes Victorian charm blended with contemporary style. The eye for detail, visible in every piece of high-end furniture, upholstery and general décor is a thing to behold. In addition to the usual accommodation options, St James’s offers terrace suites and a Penthouse with its own private lift. There is a range of food options which include, Michelin-starred 7 Park Place under the watchful eye of William Drabble. There is also a Bar and Bistro.

This elegant Relais and Chateaux property and spa is found among the rolling green fields of Evershot. Listed as one of the Best Country House Hotels in Britain by The Daily Telegraph in 2019, awarded Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the Dorset Food & Drinks Awards in 2017 and voted No. 2 Top Hotel in the UK at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2017, the Lodge has an array of accolades to its name. Rooms and cottages are peaceful, and comfortable, yet regal in style. Fine dining is de rigueur, while the bar is home to over 300 whiskies.

If you prefer to have your own cooking and dining facilities while staying in London, Leman Locke in Aldgate is a great choice. The self-contained studios and apartments are well placed in the super-cool east, with good transport links into the rest of the city. Each has good views, its own bespoke furnishings, a kitchenette, washing machine, minibar, Apple TV Box and Samsung smart TV. Neutral palettes with pale pastels provide a soothing ambience in the airy, light-filled rooms. For guests wanting to make use of the aparthotel’s shared facilities, there’s also a fitness centre, cafe and bar onsite.

So named as it was once a Magistrates’ and police court, this Grade II listed hotel is found just off Regent Street. Many of the original features have been preserved in the privately-owned property. But now it includes 116 bedrooms, a huge pool, the Sanook spa and a 100 seater cinema. Upgrade to stay in Magistrate’s Suites (previously judge’s chambers) or the two-bedroom Lalique suite. The court’s cell block has been transformed into a bar, with artwork depicting its famous real-life defendants Mick Jagger and John Lennon. An alfresco shisha bar strewn with rugs and kept cosy with heaters, is located on the rooftop. 

This is a place to stay with that wow factor. Sea Containers London is designed with more than a nod to those elegant cruise liners of the 1920s yet firmly anchored on the South Bank of the Thames. There are 359 guest rooms and suites to choose from, ideal for couples or families, some with amazing river views, all featuring bespoke furniture and en suite marble bathrooms. One suite even has its own fitness equipment. Located just around the corner from Blackfriars Bridge, guests can find the National Theatre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre nearby. The five-star hotel, part of the Lore Group, offers three in-house venues. At 12th Knot’s rooftop lounge, there are panoramic Thames views to go with the refreshment, opt for award-winning cocktails at Lyaness, or savour delicious seasonal food at Sea Containers Restaurant. And when it’s time to unwind, treat your senses to a treatment at the Agua Spa London, blow off steam in the hotel gym, or see a movie at its Curzon cinema.

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.

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.

Staying at the Hoxton puts you in easy reach of the River Thames and South Bank’s best galleries and food markets as well as easy access to central London’s other attractions. Arrived to work, rest or play? Relax for this four-star hotel has 192 creatively designed guest rooms with comfy beds, concrete ceilings and marble surfaces. There’s a choice of restaurants as Seabird offers panoramic views from the rooftop with a menu presenting Portuguese and Spanish influence from sea to table. Or opt for oysters with fizz, martinis or your choice of cocktail. Then there is Albie, an all-day lobby spot offering proper breakfasts, modern dishes and a killer wine and cocktail list. For parties, the ideal spot is the hotel’s Apartment, a fresh and airy space with a wraparound balcony. It has six useful rooms available separately for team away days and brainstorming sessions or combined for a network event or product launch. It also has The Pantry, an open plan kitchen providing a communal help-yourself space stocked with tea, coffee, snacks and fruit that can flip to a private bar in the evening.

St. Ermin’s Hotel, an independent four-star deluxe hotel nestled at the end of a tree-lined courtyard in the heart of Westminster, London, offers a unique blend of relaxation within close proximity to the city’s historical attractions. The hotel boasts a wide selection of rooms and suites, including pet-friendly options, catering to a variety of guest needs and as it is conveniently located near St. James’s and Victoria stations, it is the perfect base for exploring the city or combining business with leisure. As part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, guests at St. Ermin’s can earn or redeem Marriott BonVoy points. Dining options include Caxton Bar, a historical meeting spot for influential figures, including Winston Churchill during WWII and rumoured spy exchanges, the bar offers a cosy atmosphere for guests and locals to enjoy a wide range of drinks and classic bar meals. The modern European cuisine at Caxton Grill, inspired by the rooftop garden, showcases seasonal, top-quality ingredients grilled to perfection with an emphasis on first-class ingredients and service. Whilst a traditional and indulgent British Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed in the Tea Lounge and Library.  St. Ermin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its local sourcing and use of its rooftop kitchen garden and bee terrace for fresh produce and honey, making it more than just a typical London hotel but a place of historical significance and culinary excellence.

Experience a little of Manchester’s industrial heritage, with a stay at this refurbished cotton factory. Stylish contemporary interior design has been woven around original features, maintaining the building’s unique character and celebrating its past, while providing guests with a modern base. The venue, just opposite Canal Street, has public areas (including a Conservatory Bar, restaurant, workout studio and co-working lounge) as well as a programme of events and activities that are perfect for those travelling solo for work. 160 rooms are furnished in vintage colour palettes, with slick black SMEG kitchenettes, Kinsey Apothecary toiletries and chic designer lighting.