Best Boutique Hotels in England

Primely positioned midway between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, The Cadogan is an iconic destination where quintessential British charm effortlessly imbues a modern elegance. An intimate ‘home’ in the heart of the city, where the past and present are intertwined with every detail, the hotel overlooks the private Cadogan Palace Gardens, a botanical haven to which guests have exclusive access. Steeped in history, The Cadogan has an illustrious list of past residents, including Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde – the room in which Oscar Wilde was arrested is now the noble Royal Suite. In the 54 individually designed rooms, two-thirds of which are suites, white-on-white linens are offset with vibrant pops of colour, silk and velvet, with captivating artwork and design details honouring the hotel’s rich heritage.

Escape the noise of the capital, with this Belgravia townhouse as your base.  The grand building, formed of arched windows, portland stone and Georgian brick, has been reimagined inside, by Milan-based architecture studio Laboratorio Associati and Linzi Coppick. 41 bedrooms and suites channel the elements, in a sophisticated, warm, elegant and upscale home-like style. The COMO Shambhala philosophy is evident throughout, be it in the healthy cuisine options, or the in-room therapeutic treatments (there’s no spa onsite, but guests have access to the Halkin’s sister property’s wellness facilities, a ten-minute walk away). Families are catered to with mini bathrobes and COMO the Halkin teddy bears for little ones.

Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge are among the most iconic landmarks in the city. Stay here and you’ll be afforded front-row views of them. The heritage building on Sion Hill was once a spa, with its steam pumps, the original marble and stained glass windows preserved as part of the sleek refurbishment. Its White Lion Pub has one of the largest terraces in the southwest, with an urban industrial-chic interior and there’s an art-filled cocktail lounge. Goram and Vincent is the main restaurant, featuring an open kitchen replete with coal-fired grills, a smoker and bespoke clay ovens.

Like something from a Jane Austen novel both inside and out, Middlethorpe Hall is a pretty country mansion surrounded by 20 acres of rolling grounds, just a couple of miles from the city centre. Two Edwardian cottages house the destination spa and there’s a pool. Guests can stroll through the walled and rose gardens, dine in the two AA Rosette restaurant and attend a wine tasting in the 17th Century dovecote. 29 hotel rooms comprise main house suites, main house bedrooms, courtyard rooms and suites, garden suites and a cottage (the latter two are dog-friendly). The property is just one of three Historic House Hotels.

Food lovers will really be in their element at The Forest, as this Victoria mansion comes complete with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. The interiors are cool and elegant with plenty of colourful and contemporary touches. There are twenty spacious guestrooms to choose from, each of which boasts a spacious bathroom and pretty garden views. Head chef Kevin Tickle has created an extensive and imaginative menu for guests to work their way through that highlights the abundance of fresh produce that can be found in this part of the world. Some of the taste sensations that are just waiting to be enjoyed here include venison pastrami with ewe’s milk cheese, lemon sole with leeks in horseradish and mugwort ice cream.

Just a short drive from the racing town of Newbury lies The Vineyard Hotel. There’s a spa with hot tub, pool, steam room and sauna and innovative (part alfresco) dining at InsideOut. Wine is a big deal here with frequent tasting events – head sommelier Roland Bourger is a UK Sommelier of the Year winner and the cellar holds over 30,000 bottles. The rooms are classic and elegant, with four-poster beds and either balconies or patios in the suites.

Formerly a dower house, The Peacock is now a chic boutique hotel. Antiques from across the ages mingle with stylish modern pieces, upholstered in rich fabrics. Guests can enjoy more casual dining in the firelit bar, or take a table in the formal restaurant surrounded by oil paintings and heavy drapes – either way, the delicious menu translates across to both venues. Younger children aren’t permitted to stay at weekends and overall it does suit adults better, especially those seeking a break with a more grown-up vibe.

Stately five-star luxury in the heart of London is exactly what guests can expect when they visit this historic hotel. The hotel is conveniently located in the regal St James’s, Mayfair area and is just minutes from many of London’s iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. Accommodation is set across four distinct areas; within the main Victorian house, the Mews Suites, the Carriage House and the Gate House. Rooms are stylish with sumptuous furnishings – some with four-poster beds and the hotel’s suites are truly elegant boasting a range of unique and exclusive services for guests. The Game Bird, is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, presents a modern British menu, delivered with great flair and creativity. The ambience is cool and sophisticated. The American Bar is for those in the know, serving a range of creative cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Its cosy corners are perfect for intimate meetings, the atmosphere encourages lively chats and the private courtyard is perfect for al fresco dining. The Wine Cellar is a fascinating space; built in the 17^th Century and used as an air-raid shelter during WWII it is now home to a collection of over 8,000 of the world’s finest wines.

One of our favourite luxury properties in London, the Wellesley Knightsbridge. Positioned in one of the best addresses in London 11 Knightsbridge, Belgravia, overlooking Hyde Park, The Wellesley Knightsbridge is a luxury hotel unlike most others in the capital. Petite in size at just 36 rooms, which means attention to detail is flawless and service is personal. Art Deco features adorn the walls, it feels like stepping back in time to an age of 1920’s elegance, while finishing touches like a butler and a chauffeur services for guests further elevate the luxury experience.

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.

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.

Those preferring something a little more bohemian and very in keeping with Brighton’s eccentric and creative side should book a stay at this Regency Townhouse. 24 bedrooms are all individually designed. Each contains original artworks, murals, limited edition prints, a Nespresso coffee machine, a Roberts radio, organic bath products and a mix of vintage and reclaimed furniture. Some have balconies and extra fancy touches like copper sided rolltop bathtubs and super king-sized unusual metal-framed four-poster beds. With rooms for four or six too, it’s the ideal establishment for discerning small groups. There’s also an all-day cafe and bar – their brunch is especially good.