Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in England

Torquay is famed for the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers. But the popular coastal town is also home to some divine accommodation. Cary Arms and Spa is a luxury five-star property on Babbacombe Bay. It’s a dog-friendly property with 10 sea-view suites, four restored fisherman’s cottages and eight quirky beach huts & suites. Dining takes place in the 19th century Inn, where the fresh catch of seafood and shellfish is a highlight. Book the Captain’s Table, the Pod, or the Wheelhouse for extra special views while enjoying an unforgettable meal.

Stay on a secluded private island once frequented by royalty, aristocrats notable writers, performers and artists. The 18th-century low-rise complex is made up of Grade I listed pavilions flanked by weeping willows, landscaped grounds and surrounded by the peaceful flowing water of the Thames. There are 40 guest rooms, the grandest being the Wedgewood Suite, designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design. Private residences, a spa, brasserie and two bars are also found on the estate.

Mismatched furniture, an honesty bar, copious family photos, a resident dog and an obliging butler give the sense that you’ve arrived to spend the weekend in an aristocrat’s home, rather than a public hotel. Rectory Manor is just along from the town of Lavenport and provides a range of activities (tennis, croquet, an outdoor pool), that add to this high-end home vibe. There are just three classically styled guest bedrooms in the main house, with further accommodation in a converted stable. In the morning, a hearty English breakfast is served, alongside a continental buffet.

Hilton London Bankside is at the forefront of Hilton Hotels’ innovative, design-focused evolution. Every element of the hotel has been meticulously thought out to echo the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the area, merging raw urban elements with sleek, modern aesthetics. A stone’s throw from iconic London attractions like the Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Shakespeare’s Globe, The property boasts 292 guest rooms, including 25 suites that offer stunning cityscape views, along with a rooftop penthouse, peloton guest rooms, a vegan suite, and a heated indoor pool and gym. Two dining experiences are onsite too OXBO Bankside and The Distillery.

Get a taste of Japan in the heart of London at The Prince Akatoki. A stay here is a minimalist and mindful, yet five-star experience. The interior design evokes calm and tranquillity with lots of natural materials across 82 premium bedrooms. Alongside the ethos of Japanese hospitality, the property is full of furnishings and decorative touches that evoke the feel of Japan. And of course, the food follows suit. Guests can dine on fusion cuisine or bottomless brunch and take a sushi masterclass at TOKii, as well as enjoying an Asian whisky at The Malt Lounge and Bar.

The Dutch design firm Concrete has been tasked with creating an eclectic aesthetic that blends retro with modern, while showcasing using natural textiles, at The BoTree. Found where Mayfair meets Marylebone, it has two destination restaurants — one on the rooftop — a live music club, a cinema room and a fitness centre. Each bedroom boasts a reception area, with sliding panels leading to sleeping and lounge spaces; upgrade to a suite for a lounge, a balcony and your own bar and with an integrated cocktail station. The BoTree’s service ethos is described as intuitive and personalised.

Bright and bold with a neon interactive veil-like façade, the W London’s commanding positioning on the most prominent corner of Leicester Square crowns it as one of London’s most visually striking hotels.

The hotel opened in 2011 and since then nothing quite like it has been built in London – the hotel embraces a minimalist futuristic look using curved glass panels to soften its imposing form whilst simultaneously reflecting the pulsating lights of Soho and the West End. Inside, the W London continues its bold, contemporary aesthetic with interiors designed to evoke the brand’s signature mix of ultra-contemporary detailing and playfulness. Each of the 192 guest rooms and suites features modern furnishings, smart technology through their DigiValet tablet system, generously sized W MixBar, disco ball and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Soho below, think of this as your own private party pad.

Head down to level one where you can mix and mingle over a playful brunch, dinner or afternoon tea in the W Lounge and enjoy an innovative cocktail at The Perception. Break a sweat at FIT, then recharge at AWAY Spa before premiering a blockbuster in their Screening Room and use the hotel’s Whatever/Whenever® service to take care of everything else.

The Dakota Deluxe Hotel promises that a stay in any one of its varied rooms and suites will make you feel special. It’s no idle boast. Every room oozes with calm, creating the ideal space to relax after a busy day enjoying the buzz in the heart of lively Leeds. Those who need to be undisturbed to get on with some work will find the Executive rooms ideal. There’s everything you need to work in a stress-free atmosphere, with complimentary high speed WiFi, work desk, media hub, Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity.

Like The Gore, this hotel is part of the Starhotels Collezione group, an identity reflected in the otherwise quintessentially British hotel’s Italian basement restaurant. The Pelham’s vintage interiors have been refreshed by designer Kit Kemp, yet retain the original features, stuccoed ceilings and oil painted artworks that nod to its past. Housed in a Victorian townhouse across from the tube station, it’s super convenient for exploring the city. Children love the brand’s VIK (Very Important Kid) programme, with games, activities, menus and amenities. Pets are allowed to stay with you here, too. 

Architect George Dance the Younger conceived this property back in the 1800s. These days it enjoys a spot in one of the capital’s trendiest corners. Rooms and suites hark back to its origin story, with rich jewel tones, patterned wallpapers and Persian-style rugs. Many come here just for the restaurant; Quercus is a destination in itself, with chef Stephen Englefield serving South East Asian inspired dishes prepared using ingredients from our own shores. And it’s well worth stopping for a tipple at the bar, whose cocktail menu uses V.R. Vickers Google Book as its muse.

The London Hilton on Park Lane, a cornerstone of Mayfair’s luxury hospitality since 1963, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a multimillion-pound refurbishment. This extensive renovation introduced two new dining venues, an open-plan social lobby featuring the ‘Falling Still’ art installation by Giles Miller, and comprehensive updates to suites, the executive lounge, and guest rooms. The hotel offers 453 rooms and suites, including the Balmoral Suite on the 27th floor, which provides expansive views of Hyde Park. Guests can enjoy amenities such as the Executive Lounge, the Revery Bar with live DJ sets, and the Park Corner Brasserie serving modern British cuisine. The hotel’s prime location on Park Lane places it within walking distance of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Buckingham Palace, and New Bond Street, with Hyde Park Corner Underground Station nearby for convenient access to central London.

The Franklin, situated in the Egerton Gardens, was established in 1992 when four elegant townhouses were combined to create a luxury hotel. This five-star hotel contains 35 rooms and suites, a fashionable bar that serves the finest wines and spirits as well as an excellent restaurant with Michelin-star status. Those who wish to visit the Franklin on a business trip will be pleased to know that the hotel contains it’s own meeting room, ideal for conferences and other events, that will enable business people to do conduct their affairs among stylish and comfortable surroundings.