Best Luxury Hotels in England

Set on the corner of Russell Square, this hotel with a Grade II listed facade was relaunched as part of the Kimpton collection, in 2018. Unmissable, as it occupies an entire block of this prestigious neighbourhood, the building incorporates a Burr & Co. coffee shop, Palm Court (perfect for an elegant afternoon tea) and the Galvin Bar & Grill, led by the Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. Chandeliers, wrought iron balustrades, marble columns, gilt finishings and ornate period plasterwork sit alongside the brand’s signature contemporary design, creating a grand, yet fashionable vibe.

Whatley Manor’s 12 acres of land has been carefully formed into no less than 26 separate gardens. The Grade II listed building became a hotel in 2003 but dates back to the 18th century. Found in the hamlet of Easton Grey on the edge of Malmesbury it provides a base to explore the southern wolds. It houses 23 unique rooms, Aquarias Spa, bars and eateries. Winner of this year’s Great British Menu, Executive Chef, Niall Keating serves his banquets in the venue’s on-site restaurant and brasserie, and via the roaming ‘Paradise Carriage’ takeaway.

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.

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.

Following an extensive two-year renovation, Montcalm Mayfair, Autograph Collection brings a fresh vision of “Sensitive Luxury” to the capital. Located in the prestigious district of Mayfair on Wallenberg Place, this flagship hotel from the Montcalm Collection redefines contemporary hospitality with a restorative approach rooted in sustainability, elegance, and wellbeing.

Designed by award-winning architectural firm Holland Harvey and interiors teams Studio Est and Studio Mica, the 151-room hotel merges Georgian heritage with refined, modern British aesthetics. From the meticulously restored façade to interiors inspired by historic garden salons, the hotel blends artistry with comfort. Signature suites include the Botanical Suite, complete with private entrance and immersive artworks, and the Presidential Suite, adorned with works by Joan Miró.

Guests can dine at Lilli by Akira Back, where the Michelin-starred chef brings his signature East-meets-West flair to seasonal British ingredients. The YĀTRĀ SIGNATURE Spa offers Ayurvedic-inspired rituals, a serene plunge pool, and treatments developed with Mauli Rituals and QMS Medicosmetics. Public spaces include a 400 sqm Grand Ballroom, the Bloom private dining room, and a lounge adorned with hand-painted murals and bespoke chandeliers.

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.

Complete with panoramic views over the City of London, Canopy by Hilton London City echoes the spirit of one of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The UK’s first Canopy by Hilton hotel is set within the multi-million-pound Minories development close to Aldgate station and offers the perfect base for design-conscious visitors looking to immerse themselves in London’s East End. 

The hotel’s interior design reflects the rich culture of the area’s historic textile industry inspired by the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields in the 17th century with guest quarters and dining spaces featuring floral patterns and woven fabrics reminiscent of the techniques used by the Huguenots. Artworks created by local artists adorn the public spaces throughout the hotel while inspiration from the area continues throughout the hotel, East End-inspired dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients are served at the hotel’s restaurant Penny Squares, which takes its design inspiration from the quilting technique popular in the textile industry. 

Meanwhile, St. Clare Coffee and Bar, provides the perfect place to relax, work or socialise over a craft coffee or East End-inspired cocktail in the hotel’s ground floor. A must-visit is the hotel’s stunning rooftop terrace Florattica which offers uninterrupted views of the City of London and serves delicious small plates with a great selection of drinks against a vibrant backdrop inspired by the floral patterns of the Huguenots.

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.

Sitting proudly on London’s South Bank directly opposite Westminster lies the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Set within the former Greater London Council building which dates back to 1922, the property offers destination dining at Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar while the historic Library serves award-winning afternoon tea with stunning Thames views. Accommodation options include 241 elegantly designed rooms and suites including 35 balcony rooms, suites and lofts with panoramic views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye along with a gym, swimming pool and M Lounge for premium room and suite category guests.

An old station hotel dating back to the Victorian era, The Milner York has been transformed into an elegant, yet modern establishment ideally placed for exploring the city. York Minster is a ten-minute walk away and the National Railway Museum is just five minutes. As would be expected from a luxury hotel the facilities are excellent with hotel concierge, and porters who will meet you at the station if you’re arriving by train. While enjoying the sights and sounds of York don’t miss out on afternoon tea in the hotel’s fabulous Garden Rooms. In the evening make use of the hotel’s pool and gymnasium, before enjoying a gourmet evening meal prepared with Yorkshire’s finest products.

Just minutes from the heart of York, boutique hotel, the Elmbank Hotel is steeped in 19th-century history. Redesigned by George Walton, a contemporary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the hotel boasts one of the UK’s most complete Art Nouveau collections. Be greeted by stunning stained glass, murals, and intricate stencils as you make your way to the thoughtfully designed and elegantly styled guest quarters. Its 61 bedrooms are adorned with unique artwork celebrating Elmbank’s significant Yorkshire heritage en-suite bathrooms with hand-crafted GOLEM tiles, (some with roll-top baths), flatscreen TVs, WiFi, and facilities for Yorkshire Tea and Nespresso coffee. Elmbank’s Leetham’s Brasserie serves seasonal dishes, while Peacock Bar, invites you to relax at the marble-topped bar or on plush sofas surrounded by original Art Nouveau treasures.

The Reach at Piccadilly, Manchester – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel within Marriott Bonvoy’s collection – honours the city’s industrial heritage and its pioneering past. Located in the city centre, just a 90-second walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station, The Reach at Piccadilly offers a chic design, featuring 215 stylish guest rooms, eight suites, and a ground-floor restaurant and bar: Lock 84. The hotel’s design draws from Manchester’s industrial roots, reflecting its history as ‘Cottonopolis,’ the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The 11-storey building on Ducie Street overlooks the Rochdale Canal, historically used for coal transport, with decor inspired by this rich heritage.

Guests can enjoy nautically themed, nostalgic interiors, quality craftsmanship, and greenery throughout. The hotel’s canalside location influences its use of activated charcoal toiletries and a twist on the historic ‘fourpenny’ drink. Lock 84 serves all-day dining with speciality small plates, using sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. The menu, featuring a Japanese-style grill and a variety of British dishes, offers everything from a la carte breakfast to tailored tasting menus, complemented by an excellent selection of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Collaborating with local Manchester partners, The Reach at Piccadilly is ideal for both corporate guests and leisure visitors to the city, couples, families, and even pets.