Best Luxury Hotels in England

Europe’s first Grand Dame, The Langham opened its doors in 1865, soon racking up an illustrious list of patrons, like Louis-Napoleon III, Charles Dickens, one of the “Cambridge Five” spies Guy Burgess, Mark Twain, Princess Diana, Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie. It has been an innovator on the international hotel scene, with a prestigious reputation. It boasts a timeless elegance and award-winning eating and drinking venues overseen by Michel Roux Jr; Palm Court, Artesian Bar,The Wigmore and Roux at the Landau. Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club has an Asian theme with a huge heated indoor pool.

This modern glass-fronted building has 249 naturally styled bedrooms and suites, each with traditional Japanese tea sets, Grown Alchemist toiletries, 4k ultra HD TVs, contemporary detailing and the brand’s own luxury mattresses. A wellness centre includes a Pilates Reformer studio and treatments such as Nobu Zen, the brand’s signature ritual incorporating stretching and massage. Whether you stay here or not, do eat here. Nobu’s international range of restaurants have a trademark style, incarnated by the highly acclaimed Tokyo-based Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. There’s a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea, lounge, bar and Laurent-Perrier Terrace overlooking Portman Square and serving Nobu’s signature dishes.

It’s hosted the stars of Hollywood and members of the Royal Family for over two centuries. Spencer Tracy commented that he’d rather go to Claridge’s than to heaven when he dies. And Gordon Ramsay opened a restaurant here. This hotel is grand and British, with elements of its heritage – notably its art deco years – evident in the decor. Highlights include the Davies & Brook restaurant and The Fumoir, a sultry speakeasy-style glamorous bar. There’s a swish outdoor dining area, a spa and a famous afternoon tea. The kid-glove service is top-notch and attentive, with butlers in suites and the penthouse.

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.

A quintessentially British property, The Churchill is right at the heart of Marylebone, moment’s away from Selfridges and Oxford Street but offering a more peaceful setting overlooking Portman Square Garden. Its namesake (the iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchhill), is remembered in details and subtle nods throughout. A large property, it has 390 bedrooms and 50 suites – some of the latter offering multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas. It’s also home to the award-winning Churchill Bar and Terrace, Michelin-starred Locanda Locatelli and the all-day dining venue, The Montagu Kitchen. The Churchill is part of the Hyatt Regency collection.

The Michelin-starred Dining Room at Gravetye Manor is a highlight of any stay here. Many ingredients come from the country house’s century-old walled kitchen garden – of which floor-to-ceiling windows provide an ample view. The grounds are stunning and the hotel runs tours of the gardens alone. Inside, 17 rooms are each named after trees on the estate, furnished with antiques, pastel textiles, oil paintings and flowers freshly picked from outside. The building dates back to the 16th century and the portraits of the original owners can be seen carved above the fireplace in one of the bedrooms.

A country dining pub with rooms, The White Horse is renowned for its excellent fish and chips. It’s close to the Goodwood Estate on the South Downs and boasts an upscale rustic cottage style. Rooms are decorated with contemporary Scandi touches, sheepskins, steamer trunks, funky feature walls and modern four-poster beds, with skylights and original beams.  And The Indulgent suite also comes with its own private terrace and hot tub. Children and dogs are welcome – the garden, courtyard and rolling hills beyond proving conducive to a family stay. The White Horse has received 5 Gold Stars from the AA awards.

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.

This was the grand hotel of choice for the Duchess of Sussex the night before her nuptials. The five-star mansion has often been a royal haunt. It dates back to the 17th century and was the home of the Astor family. Regal rooms are furnished with antiques and plush textiles, some with their own hot tubs and separate living areas. The Astor Grill and Cliveden Dining Room are refined grand affairs and afternoon tea is a speciality. Guests can also enjoy some pamper time in a spa located behind its walled garden.

The Retreat Elcot Park is a newly re-imagined 18th-century country house hotel and spa set in magnificent grounds, located in the heart of the beautiful West Berkshire countryside. The hotel boasts 55 rooms and suites (including adjoining rooms – ideal for families) each of which is beautifully appointed and displays its own individual charm. Eating and drinking is a memorable experience here with two stunning restaurants offering exceptional quality food; the 1772 Brasserie and Yu, pan-Asian Restaurant. For more informal drinks, light bites, and Afternoon Tea, guests can make use of the Orangery and many other fabulous spaces around the hotel. Relax and unwind in the spa, make a splash in the heated outdoor pool and the hydrotherapy indoor pool, and get active in the gym, fitness studio, or even on the tennis court.

Offering some of the most stunning views in the whole of Canary Wharf, the Novotel London Canary Wharf sores high above the surrounding buildings. The sophisticated top-floor bar is the perfect place to unwind with a cool cocktail at the end of the day while soaking up the scenery. The check-in process is informal and is sure to put nervous travellers at ease while offering a memorable personalised touch. Lovers of luxury will want to make sure that they secure one of the 26 sumptuous suites, which have open plans to help them feel especially spacious and decadent.

With its quirky interiors and splashes of bright colour, this establishment really stands out from the rather stark and business-like style of the rest of Canary Wharf. A short stroll along the underwater foot tunnel in Greenwich takes guests to a wide range of attractions, although this is a great place to simply unwind for a while. The large indoor swimming pool is the perfect place to splash around while working up an appetite. Dining options at the hotel include all-day dining at ‘Food Store’ Driven by produce that’s in season, socially and ethically produced and sourced, chef Rumel Pinnock serves an all-day dining menu perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner. All appetites and tastes are catered for, with a selection of small plates, pizzas and hearty mains. While Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen run by celebrity Chef, Cyrus Todiwala OBE, brings signature dishes from his acclaimed landmark restaurant in the city, Café Spice Namaste, to be enjoyed in this stylish, vibrant restaurant at the hotel. The hotel has 129 rooms for guests to choose from and all are spacious with plenty of cosy touches.