
Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in England
Take some time out to explore the beautiful holiday escapes that England has to offer. Scandi-style converted manor houses, Roman spas, extensive gardens and fine dining restaurants are just some of the characteristics our top-pick hotels boast. Ideal for a short ‘get-away’ from it all break and equally suited as a base for a longer UK staycation holiday. Read on and find the perfect place for your next luxury holiday in England.
England, Bath and North Somerset, Bath
The Bath Priory
(5 stars)Nestled within four acres of mature award-winning gardens, The Bath Priory Hotel is a tranquil oasis just a short walk away from the city centre, think country house in the city. The hotel feels like a private residence, rooms are named after flowers and each of the 33 guest rooms are different, and adorned with artwork and antiques, sourced by Andrew and Christina Brownsword the hotel proprietors. Rooms come in various categories from classic through to deluxe with beautiful views out to the garden and their own balconies and if you want to go for the ultimate luxury experience choose one of their suites which includes decadent roll-top baths and separate living areas. The hotel includes the UK’s only L’Occitane Spa, with treatments using products from the Provencal brand as well as an indoor pool, sauna and steam-room. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey with a focus on fresh local produce and garden views.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
(5 stars)Originally built in 1889 as an exclusive gentleman’s club, the building was opened as a grand hotel in 1902 and extensively refurbished in 2000. The Mandarin Group has hotel across the globe and their London residence is situated in fashionable Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel has 141 rooms, 40 suites and 3 restaurants and over the years has played host to a number of events involving royalty and celebrity guests. Many stay here to enjoy the oasis of calm at the spa. Chinese medicine treatments, Bastien Gonzalez manis and pedis, the Rasul Water Temple and anti-ageing Nescens facials are all popular items from the wellness menu, while the 17-metre stainless steel pool provides a truly urban luxury style dip. Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant is also a big draw and meals can be taken in the dining room, at the chef’s table or in a private room.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte hotel
(5 stars)Period features meet contemporary interiors in this hotel opened in 1837. Interior design by Olga Polizzi was inspired by literary works and former guests – Rudyard Kipling wrote many of his novels here and it’s believed that The English Tea Room was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’. As such, the Afternoon Tea is popular with history lovers, seeking to retrace the steps of heroes and heroines in this award-winning, wood-panelled establishment. Now owned by Rocco Forte, modern comforts in the 33 suites and 82 rooms abound. Elegant muted shades are offset with pops of colour and unique artworks. The in-house restaurant Charlie’s, named after the founding Forte Lord Charles, is all about British cooking. While Donovan’s bar (named after photographer Terence), is an intimate and playfully decadent spot to enjoy a bespoke sixties-themed cocktail.
England, Oxfordshire, Oxford
The Store Oxford
(5 stars)The Store Oxford repurposes the iconic Boswells department store building into a modern boutique hotel with 101 uniquely styled rooms and extensive amenities. Featuring three distinct dining options, including the historically inspired Treadwell restaurant and a rooftop bar that serves a great range of creative cocktails, the hotel seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary luxury. The Store also offers a co-working space and an urban spa developed in collaboration with British wellness brand Oskia. Spanning seven floors, the hotel’s interior style ranges from Art Deco to comforting muted tones, with every aspect of the hotel reflecting Oxford’s architectural beauty and vibrant history.
England, Greater London, London, Camden
Rosewood London
(5 stars)Constructed in four blocks between 1912 and 1960, this Grade II listed building is a grand landmark in Covent Garden in the West End. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 2000, the Rosewood’s 262 rooms offer guests an ideal blend of British heritage and contemporary sophistication. Another distinctive afternoon tea is found here. Many visit for the art-themed pastries and sweet treats inspired by the work of sculptor Anthony Gormley and created by Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Perkins. Families are made especially welcome with interconnecting rooms (the second room is complementary), activities, games and cosy dog beds for the furry family members. Take part in the Rosewood Room Hunt and hunt for clues in an immersive scavenger adventure on specified dates. There’s also a Sense Spa for wellness and beauty, incorporating the Face Place and Matthew Curtis Hair Salon.
England, Greater London, London, Knightsbridge
The Berkeley
(5 stars)The Berkley Hotel, located in Wilton Place, is a five-star hotel that boasts stylish interior designs that are guaranteed to impress any patrons that walk through the doors. Those who visit the hotel can enjoy a drink in the elegant Blue Bar, pamper themselves in the luxurious spa, swim in the spacious indoor pool or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s two restaurants. The Collins Room, designed by Robert Angell, offers one of the best fine dining experiences in London while the Marcus restaurant provides Michelin-starred cuisine that will suit even the most sophisticated palate. The hotel’s spacious, elegantly designed and well-furnished bedrooms are divided into Deluxe and Superior categories.
England, Greater London, London, Southwark
Shangri-La The Shard, London
(5 stars)This is an example of modern luxury, being part of the famous Shard building that towers above London. The building was completed in 2012 and was the tallest structure in Europe at the time. The multi-award-winning hotel takes up floors 34-52. It offers stunning panoramic views across the capital from its 202 rooms, decorated in plush silks, satins and cut-pile velvets. The Hong Kong-based multinational hotelier brand is a favourite with business travellers, providing excellent meeting spaces and proximity to the city’s commercial centre. The Shard is now firmly on the London map, so visitors who prefer a sleek, modern Asian influenced style flock to stay at Shangri-La, to swim in the infinity sky pool and dine with a view at TING. There are also packages for wellness, honeymoons and weddings, as well as two funky bars, babysitting, butler and limousine services.
England, Cornwall, Newquay
The Headland Cornwall
(5 stars)You may recognise this hotel from the small or big screen — it featured in The Witches, Wild Things and an episode of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Perched on a peninsula, it offers an escape from the more populated parts of Newquay. Dog and family-friendly, The Headland has a sophisticated spa, gym, a cocktail bar and epic, elevated sea views. Accommodation options include rooms, suites and self-catering cottages, all with elegant furnishings and GAIA Skincare toiletries. Samphire Restaurant and the Terrace Bistro both hold two AA Rosette awards, while The Deck serves casual meals beside the hotel’s pool.
England, Greater London, London, Kensington
Jumeirah Carlton Tower London
(5 stars)With gardens, tennis courts and its own health club (The Peak Fitness Club) with a 20-metre naturally-lit indoor pool, this feels more like a resort than an urban hotel. The Carlton Tower has an enviable Knightsbridge address on Sloane Street. Inside, are 186 guest rooms, of which the three-bedroom Royal Suite is the pièce de résistance, with incredible views. Dine on modern-meets-classic Italian dishes at Al Mare. And don’t miss the award-winning nature-inspired afternoon tea in The Chinoiserie Lounge. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is the sister hotel to the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
England, Greater London, London, Belgravia
COMO The Halkin
(5 stars)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.
England, Greater London, London, Nine Elms
Park Hyatt London River Thames
(5 stars)With 203 rooms including 34 suites, Park Hyatt London River Thames marks the arrival of the Park Hyatt brand in the United Kingdom. Located within the evolving Nine Elms district, between Battersea Power Station and Westminster, the hotel offers contemporary design and sweeping river views to create a calm yet connected retreat in the heart of the capital.
Designed as a modern interpretation of classic English style, interiors feature William Morris-inspired wallcoverings, soft leather and brass accents, and curated artworks by British and international artists including Ian Rayer-Smith and Jo Taylor. The entrance is defined by Charlie Whinney’s sculptural installation Ebb and Flow, evoking the movement of the Thames, while neutral tones and bespoke furnishings bring warmth and serenity throughout.
Dining is led by Executive Chef Fabrice Lasnon, whose 35 years of culinary expertise shape an impressive selection of restaurants and bars. Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace celebrates seasonal British ingredients, Yú Gé offers refined Cantonese cuisine, while The Nine Elms Bar & Lounge provides a stylish space for cocktails and light bites.
Wellness is central to the experience, with an entire floor devoted to relaxation and renewal. The spa includes a 20-metre indoor pool with natural light and river views, six treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, a serene relaxation lounge, and a 1,550-square-foot fitness centre equipped with Technogym technology.
England, Greater London, London, Mayfair
The Biltmore Mayfair
(5 stars)Located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, The Biltmore Mayfair, is part of LXR Hotels & Resorts and is the essence of style and opulence. Guests immediately feel the distinctive character of this hotel which showcases splendid décor and unrivalled service. These qualities flow throughout the entire hotel which comprises of 250 stylish rooms and 57 curated suites with stunning views of London’s iconic skyline, personalised touches and extra comfort for the discerning traveller. Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, leads the team to present guests with a superb choice of both formal and casual dining options; from brunch at the tranquil Café Biltmore & Terrace through to a sophisticated evening at The Pine Bar or celebratory Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge there is a delicious culinary creation to tantalise every appetite and to fit any occasion. Guests can also take advantage of one of Mayfair’s largest gyms within the hotel – with 24-hour access to the latest fitness technology and a private workout studio.
