Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Named Hotel of the Year at The Catey Awards, this grande dame was erected in 1906 as a “Palace of Business”. Nowadays it’s also the choice for spa-seekers and foodies. The landmark property comprises a large cookery school, where you can learn the skills of baking, fine patisserie, curry making, seafood prep and much more — parent and child classes are also available. Its original restaurant, The Rise, has three AA Rosettes, while the newer venue, Legacy, serves an eight-course tasting feast with an optional wine flight. Afternoon tea can be taken on the terrace and The Grand has a bar.

The hallowed bar walls are home to the Fat Badger, an upmarket inn with rooms that boasts what is widely thought to be the best beer garden in the city. The traditional Yorkshire pub is a favourite among gin enthusiasts, with a huge selection, while the restaurant area provides wonderful views and an a la carte menu. Those staying onsite are treated to designer decor in the 12 ensuite bedrooms, with features such as four-poster beds, tactile velvet fabrics, original sash and case windows and a colour palette that blends sophisticated dark hues with explosions of bright cheery colour.

Found in one of the oldest pockets of the city, Hotel Indigo is your modern base from which to explore the storied history of your Walmgate doorstep. Artwork in mismatched vintage frames adorn the walls, depicting the neighbourhood’s past, notably its connections with the origin of chocolate making in York. Bedrooms have plenty of vintage touches, such as wood panelling and buttoned brown leather headboards, along with contemporary lines and pieces. Pop into No.88 Walmgate, the hotel’s urban bar, use the fitness centre and catch up on some work in the snug.

They say location is everything, and whether you’re in York for a romantic weekend break, or to explore the city’s historical past, Greys Court Hotel is the ideal location from which to base your activities. Steeped in history, and with parts of its architecture dating back to the late 11th century it appears squeezed between the Minster and the Treasurer’s House. However, once through the hotel’s entrance, the connotation with squeezed ends, and you can enjoy the luxurious, historically romantic ambience that Greys Court Hotel offers, along with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a high-end establishment.

The Hotel du Vin and Bistro is an impressive Grade II listed building which has been transformed from its darker days as a 19th-century orphanage, to a modern luxurious 44-bed boutique hotel. Situated on the edge of the city, it is close enough for a short trip to the racecourse or city centre, yet far enough away to provide that relaxing end to a busy day. With hand-sprung mattresses, sumptuous linen and beautiful bathrooms the suites have a cosy, relaxing appeal. A great little hotel for a business stopover, or celebratory short break.

Housed in a former printing works which dates from the 1850s, The Nadler is another successful case of a warehouse conversion done right, managing to retain faithful marks of its original history updated for the present. Each of its bedrooms are contemporarily designed with solid, contrasting monochrome features and lots of exposed brickwork. The reception is friendly, the price is very reasonable and the facilities are top notch. This is a top pick for quality-minded guests on a modest budget, situated within and around plenty of dining and drinking spots in the lively Ropewalks area.

Set just 7-minutes from Liverpool’s beautiful Waterfront in the heart of North John Street, Aloft is an urbane hotel with ultra-modern touches throughout. Set in the stunning (former) Royal Insurance building, the 116 rooms preserve features from its Edwardian working spaces, yet pull its aesthetic right into the 21st Century. The tasteful blend of classic dark-walnut furniture with new and modern metal features and simple (but bright) colour schemes, offers loads of personality and punch. Guests are greeted with airy room, complimentary coffee and water, modern docking stations and walk-in showers with Bliss Spa toiletries. The real bonus here is the fantastic breakfast which runs a global gastronomical gamut.

This exciting new edition to Liverpool’s Lime Street inhabits an old railway building; as a result, it bursts with both period and contemporary character, with original features and a fun, whimsical design. The commanding Radisson Red property accommodates 201 bedrooms, a barbecue and robata grill restaurant called Stoke, a gym, meeting and event spaces and a private dining room across its 10 storeys, as well as offering some great views of St George’s Hall. There are nods to the city’s icons and landmarks all around the buildings, with a plethora of bespoke artworks on the walls.

Liverpool FC fans will love The Shankly, dedicated as it is to the famed manager Bill Shankly. Set right in the cultural heartland of Liverpool (just 7 minutes from the central train station and 5 minutes from The Cavern Club), The Shankly draws in guests with this central position to Liverpool’s nightlife and its quirky charm. The service is friendly, the rooms are airy and the Shankly memorabilia is ever-present. Larger multi-room suites are available for groups on the top floor, yet all 83 rooms — no matter the size — come with a luscious whirlpool bath.

The Pullman is a waterfront hotel set just a few minutes walk from Liverpool’s cultural landmarks and historic Royal Albert Dock. You’ll find tasteful wooden panels throughout the 200 rooms, with bright and beige furnishings, modern facilities and complimentary C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Favoured by business travellers because of its central location, it is perfectly placed for waterfront bars and restaurants. On-site is Dukes Bar and Restaurant offering modern British cuisine and a quirky wine vending machine.

The rather quirky name alludes to the city’s connection with both the ill-fated ship and Liverpool’s significance to the trans-Atlantic shipping route. Built as a redevelopment project of the historic Stanley Dock, Titanic sits right upon the shore in a striking former warehouse which once played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s industrial prowess. The aesthetic is incredibly captivating, with plenty of walnut furnishings, vaulted ceilings, open brickwork and nautical decor. The rooms are incredibly spacious with large bathrooms and well stocked toiletries. Although several miles from The Royal Albert Dock and the centre of town, Titanic offers a great alternative to the city’s central hotels.

The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool is a luxurious hotel situated on Dale Street in the heart of Liverpool. The hotel features 168 lavish rooms and 11 suites, all stylishly decorated. Guests can enjoy dining at the Seaforth British brasserie, afternoon tea at the Botanic Tearoom, and cocktails at the Palm Court. The Thermae Spa offers a range of treatments, a 16-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.