Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

The highlight of this boutique establishment is its rooftop garden terrace with far reaching views. Not only a convivial place to take the ozone with a cocktail in hand, this space also serves a practical purpose as home to a variety of plants and herbs, which are used in the hotel’s dishes and beverages. Guests can also drink inside in the Snug and sample the best of Scottish cooking at the Observatory restaurant. The Glasshouse accommodates 77 bedrooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso coffee machines, artworks and individual design.

The 269 rooms at this Grand Hotel overlooking Festival Square, feature Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and marble bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. Set right in the commercial heart of Edinburgh, close to financial institutions, the shops of Princes Street and walking distance from the Old Town, this hotel suits all types of travellers. But many (including locals) come here purely for its remarkable spa. At the very top is an outdoor infinity hydropool with stunning views, while inside, there’s an upscale thermal suite, a large swimming pool and treatment rooms. Also onsite is the One Square restaurant and One Square Bar.

Originally built to transport keepers and supplies to lighthouses around Scotland, this heritage vessel is now an AA five-star hotel with  AA Rosettes. Docked in Leith, the ship provides wonderful waterside views, as enjoyed from the restaurant (named after Fingal’s original purpose) and the deck, where guests can partake of artisanal cocktails as the sunsets over the sea. Each of its 23 cabins has been named after a lighthouse and comes equipped with Noble Isle amenities. Set over one or two levels, they feature soft curves, with an interior design reflecting the glory days of mid and early-20th-century travel.

Standing proudly above storied golf links and the rugged Ayrshire coastline, Trump Turnberry provides modern Edwardian opulence and attention to detail along with 800 rolling acres of countryside where legendary King Robert the Bruce once had his castle. The property has been a landmark since 1906 and not only is it a renowned golf destination, featuring the famous Ailsa course it also offers a large destination spa and a wide range of outdoor pursuits including equestrian activities and clay pigeon shooting. Dining options include its signature 1906 restaurant, Grand Tea Lounge and Bar, and the Duel in the Sun, a golf-inspired eatery each overlooking its famous golf courses.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

This five-star country lodge makes for a wonderful state-of-the-art spa break. The hotel is housed in a 19th century mansion, but the spa area is in a separate, modern and eco-friendly wood-clad building with large windows taking full advantage of the views. Outside it has a jetted tub surrounded by loungers, plus there’s an infinity edge pool and a natural wild pool. Rooms come with four-poster beds and claw-foot freestanding tubs and some have private gardens. The award-winning venue also boasts three restaurants, a Billiard Bar, lounges and a terrace for alfresco dining.

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.

Just a short drive from the racing town of Newbury lies The Vineyard Hotel. There’s a spa with hot tub, pool, steam room and sauna and innovative (part alfresco) dining at InsideOut. Wine is a big deal here with frequent tasting events – head sommelier Roland Bourger is a UK Sommelier of the Year winner and the cellar holds over 30,000 bottles. The rooms are classic and elegant, with four-poster beds and either balconies or patios in the suites.

The River Arts Club is housed in a Victorian Mansion beside the Thames. Boasting private moorings and access to the river, the hotel overlooks the Guards Club Island – home to many species of birds. It’s situated close to Bray, a gastronomic village paradise, to which guests can travel on water via the hotel’s private launch. There are six categories of bedrooms, all with original artworks and some offering open log fires, park or river views, and terraces.

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.