This hillside Georgian merchant’s house looks across to the verdant Downs on one side and Clifton village’s colourful houses on the other.12 bedrooms have a gentle maritime theme with bulkhead lamps, trunks, art depicting seafaring and deep blue hues. Bathrooms have REN toiletries, robes and suites have copper or tin soaking baths. Relax beside the log burner in a cosy lounge, or soak up the southern sun on the homely terrace. It’s too small for its own restaurant and spa, but breakfast is served in bed, spa treatments can be arranged at the nearby lido and there’s a choice of delectable eateries within a stroll.

Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge are among the most iconic landmarks in the city. Stay here and you’ll be afforded front-row views of them. The heritage building on Sion Hill was once a spa, with its steam pumps, the original marble and stained glass windows preserved as part of the sleek refurbishment. Its White Lion Pub has one of the largest terraces in the southwest, with an urban industrial-chic interior and there’s an art-filled cocktail lounge. Goram and Vincent is the main restaurant, featuring an open kitchen replete with coal-fired grills, a smoker and bespoke clay ovens.

Part of the boutique Doyle Collection, this is a thoroughly modern property. The rooftop terrace is a real gem, with outdoor fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, cushioned sofas and rugs. An excellent place for a workout, the hotel’s Third Space gym and spa has an 18m indoor pool, as well as alternative therapy treatments. 250 bedrooms have accented vibrant colours and bold patterns, augmented by contemporary art pieces. Families are welcome with open arms; The Marylebone provides kids’ menus, free meals for under fives and teepee beds with inflatable mattresses, camping lamps, cookies and a flask of milk on request.

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.

Prestonfield House is a unique 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends opulence, theatricality, and luxury within one of Edinburgh’s most charming historic buildings and has been operating since the 1950s. This exclusive haven, presided over by James Thomson, marries the serenity and seclusion of a country estate with the vibrancy of urban Edinburgh. Set within 20 acres of beautiful, manicured gardens, with views across the nearby majestic Arthur’s Seat guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the green open space. Yet just a mere five-minute jaunt from the heart of Edinburgh, those seeking to explore the city can easily do so.

Each of the 18 lavish bedrooms and five romantic suites showcases individual features and character, adorned with one-of-a-kind antique furnishings and distinctive feature beds with the antique theme flowing throughout the hotel. The destination restaurant, Rhubarb, presents guests with the choice of private dining rooms, lavish salons, and grand public spaces – not to mention the fine seasonal cuisine they serve. The level of service and hospitality is impeccable, personal yet professional.

A former bank, this restored 19th-century building on St Andrew’s Square now accommodates high-end apartments. These range in size from studios to three-bedroom residences, providing a home-away-from-home experience during a longer stay. The apartments are serviced daily and include Nespresso machines. Cook in your own space, or eat in-house at The Register Club, with its top-floor (and top drawer) Art Deco ambience and creative libations. And you’re only steps from multiple eateries for fine or family dining. Travelling with your four-legged friend? They’ll get their own bed, blanket, toys and treats on arrival. 

Sitting at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, The Balmoral meaning ‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic is more than just a hotel, it’s one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic landmarks.A true masterpiece of Scottish Baronial design, its exterior is a romanticised interpretation of medieval Scottish castles brought to life through its warm sandstone façade. While intricate carvings along with decorative turrets, gables and ornate columns, all add to its sense of history and grandeur. A masterpiece outside is equally matched inside, including 187 rooms, suites and one-of-a-kind signature suites including the J.K Rowling Suite where the novelist herself finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Experience award-winning fine dining at Number One, sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, stylish brasserie dining and bar Brasserie Prince, and an exceptional whisky collection at SCOTCH. The Balmoral Spa adds to the experience with indulgent treatments, making the hotel a true resort-like escape in the heart of the city.

Housed in a Victorian building that dates back to 1903, this hotel is considered to be one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and was one of the British grand railway hotels. Nowadays The Caledonian is perhaps most renowned for its excellent cuisine. Dean Banks at The Pompadour, the flagship restaurant by a star of TV’s Masterchef, has been awarded a coveted Michelin star. Then there’s Grazing by Mark Greenaway and Peacock Alley for drinks and snacks. This Curio Collection property also offers a Guerlain Spa, with treatments using 111SKIN face and body products.