Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Set within eight acres of woodland on North Deeside Road, on the western edge of Aberdeen, you’ll find Marcliffe, the city’s only AA five-star hotel. Since changing hands, the hotel is undergoing a period of significant investment, with a striking £5.5 million glass-domed brasserie, Skylark, and a newly refurbished collection of Suites and Superior rooms, each named after one of the region’s castles. Start the day with a bountiful breakfast in the Conservatory, enjoy afternoon tea or a massage in the spa mid-afternoon, and by evening take a drink in the Drawing Room by the log fire to the sound of the live pianist. And being just 20 minutes from Aberdeen city centre, you have the perfect base for both a city or countryside break in Aberdeenshire.

Standing watch opposite Glasgow City Chambers in the city’s historical municipal district, you’ll find the AC Hotel Glasgow, which breathes a vibrant, fresh energy into Glasgow’s hospitality scene. 245 rooms and suites sit across a brand-new contemporary new wing, plus 22 heritage rooms within the historical wing which once acted as Glasgow Parish Halls. Downstairs, restaurant Hazel, named after the hazel tree in Glasgow’s coat of arms, offers all-day dining, alongside a seriously good cocktail bar, lounge and coffee shop. And being just steps from Queen Street Station, you have everything to hand for a stylish leisure break or business trip in Scotland’s biggest city.

One of London’s most anticipated luxury hotel openings has taken another significant step forward, with Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch officially opening reservations ahead of its long-awaited debut later this year. Occupying one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, the hotel will become the first Waldorf Astoria property in London and the first time in Admiralty Arch’s over 100-year history that guests will be able to stay overnight within the Grade I-listed building. Reservations are now available for stays from 1 March 2027, with additional dates expected to be released as the hotel’s autumn opening approaches.

Set on Scotland’s Sutherland coastline at the start of the North Coast 500, Royal Marine Hotel, Brora is an Arts and Crafts period country house, transformed into a coastal retreat, complete with a quintessential, yet contemporary Highland welcome. The building itself, designed in 1913 by the celebrated architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, as a private residence, was acquired by Highland Coast Hotels and reopened in 2022 following a £1.6 million refurbishment. The result is a 21-room bolthole, complete with dining space championing local produce, a cosy bar, set alongside one of the area’s most challenging golf links for its neighbour. A convenient hour from Inverness and the same onto to Wick and Thurso makes this the perfect base to either relax and explore the area or use it as a stepping stone on your journey around Scotland’s rugged highland coast.

A luxurious flagship hotel in the historic Paddington area of London, Inhabit Southwick Street – a member of Design Hotels offers respite from the bustling city centre and a range of world-class amenities to enhance your stay. There are 159 thoughtfully designed guestrooms showcasing the best of contemporary Scandinavian design with traditional Eastern and British twists. On-site dining is available in Yeotown where fresh, plant-based cuisine is served all day or at Pantry where you’ll find healthy snacks and soft drinks on offer. Inhale at Inhabit is the comprehensive wellness centre boasting indulgent treatments and a yoga studio alongside the fitness centre featuring a Peloton bike. There is a calming library and a retail facility where guests can browse.

This incredible ivy-clad building is a veritable labyrinth, with many nooks and crannies. The site has been home to an inn or hotel for thousands of years now, so brings with it a wealth of hospitality heritage; dine in its formal Oak Room or relaxed Garden Room, order bubbles at the 14th-century Champagne Bar and get a snack in the York Bar. Bedrooms are adorned with features such as heavy antique drapes, curtained four-poster beds, patterned bedspreads, dark wood panelling and carved headboards. Each has a unique style and layout, so you can stay time and again and have a new experience.

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.

Anyone who has an interest in history is sure to love the chance to stay in a carefully maintained and preserved Grade ll-Listed Arts and Crafts building. The Jesmond Dene Hotel is surrounded by extensive grounds and overlooks a wooded valley, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers. This magnificent building is the home of Sir Andrew Noble and is scattered with numerous pieces of artwork throughout the communal areas and guestrooms. The Great Hall is set with a bar and lounge and unwinding beside the roaring fire is the ideal experience on a chilly evening. Those who crave privacy and space will want to make sure they secure one of the eight lavish rooms in the New House.

Set right on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a stylish place to stay for people who like their creature comforts and enjoy plenty of pampering. This stunning Edwardian house is set in 21 acres of parkland that is set with pretty pools and other natural features. For optimum privacy and luxury, guests will want to choose one of the six Lake House rooms, which boast private hot tubs and spa facilities. The decadent restaurant and terrace also provide guests with the opportunity to sample Michelin-starred dining.

Situated less than two miles from Bourton-on-the-Water in the picturesque Lower Slaughter with easy access to Cheltenham, The Slaughters Manor House features 19 rooms with rich fabrics, oversized beds and plush furnishing. Sleep in the main house or a courtyard room – many of which can be connected to form family rooms. Play tennis, croquet, boules and billiards for the stately home experience and dine in the hotel’s three rosette restaurant.

Whatley Manor’s 12 acres of land has been carefully formed into no less than 26 separate gardens. The Grade II listed building became a hotel in 2003 but dates back to the 18th century. Found in the hamlet of Easton Grey on the edge of Malmesbury it provides a base to explore the southern wolds. It houses 23 unique rooms, Aquarias Spa, bars and eateries. Winner of this year’s Great British Menu, Executive Chef, Niall Keating serves his banquets in the venue’s on-site restaurant and brasserie, and via the roaming ‘Paradise Carriage’ takeaway.

With open views across the golf course to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, this is the hotel to choose if you want to be right beside the sea. The Marine has been restored to reflect its grand past, with tastefully chosen furnishings and textiles exuding a sense of old-world opulence and vintage flair, that’s as inviting as the outlook. Dine on local beef, game, and freshly landed seafood at The Lawn and order a cocktail or afternoon tea beneath the glittering chandeliers of the stylish Bass Rock Bar and Lounge. The French skincare brand Caudalie has partnered with the hotel to bring its spa treatments, designed using scientific techniques and active ingredients from the brand’s Bordeaux vineyards.