Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Established by celebrity designer Anouska Hempel, Blakes was the capital’s first five-star boutique residence. Its exclusivity and privacy make it popular with celebrities evading the limelight (Princess Margaret, Sarah Ferguson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lindsay Lohan and Kate Moss are all said to have stayed here). The decor is inspired by exotic lands – each bedroom reflecting a different pocket of the globe. Its urban garden was created by Matthew Williamson, is open for daytime meals, early evening drinks and boasts a glass birdcage like dining pod. While by night, dining takes place in the venue’s organic Mediterranean eatery. Guests at Blakes Hotel have access to the South Kensington Club, with its traditional Russian bathhouse, or can request in-room spa treatments. 

Privately owned, this hotel themes its rooms on high-brow local attractions: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert and the Royal Albert Hall. So does its quirky and interactive Science Afternoon Tea, an award-winning experience – including jams served in petri dishes, chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits – served in the Drawing Room. It’s understandably popular with children, but there’s also a grown-up version, featuring a cocktail flight. Venture beneath the building’s Victorian arches for a more substantial meal, in the Mediterranean eatery Apero. The 111 bedroom South Kensington hotel welcomes small pets in deluxe category rooms and above and won’t charge for their stay. Cots and extra beds can be added on request, for travelling families. 

Like The Gore, this hotel is part of the Starhotels Collezione group, an identity reflected in the otherwise quintessentially British hotel’s Italian basement restaurant. The Pelham’s vintage interiors have been refreshed by designer Kit Kemp, yet retain the original features, stuccoed ceilings and oil painted artworks that nod to its past. Housed in a Victorian townhouse across from the tube station, it’s super convenient for exploring the city. Children love the brand’s VIK (Very Important Kid) programme, with games, activities, menus and amenities. Pets are allowed to stay with you here, too. 

In recreating the rooms at the Connaught, Guy Oliver and Guy Collins have fused modern styling with retro touches which help keep the overall impression in harmony with this hotel’s architectural roots. Every room is generously apportioned, particularly the suites; the Sutherland Suite has its own Baby Grand Piano. Restaurant Helen Darroze at the Connaught offers a package that won her two Michelin stars. Relax in the restaurant’s magnificent interior, designed by India Mahdavi. Alternatively, dine at Jean-George’s where British classics blend with Southeast Asian flavours. The hotel also has a spa that offers a range of treatments and alternative therapies.

Kids and pets are welcome at this 150 room townhouse hotel. Enter from the bustling Old Brompton Road, into a haven of calm. In-suite Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, Nespresso machines and a minibar help guests to unwind in their own private space. Or there’s the softly lit classic club-style K-Bar, where you can relax with a cocktail on one of its divinely cosy sofas (look out for the bar’s brass doors, which used to belong to Dublin’s General Post Office, the backdrop for the Easter Rising in 1916). Be sure to make a booking at its restaurant, Town House, too. The Kensington is super stylish, sporting statement lighting and plenty of sumptuously tactile textiles. 

Fleming’s is situated on Half Moon Street. Here, modern luxury blends with a historical legacy that offers a range of accommodation packages to the modern traveller. From deluxe singles to double suites, there is something for everyone. Each room is colour-coordinated and incorporates key features of a previous artistic style. The hotel has a gym which boasts the latest cardiovascular and weight-resistance equipment. Dine at Ormer Mayfair, take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or have cocktails in the Manetta’s Bar. It is all there to enjoy.

One hundred and twelve years after first opening as the brainchild of Cezar Ritz, The Ritz, London is still one of the world’s finest hotels. It was awarded the Royal Warrant in 2002, the only hotel to hold it. Staying at the Ritz is a five-star experience that combines old-world opulence with the highest level of customer service available anywhere. Eat in the Michelin-starred restaurant, still regarded by many as the most beautiful dining room on the planet or take afternoon tea on the terrace. The hotel is close to Green Park and the West End.

Set in 67 acres of picturesque gardens 350 feet above Lake Windermere, this luxurious yet tranquil establishment is the perfect place to unwind in style. Waking up to the sight of deer roaming freely through the palatial grounds is an experience that guests are sure to love. This beautiful Georgian Gothic-Revival house opened its doors to guests in 2002 and has been extensively renovated to provide guests with plenty of lavish modern touches. There are twelve rooms in total to choose from, which boast pretty lake or garden views from their spacious balconies as well as marble bathrooms. Guests are invited to book a cocktail or wine-tasting master class, while walking tours of the area are regularly organised.

This charming Victorian country house is set right on the eastern bank of Lake Windermere and provides guests with stunning views of the lake and fells. Taking afternoon tea on the terrace is a quintessential English experience that should not be missed, while this establishment also comes complete with tennis courts and a private hot tub that can be booked free of charge. In addition to the main rooms and annex rooms, guests have the chance to book one of three cosy cottages, which have been decorated in a light contemporary style and boast amenities such as a large patio, hot tub and small kitchen.

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.

This contemporary country home can be found on the edge of Grasmere. Guests are treated to a friendly and personalised service that is sure to make them feel right at home. This palatial Victorian home is set on the bank of a gently flowing river and provides guests with large gardens to unwind in. around half the spacious guestrooms boast large balconies that overlook the river, while the en suite bathrooms are bright and modern. Dinner is an especially decadent affair and guests can opt for four courses that boasts classic fine-dining with a contemporary edge.

Food lovers will really be in their element at The Forest, as this Victoria mansion comes complete with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. The interiors are cool and elegant with plenty of colourful and contemporary touches. There are twenty spacious guestrooms to choose from, each of which boasts a spacious bathroom and pretty garden views. Head chef Kevin Tickle has created an extensive and imaginative menu for guests to work their way through that highlights the abundance of fresh produce that can be found in this part of the world. Some of the taste sensations that are just waiting to be enjoyed here include venison pastrami with ewe’s milk cheese, lemon sole with leeks in horseradish and mugwort ice cream.