Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

voco Oxford Thames is a 15th-century barn converted into a high-quality four-star hotel for those who prefer to relax slightly away from the city centre. Set in 30 acres of lush parkland on the outskirts of Oxford, and overlooking the River Thames, the hotel has a spa, pool, fitness centre, sauna, and outside tennis court. With its large comfortable rooms, excellent bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and fine dining, De Vere’s offers more than many five-star establishments.

An excellent venue for those who prefer the quiet of country life but are within easy reach of the city buzz. Situated in the tiny village of Iffley, Hawkwell House is a country hotel with three acres of its own gardens just two miles from the centre of Oxford. Having recently undergone a one-million-pound refurbishment, all seventy-seven rooms are en-suite, tastefully and comfortably furnished, and with all the usual amenities you would expect. With excellent service and four function rooms, the hotel is ideal for conferences, wedding receptions and team-building events, while visiting families and couples can relax, chill, and prepare for the following day’s activities.

One of Britain’s most important and finest Neo-Gothic buildings is home to the incredible St Pancreas Renaissance Hotel. Originally designed in 1873 at the Midland Grand, the hotel is now a 5-star powerhouse combining modern conveniences with the elegance of yesterday’s grand accommodation offerings. Relax in spacious luxury guest rooms, unwind in the spa and pool and dine and drink in the hotel’s excellent restaurants and bar options. This is one of our favourite hotels in London!

A fabulous location any time of the year, but especially in the summer. As the name implies, the Head of the River Hotel sits on the bank of the River Isis. Alongside Christchurch Meadow, it is just a few minutes’ stroll from the shops, theatre, museums and galleries. The converted warehouse is now a modern twenty bed hotel. With two large bars come dining area, and a large terrace area with parasols, planters and heating for the cooler months, it is a great place to relax after a day exploring the city.

This 18th century, twenty-two-room boutique hotel, is centrally placed to reach many of Oxford’s attractions within a few minutes walk. Recently renovated, modern quirky accessories complement a makeover of soft décor and dark wood. Rooms include Wi-Fi, and there is a bar, restaurant and room service available.

Situated in the centre of town, the Old Bank Hotel is ideally placed whether you are visiting on business or for leisure. With elegantly decorated, spacious rooms which include Wi-Fi and TV. The building is dripping with character thanks to its three interconnecting buildings dating back to the 14th century. There are 42 bedrooms ranking from standard rooms to superior deluxe rooms. Breakfast, lunch, high-tea and evening meals are available in the restaurant or from room service.

This hotel first opened in 1997, bringing the brand’s Nobu Japanese-Peruvian dining experience, popular with the A-list, to London. Rooms here are all about space and light. The Como Metropolitan is clutter-free and deeply calming, contrasting the bustle of the streets below. Everything is activated via the touch of the button – from climate control to the smart media system, lit rainfall showers and the thick silk blackout drapes. This serene ambience extends into The Como Shambhala spa, renowned the world over for its acupuncture and shiatsu. Alongside more traditional treatments, top visiting therapists also offer osteopathy and energy healing. 

Slick service, glittering chandeliers and the tinkle of a coral red grand piano await, at the Four Seasons Park Lane. Many of the rooms have their own balconies, reached via glamorous warming corridors lined with photo portraits of Golden Age Hollywood stars. Lauded interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is responsible for much of the art deco meets modern styling. Climb to the 10th floor where glass-walled treatment rooms offering curated wellness journeys and a vitality pool are located. Its rooftop relaxation pods are divine and a trip to the sauna affords views over Hyde Park.

A member of the Dorchester Collection, 45 Park Lane has somewhat of a more boutique feel than some of its neighbours. It may have just 45 rooms but doesn’t skimp on size or style; the stunning penthouse suite, accessed by private lift, presents breathtaking panoramic views from its wrap-around balcony, whilst all other rooms and suites are as equally as glamorous with their own unique features. The recently launched Spa offers guests a haven of tranquility where they can indulge in some quiet time by the pool, sauna or steam room or enjoy a well-deserved spa treatment. The building is art deco in design, a theme that continues on within the interiors of the hotel.  Dinner here is an event. Think juicy Wagyu steaks savoured while surrounded by Damien Hirst artworks; this is Wolfgang Puck’s esteemed CUT restaurant – his first venture in Europe. 

The first JW Marriott branded hotel in the UK, this elegant townhouse overlooking Hyde Park, was once home to the Grosvenor family/Dukes of Westminster. While its heritage stems back to the Roaring Twenties, the interiors display a classic contemporary panache. Bedrooms boast king-sized beds, fully stocked minibars, marble bathrooms and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries. It has an American-style steakhouse on the ground floor and a fine dining restaurant by chef Richard Corrigan, as well as two additional eateries and bars. Do stop by The Great Room – now a meeting hall, it was once an ice rink, where none other than our monarch, Queen Elizabeth, learned to skate.

A hotel that needs little introduction. Since opening in 1931, it’s had its own TV docu-series, hosted the Foyles Literary Luncheons as well as the inaugural Pride of Britain Awards and was declared to be one of the safest buildings in the city, during the WWII bombings. Stars such as Barbra Streisand, Edith Sitwell and Alfred Hitchcock have dined here. The Dorchester has five restaurants in total, The Grill, The Spatisserie, The Promenade, China Tang and Alain Ducasse – the latter being one of the few eateries to hold three Michelin stars. And its famed two-course silver-service afternoon tea is unmissable (the hotel went as far as creating its own Dorchester Blend cuppa). Its opulent spa is another highlight, as are the amazing displays by florist-in-residence Philip Hammond. 

Built at the turn of the twentieth century, this central Derry hotel pays homage to its location and history in its artworks and carefully restored interiors. Bishop’s Gate was once a gentleman’s club, hosting luminaries including Winston Churchill and WB Yeats. Order drinks and food from the marble bar in Wig, and peruse the fireside portraits of these, and other, former club members, along with an enormous library of antique books. Formal meals are taken in Gown, a fancy candlelit French restaurant – named (like the bar) after the courthouse next door. The hotel also has a gym, 28 rooms and two suites, decorated in classic Edwardian hues.