Best Luxury Hotels in United Kingdom

Stay in the centre of town on your Durham mini-break. The four-star Hotel Indigo is housed in a four-storey former civic building. Its original Victorian architecture is contrasted by the brand’s signature contemporary style. What was once a council chamber is now a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse with high ceilings and stained glass windows. And if you want a quick snack, you can visit the in-house Tinderbox cafe. 83 bedrooms pay homage to the city’s history, including academic and ecclesiastical design elements and vintage artefacts. Hotel Indigo places you close to the city’s attractions, ensuring you can visit the highlights on foot.

This country abode close to the village of Hemingstone was imagined and designed by its owner, architect Dominic Richards. It’s a mixture of standalone 16th-century barns and new build additions housing guest accommodations from one to four bedrooms. The style is farmhouse chic, with exposed beams, fireplaces, slate floors and the kind of sofas you can sink into. At the centre of the property lies the Grand Barn and the hotel’s restaurant with menus featuring seasonal local ingredients and produce from the onsite kitchen garden. There’s also a gym, sauna, steam room and spa with an alfresco hot tub.

Located in the seaside town of Deal, The Rose used to be simply a pub with rooms. Now it’s a designer boutique hotel with five standard rooms and three suites, all of which have been individually styled with impeccable taste (the owner used to be design editor of US magazine Wallpaper). Local art and Farrow and Ball wallpaper adorn the walls, with rolltop baths, Austin Austin toiletries and mid-century furnishings to boot. But don’t expect a TV in the room – instead, there are record players, with a selection of vinyl – ideal for those wanting to switch off from screens. An innovative take on British dishes is served in the equally modish restaurant, with seasonal cocktails served in the bar.

This ex-coaching inn has been sensitively restored. 14 king-sized bedrooms on three floors are each unique, with features such as high sash windows, a terrace, a large stone fireplace and freestanding baths. All come with REN toiletries, Netflix, Roberts Radios, mini-bars, Nespresso coffee machines and a fresh delicious continental breakfast hung on the door daily, awaiting guests’ awakening. And most bedrooms can be arranged to accommodate a child in a cot or small bed. Yard’s courtyard coffee bar serves hot drinks and pastries by day, becoming a sophisticated bar – serving biodynamic and organic wines alongside small plates – by night.

While spa breaks are traditionally the domain of adults, Woolley Grange offers a unique all-age experience. Mini-me pamper sessions catering to younger skin enable kids to get a taste of treatments and the large indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the charming Bath stone walled garden, is super for some fun splash time. But there are also zoned areas for grown-ups to relax away from the little ones. The treatment spaces are housed within a contemporary oak-timber building that exudes a sense of calm as soon as you enter. And there’s also an outdoor heated 12-metre pool, open from May to September.

Sat right on the water with views of the Kylesku Bridge, this hotel’s location is idyllic. The area of Assynt is a beautiful remote region of Sutherland, but the Kylsesku hotel on its fantastically situated peninsula overlooking Loch Glendhu will warmly welcome any visitors in from the untamed nature outside. Some parts of the hotel date from as early as the 17th century although the complex is now made up of a ramble of buildings built up over the years. Inside the hotel has a contemporary feel. – rooms are airy, comfortable and kitted out in a muted cool palette with touches of Scottish textile here and there, whilst the bar and restaurant serve up delicious local seafood to panoramic sea loch views thanks to huge picture windows. Public spaces are decorated with a modern Scandi-Scottish ethos – think bare wood beams, cool copper lighting fixtures and minimalist wood-burning stoves. Whilst there are no gym or spa facilities here, relaxation and escapism is all around this stunning locale and the hotel runs boat trips to a nearby sea colony or the highest waterfall in the UK for fun day trips.

Located in the heart of Crail in Fife, The Shoregate is a coastal treasure reimagined by Nicholas Frost and Damon Reynolds in 2019. This historic 18th-century building, which has operated as a hostelry since the late 1800s, underwent a meticulous two-year restoration and reopened in May 2022. The restoration emphasised local craftsmanship and historical authenticity, ensuring every detail reflected its rich heritage. The Shoregate offers a destination restaurant, cosy bar along with four stylish guest rooms, three with breathtaking views of Crail and the Firth of Forth and one a two room suite. Inspired by old photographs, original architectural plans, and local features, the bar retains its historic character with Victorian pitch pine panelling, etched glass ceiling fixtures, and brass ship’s lighting. Stained glass, both original and newly commissioned, adorns the space, alongside reclaimed pews from a chapel near New Lanark, upholstered in Ross-shire woven fabric. The dining room offers a calm yet dynamic atmosphere with light oak tables, Carl Hansen chairs, and accents of near-burnt orange and teal panelling. Mirrors enhance the space, creating depth and ambience. The room is furnished with Crail pottery and Harris tweed lampshades and cushions, contributing to its unique charm. The four guest rooms focus on spaciousness and comfort. The first floor features three large ensuites, transformed from five original rooms, with bespoke wardrobes by a local furniture maker. The top floor, previously staff quarters and storerooms, now houses a stunning two-room family suite with expansive views across the Forth.

CitizenM graces South Bank with a luxury hotel experience at an affordable price handily placed in the bustling cultural area near Tate Modern and the Borough Market. The open-plan ground floor offers great space to relax, work or play with comfortable furniture, communal desks and private conference rooms. Bright décor includes world-class art and books to browse and the four-star hotel’s 192 guest rooms are cleverly designed for two adults with floor-to-ceiling windows, pod-style bathrooms and extra-large beds. The Dutch chain, which is increasing its number of popular city outposts, provides super-fast free Wi-Fi and iMacs for guests to use, while the canteenM restaurant and bar offers food and drinks 24/7 and a buffet breakfast in a five-hour window. Southwark and London Bridge stations are nearby, providing easy access to the rest of the city.

Overlooking the village of St Aubin, the family-owned and historic Somerville Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1881 and has been one of Jersey’s best hotels ever since. The Sommerville is perfect for guests wishing to relax and unwind in a cosy hotel, yet it is also a wonderful choice for guests wishing to explore the delights of Jersey. The rooms are playful and inviting with many boasting an incredible view of the sea. The hotel’s Tides Restaurant is one of Jersey’s best restaurants due to its emphasis on using local and seasonal ingredients. The Voyager Curiosity Lounge Bar provides guests with an area to relax and enjoy the views of the sea all whilst sipping on exquisite cocktails and delicious cakes.

This was once the country seat of Lord Mountbatten. Now the Georgian mansion is a modern hotel with 126 rooms and a sleek spa (The Cottonmill). For an ultra-exclusive stay, book a Mews Suite, accessed via private gates, and set in gardens designed by the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Gold award winner, Ann-Marie Powell. Drink and dine in The Brasserie, Outdoor Terrace, Cocktail Lounge and Conservatory.

An Edwardian mansion is the centre-piece of this sprawling resort, surrounded by farmland and woods. 141 large bedrooms are decorated in a traditional baronial style. Public areas feature real fires, dark oak panelling and rich velvet upholstery. By contrast, the restaurant is bright and airy, with two additional bars serving child-friendly hearty classics. Guests can play golf on its two championship courses, take part in country pursuits, get pampered in the spa and try a range of malts in the hall’s Whisky Snug. Well suited to families, dogs are also welcome in some of the rooms. And there’s plenty more to see and do in the local area – Hadrian’s Wall and Derwent Water are just two of the attractions close by.

The Leddie Hotel & Restaurant offers a modern take on the Scottish country inn, shaped by food, setting and an easy sense of escape. With twenty-seven rooms and suites, including two pet-friendly cottages, the hotel sits in the village of Aberlady on the East Lothian Golf Coast, positioned close enough to Edinburgh for culture and dining, yet far enough to enjoy coastal calm, open skies and a slower pace.

The building has long been part of village life and its recent restoration respects that role. Interiors are contemporary and stylish, using warm tones and natural materials. Its restaurant, recognised with an AA Rosette, is led by head chef Lewis Lane, and focuses on seasonal Scottish produce.  A relaxed bar, terrace and lounge extend the social rhythm of the hotel, welcoming both guests and locals.