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The word 'luxury' is one of the most overused in marketing, no more so than when it comes to the travel industry. So where does that leave people who want to stay in a genuinely lavish and all-round superb hotel?
The hospitality industry’s hotel star ratings are a good start, of course, but even this can be misleading and confusing. Moreover, online reviews quickly reveal that even some five star hotels can let service, food or facilities slip, whilst others inflate their prices.
Read on to discover our pick of the best of the best in the UK – the hotels that we think it’s worth forking out the extra money on for a really special overnight stay. Whether you want a swish city-based, boutique hotel or country house accommodation set in rolling fields – or maybe you want a romantic, family or corporate stay – our list will help you find your perfect hotel in the perfect destination.
Show all 12 1 /1212 best luxury hotels in the UK 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire This 18th century mansion house has more of a feel of a private country club (probably because it doubles up as one) and the benefit is two-fold. First, it’s relaxed, while remaining sophisticated. Second, it means guests get use of all the club facilities – spa, tennis and championship golf course. The grounds stretch to 300 acres and there’s a superb spa and exceptional restaurant, run by head chef Chris Wheeler. Word of advice - rooms in the Pavilion are more bland and less opulent than those in the main house. Double rooms from £290 (room only) www.stokepark.com
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Hambleton Hall, Rutland The Michelin-starred restaurant is so good that it’s ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the UK. But that’s not all that keeps this calming, unpretentious 17-roomed hotel a firm favourite, particularly among TripAdvisor travellers. The lakeside setting is spectacular and whilst you can go on long walks, cycle rides and go sailing, there’s a very good chance you’ll just wind up succumbing to the sheer comfort of the hotel – with its sophisticated yet homely interiors. Double rooms from £265 B&B www.hambletonhall.com
12 best luxury hotels in the UK The Vineyard, Berkshire Inspired by the vineyards of California – which is home to the owner’s personal winery – this 49-roomed hotel used to market itself as a “restaurant with rooms”. The contemporary bedrooms have exceptionally comfy beds and Ren products in the bathrooms, while the stunning restaurant has some of the best tasting menus around, with staff who will help select matching wines that are truly memorable. Bring your costume for the spa’s inviting facilities and extensive treatment menu and pack your glad rags too. Double rooms from £235 B&B http://the-vineyard.co.uk/
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Ynyshir Hall, Eglwysfach Once the childhood retreat of Queen Victoria, this five-star country-house hotel in west Wales is the perfect rural getaway, with Richard Gere and Eddie Izzard among fans. Take a ramble in the 14 acres of landscaped gardens, climb a mountain, walk on a wild beach, book a treatment in the new therapy centre or just read by the fire. Every one of the 10 bedrooms and suites, as well as the reception areas, are individually and stunningly designed and the restaurant is so good under head chef Gareth Ward that a Michelin star surely can’t be far away. Above all though, it’s the personal touch of owners Rob and Joan Reen, that make this place so special. Double rooms from £230 B&B www.ynyshirhall.co.uk
12 best luxury hotels in the UK Calcot Manor, Berkshire Somehow, Calcot manages to be everything to everyone, so whether you want a romantic spa weekend, family break or girlfriends’ getaway, your expectations will be surpassed. The rooms are chic; the spa is blissful and huge; and there are two restaurants – an inn for gastro-pub style informal dining and a finer dining experience in the conservatory. There are free bikes for cycling locally, a crèche that’s open daily and we love the fact that it’s spread out across different (all stunning) buildings. Double rooms from £280 B&B www.calcotmanor.co.uk/
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Chewton Glen, New Forest This 58-roomed hotel wins award after award. Its secret seems to be the perfect balance of elegant extravagance, attention to detail and a willingness to adapt. The black-and-white restaurant is classy without being stuffy, with flexible menus, and the spa (which alone is worth the visit) is divine, always offering new and imaginative treatments. For sheer indulgence, stay in one of the new treehouse suites, complete with private hot tub on the deck. Double rooms from £325 (room only) www.chewtonglen.com
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria The first thing that hits you at this country-house hotel is the awesome views over Lake Windermere. As for the interiors, think Parker Knoll chairs and roaring fires, which keeps it blissfully old-fashioned. The Michelin starred cuisine is imaginative and there’s an award-winning wine list. All 13 rooms and suites have great views and there are more rooms in cottages and lodges. There’s an on-site boutique spa with ESPA products and the hotel has recently started offering 4x4 off-road driving opportunities to experience the Lake District at its best. Double rooms from £160 B&B www.holbeckghyll.com/
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire Start saving – you’ll need to. Dinner at Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin starred restaurant generally works out at several hundreds of pounds for two and that’s before you’ve even started on the wine. To stay the night here too is, for most, simply not affordable. It is, however, unforgettable, with unsurpassed attention to detail and themed rooms and suites that are startling beautiful, while the gardens are both beautiful and fascinating. Despite all this, staff engage informally, keeping the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed and laid back, whilst also keeping it feeling really special. Double rooms from £555 B&B www.belmond.com/lemanoir
12 best luxury hotels in the UK Gidleigh Park, Devon Set in 107 acres of gardens and woodland, this hotel has held two Michelin stars for the last 15 years, making it a popular destination for foodies. There are oodles of other awards and the hotel itself is just beautiful, with 24 gorgeous rooms and suites, including Dartmeet, the spa suite that features a steam room, sauna and statement bath where you can soak whilst overlooking views of Dartmoor. There’s a self-contained two-bed thatched cottage too. All have an Arts & Crafts feel about them. Doubles from £345 B&B www.gidleigh.co.uk
12 best luxury hotels in the UK The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh The Witchery restaurant, close to Edinburgh Castle and arguably just as famous, opened on Halloween in 1979 and although it only has eight suites, my god they are good – all theatrical, decadent, moody and gothic. Cosmopolitan magazine named it “one of the seven wonders of the hotel world” and the list of celebrity guests is long. The most gothic of all the suites, Vestry, an opulent mix of red and black, and with an organ pipe headboard, overlooks the Royal Mile. Double rooms from £325 B&B www.thewitchery.com/
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Claridge’s, London This is, quite simply, the best address in town and arguably the most famous five-star hotel in the capital, attracting everyone from royalty to tycoons and celebrities to fashionistas. The seven-storey Mayfair hotel originally opened in 1898, with an Art Deco makeover in the 1920s, and has kept its top-notch reputation ever since. Rooms are every bit as fabulous as you’d expect – and all so different - and the roof-top spa offers wonderful treatments. The bar is buzzy, afternoon teas are faultless and the restaurants are fabulous. Double rooms from £425 www.claridges.co.uk/
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12 best luxury hotels in the UK Barnsley House, Cirencester Now run by the same owners of Calcot Manor – which has led to a much-needed refurbishment - this 17th century, 18-roomed Cotswold hotel is first-rate. It’s got one of the most stunning hotel terraces we’ve seen and service is impeccable without being over the top. Get a room overlooking the garden – famous in itself – and be sure to leave the kids at home. Don’t bring your swimming costume – there’s no pool. But there is a spa, with fabulous Aromatherapy Associates treatments. Double rooms from £290 B&B www.barnsleyhouse.com
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