56 Best Hotels in England

The Lanesborough is like a beautiful, luxurious cocoon for the seriously well-off, exuding Regency opulence from the swagged perfection of the bedrooms (some with views over Hyde Park) to the magnificent 19th-century antiques. Each room comes with a 24/7 dedicated butler (available for performing tasks like walking your dog) and daily fresh fruit, while children are provided for with in-room treasure hunts, a media library with popcorn, special pool hours, and a welcome gift. The building dates back to 1733, and even the drinks list in the Library Bar is redolent of history, notably the collection of cognacs going back to 1770 (a mere snip at £5,000 a shot). The Lanesborough Grill features inventive modern takes on traditional British cuisine like Dover sole or beef Wellington using seasonal and regional ingredients. Befitting the Regency setting, there's a Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. You can also relax at the state-of-the-art spa, open until late.

The well-heeled have been meeting—and eating—at Claridge's for generations, and the tradition continues in the original Art Deco public spaces of this glamorous London institution. Guest rooms are soothing and suave, and spacious bathrooms have enormous shower heads. Enjoy a cup of tea in the lounge, cocktails in the stylish bar, or, better still, a meal in the hotel's legendary Foyer & Reading Room. Perhaps Spencer Tracy said it best when he remarked that, when he died, he wanted to go not to heaven but to Claridge's. Claridge's afternoon tea is a seriously fun, high-class treat—but make sure you book in advance.

To feel like an Edwardian grandee, sweep up the drive to this stately home, one of Britain's grandest hotels, with an opulent interior that includes John Singer Sargent's famous portrait of Nancy Astor, suits of armor, tapestries, and acres of wood paneling. The luxurious, traditional bedrooms, complete with fireplaces, molded ceilings, and antiques, are named after prominent guests, from Charlie Chaplin to Henry James. You can eat contemporary British dishes in the stately Cliveden Dining Room restaurant beneath stunning chandeliers, or more informally at the Astor Grill. Later, take a dip in the beautifully secluded outdoor heated pool. If your pocket doesn't rise to a night here, you can drop in for a luxurious afternoon tea.

A huge favorite of the "we wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else" monied set since its opening in 1917, The Connaught has many dazzlingly modern complements to its famously historic delights. These include up-to-date rooms done in smooth taupes and creams and—the ultimate sign of devil-may-care swagger—a swanky bar with platinum-plated walls. Chef Hélène Darroze runs her namesake, three-Michelin-starred restaurant; alternatively, the afternoon tea is a great splurge. But for all its modern touches, there are nods to history at every turn here. The Coburg bar is a wink at the Victorian royal family (the current royal dynasty was named "Saxe Coburg" until adopting the more British-sounding "Windsor" in 1917) and the hotel itself was named in honor of Queen Victoria's son, Arthur—the Duke of Connaught at the time it was built.

It's little wonder this is now the London home-away-from-home for celebrities, A-list actors, and various other top-tier guests, with its unbeatable Covent Garden location in a former French hospital and stylish guest rooms that use mix-and-match couture fabrics and one-off pieces to stunning effect. Beautifully decked out with painted silks, style anglais ottomans, and 19th-century oil paintings, the public salons are perfect spots to decompress over a glass of Meursault. For £55, the popular Saturday night Film Club offers afternoon tea or dinner in the ground floor Brasserie Max and a film in the deluxe basement cinema.

An imaginative renovation has transformed this 18th-century mansion, set on 240 acres of parkland, into a playful and contemporary lodging, where tree branches serve as bedposts, a grand copper oak-leaf chaplet is suspended overhead in the restaurant, and carpets echo the colors of leaves. You can listen to underwater music in the spa pool, soak in a copper roll-top tub, watch a polo match, or play a game of croquet. The restaurant, Woven by Adam Smith, has exquisite dining, using as much local produce as possible. The Barn serves more rustic fare, and the Spatisserie specializes in healthy options.

Standards are high at this 15th-century stone manor house, the ultimate place for a gourmet getaway, where master-chef Raymond Blanc's epicurean touch shows at every turn, including in one of the country's finest kitchens. The idyllic, 30-acre retreat has a kitchen garden, where vegetables are grown for the restaurant. There's also a valley of wild mushrooms, an herb bed with 70 varieties as well as micro-herbs, an orchard stocked with more than 80 varieties of British apple trees, and a wildflower meadow. Although Let's Cook experiences and garden tours (weekdays only) are popular, and the impeccable dining experience is a big draw for many, the hotel—part of the Belmond collection—stands on its own, whether you're a foodie or not. The accommodations are separated into seven categories and spread out between the main house and garden courtyards. The layout of each room and suite is vastly different; one might be in a dovecote, another might have an Asian-inspired feel with bamboo wood and a scented steam room, and another a private terrace and marble bath. Dogs have their own heated kennels.

Rooms at this lovely boutique hotel are created from several Victorian stucco town houses located just around the corner from the Victoria and Albert Museum and look like they come from the pages of Architectural Digest; the delightful courtyard garden is an added bonus. Chic yet welcoming, guest rooms feature beautiful furniture and textiles designed by owner Kit Kemp, offset by nice touches like hardback-filled bookshelves and flat-screen TVs set into the wall; bathrooms are clad in gray marble and polished oak. The staff are friendly, so lingering in the drawing rooms is a pleasure, and drinks are served in the leafy garden in summer.

One of London's most iconic hotels maintains its status at the top with winning attributes of impeccable service, stunning decor, and a desirable location on the Strand. There's still no grander entrance hall in London than the main stately lobby or a more glamorous setting than the adjacent Thames Foyer, a dreamy salon done up in black-and-white chinoiserie and pink orchids. Gadgets such as LCD TVs are oh-so-discreetly incorporated so as not to destroy the effect as you prepare for cocktails at the famed American Bar (first opened in 1893, it maintains a strict first-come-first-served policy, so who knows who you'll be standing in line with). There are four superb restaurants: the Gordon Ramsay–run Savoy Grill; a tiny tasting menu-only Restaurant 1890; the Thames Foyer; and Ramsay's the River Restaurant with its glorious panoramic views of the Thames.

With a sustainable approach to luxury, the US-based 1 Hotels has brought its first European outpost to Mayfair, and the hotel's promotion of all things natural offers a fresh perspective and a welcome alternative to more staid hotel experiences in the city. A striking living chandelier in the lobby, plants and shrubs at every turn, and living moss walls in the rooms, elevators, and hallways truly bring the outside in, providing a visual symbol of the hotel's holistic, eco-friendly ethos. The open dining room of the Dovetale restaurant is relaxed, wellness facilities are a key offering, and the rooms are spacious sanctuaries with natural materials used wherever possible.

Enter under the portcullis of this genuine medieval castle, where present-day luxury dominates. Antiques and rich draperies furnish the individually designed bedrooms, and many have lattice windows, beamed ceilings, and curtained four-posters. The hallways, lounges, and dining areas are adorned with suits of armor, mounted weapons, and historic portraits. You can dine beneath a 12th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling in the excellent Queen's Room restaurant; the prix fixe menu includes three courses, and you can add three paired wines for an additional cost. Alternatively, consider the superb afternoon tea (£50 per person), which is served until 5:30 pm and can be enjoyed in the Great Room, in one of the charming lounges, or out on the beautiful garden terrace surrounded by ruined castle walls. If you're staying the night, take a stroll around the lush grounds—stop for a game of croquet or tennis, or play a round on the 18-hole putting course along the way—or wander along the country path into the village of Amberley, via the impossibly pretty thatched-roof houses on Church Street.

As packed with bohemian character as they come, this small boutique hotel oozes retro charm. The shabby chic decor lands somewhere between town house and artist's loft, with muted gray and stripped brick walls, reclaimed furniture, and distressed pine floorboards offset with irreverent touches like quirky art, milking stools, and antler chandeliers. The effect works beautifully, and it helps that the staff are so friendly. The café serves traditional English breakfasts and lunches with an emphasis on regional produce. There's a speakeasy-style bar in the basement with a concise but considered cocktail list. 

Staff provide a warm, personal welcome at this charming, Art Deco--inspired hotel in Mayfair, which sets the tone for the attention-heavy, detailed approach to luxury hotel living. Between the elegant rooms with their tightly curated bedside book selections, the Gatsby Room for afternoon tea, the Magritte Bar for cocktails, and the Colony Grill Room for steaks, there is almost no reason to leave the hotel.

Convenient for Knightsbridge shopping, the very elegant Berkeley (owned by the same group as Claridge's and The Connaught, with rates to match) is known for its excellent restaurants, heated rooftop swimming pool with views over Hyde Park, and an excellent, if pricey, Bamford spa. The spacious rooms, all with lavish marble bathrooms, reflect an uncluttered, modern approach to luxury. Several have terraces or balconies. The Collins Room serves classic British cuisine in a relaxed and informal environment (don't miss the afternoon Prêt-à-Portea with its couture-inspired minicakes). There's also the Blue Bar (an understated celebrity haunt), and the Berkeley Café, which has a small all-day menu and an attached patisserie overseen by renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet that features his Instagram-friendly sweet treats.

This grand early-19th-century country-house hotel and spa on 130 acres of manicured grounds ranks among Britain's most acclaimed—and most expensive—lodgings. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated using rich fabrics; many have a balcony or terrace, and all ooze luxury. Romantics might want to try one of the 12 secluded "treehouse" suites in the woods. The lavish spa is particularly strong on facials and has a large and elegant pool. The restaurant, the Dining Room at Chewton Glen, concentrates on grilled meats and more plant-based or Asian-influenced dishes, with a choice of more than 700 wines (there's also a less formal gastropub and pool bar). Besides golf and tennis (on indoor or outdoor courts), family-friendly leisure activities such as archery, falconry, pony grooming, and walking with miniature sheep are available, along with guided bike rides in the forest or kayaking. There's also a self-contained cooking school and a tree house kids' club. A 20-minute walk through the grounds takes you down to the coast. Chewton Glen is 12 miles southwest of Lyndhurst on the A35.

The London outpost of the exclusive Corinthia chain is design heaven-on-earth, with levels of service that make anyone feel like a VIP. There's an eye-popping lobby; the Northall restaurant is a treasury of soaring columns, Edwardian woodwork, and futuristic chandeliers; Kerridge’s Bar & Grill—designed by David Collins—references the chef's gastropub past with leather banquettes and a pewter-topped bar; and the elegant Crystal Moon Lounge wows with its stunning Baccarat chandelier. Guest rooms in cool tones have beautiful city views, and spacious bathrooms have underfloor heating, so even your toes will feel pampered.

With Buckingham Palace just around the corner, this hotel, built in 1910 and now run by third-generation Gorings, has always been a favorite among discreet VIPs—including Kate Middleton's family on the night before her marriage to Prince William in 2011. The vibe is quintessentially Belgravia: a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere, mixed with traditional Edwardian style including silk and embossed wallpapers, pearl-fringed curtains, patterned carpets, and brass and gilded fittings. If you can't stay the night here but still fancy a taste of the royally endorsed treatment, the Goring's traditional afternoon tea is excellent, and the glamorous bar serves surprisingly innovative cocktails. The beautifully uniformed and helpful concierge staff go above and beyond, with a knowledge of London that's second to none.

Because this country-house hotel reflects the owner's precise vision and attention to detail, a stay here is like a stay at a friend's home, if your friend has an exquisitely tasteful but comfortable, eco-friendly Georgian house on a 400-acre estate an hour from London. The decor is all about stealth wealth, eschewing traditional marble and glitz for muted earth colors in rich fabrics and luxuries like underfloor bathroom heating and Bang & Olufsen televisions. The hotel is committed to being as self-sufficient as possible, with 60% of its produce sourced from its biodynamic farm, eggs from its 480 hens, and cheese from its dairy cows (who you can visit). There are two restaurants (which have won a Michelin Green Star for sustainability), a board games room, and a screening room that hosts showings of first-run films as well as lectures. Also on-site is a spa complex with airy pool, and outdoor activities include wild swimming in the lake as well as fishing, horse riding, and falconry.

With faultless service, sumptuous designer furnishings, and a sense of fun to boot, this impeccable hotel breathes new life into the cliché "thinks of everything," yet the epithet is really quite apt. A "whatever, whenever" button on the bedroom telephone connects you with helpful, amiable staffers who provide exactly that. High-tech gadgets are everywhere in the beautifully decorated black-and-white rooms; some are split-level and all are gorgeously furnished with extraordinary pieces from every corner of the globe. Even the hotel entrance is unique: an elevator sweeps you up to the fifth-floor lobby, where you can relax on a buttery leather couch in front of the fire while you're checked in. Perhaps the most appealing thing of all about this place is how perfectly it balances real luxury with genuine warmth and hospitality.

With the amenities you'd expect from a five-star hotel, including crisp white sheets on huge beds and luxurious bathrooms, and impressive views of the Thames and Canary Wharf, the addition of this luxury hotel has been a boon for Greenwich Peninsula which has been under a huge development, creating a whole batch of riverside residences that hug the elevated walkway and linear park called the Tide. On-site dining options include the fabulous Kinaara restaurant while the Clipper bar echoes the region's maritime history in its decor and layout, overlooking the mighty Thames through floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. Take the elevator up to the rooftop Eighteen Sky Bar for after-dinner cocktails and views, and make sure you also use the spa—just be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment as the hotel is popular with day visitors taking advantage of an afternoon tea and spa day program.

Hotel pedigrees don't come much greater than this one: built in 1865, The Langham was the original luxury hotel in the city, all but inventing the very image of what a great London hotel looked like. Good fortune didn't last: it closed in the 1940s, and spent much of the 20th century being used as office space by the BBC, before finally reopening in 2010 after a renovation that was rumored to cost nearly £100 million. The public spaces are flawless, from the spectacular, light-filled atrium, with its soaring marble pillars, to the restored ballroom, which now houses Mimosa, chef Jean-François Piège's French Riviera-inspired restaurant, transplanted to the hotel from Paris. Guest rooms are spacious and modern, with sumptuously comfortable beds, although bathrooms in the basic rooms are small.

These three intricately decorated Victorian town houses overlooking Kensington Palace provide an intimate, luxurious alternative to the city's more famous high-end hotels, offering thoughtful hospitality and opulent, distinctive rooms full of antiques. The hotel is noted for its attentive service and excellent restaurant. Many rooms have canopied beds, and each has a decorative theme—the Ascot Room, for example, is filled with the kind of elegant hats worn at the eponymous horse race. There's also a sauna and a heated pool, and the hotel can organize special experiences like private tours of Kensington Palace or an in-room recital by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

English Heritage has created two lovely cottages out of what was the ceremonial entrance to the Osborne estate (it's still the entrance the Royal Family uses when they visit the property). The two lodges, decorated in an understated contemporary style, have two double bedrooms each, plus a living room with a wood fireplace, dining room, kitchen, and private garden. Your rental includes free admission to both Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle, plus out-of-hours access to the Osborne grounds and beach, making it virtually your private estate.

As the first new-build hotel in London since 2012, the Peninsula has a feeling of spaciousness not possible in converted period buildings, resulting in an overall feeling of opulence (architecturally, aesthetically, and service-wise). Public rooms boast triple-height ceilings (quadruple height for the 82-foot heated pool) and standard doubles are the size of small apartments, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sofas, mahogany-paneled walk-in dressing rooms, and huge onyx marble bathrooms (complete with Japanese toilets that adjust water and seat temperature and bathtubs offering lighting and media controls). Triple-glazed windows and thick carpets ensure the droning traffic of nearby Hyde Park Corner never intrudes. Unobtrusive but omnipresent tech, a state-of-the-art spa, two glamorous bars, and four dining options (ranging from Canton Blue and its elevated Anglo-Cantonese food to the aviation-themed, fine dining Brooklands with views over Hyde Park) create a luxurious, rarified cocoon infused with Asian influences for the (private) jet set.

This coastal outpost of the stylish, food-centric Hampshire boutique hotel minichain is in a Victorian Gothic former private residence in an unspoiled village on the scenic, peaceful Studland Peninsula. Rolling lawns look out over Studland Bay and the Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast; mats and towels are even provided for excursions to the beach below. Inside the hotel, shabby-chic bedrooms combine comfort with understated elegance (some have mullioned windows and paneled ceilings) as well as individualquirky touches such as freestanding roll-top baths. Two separate thatched-roof cottages are good for those who want privacy, and there's a caravanlike shepherd's hut on the lawn where you can spend the night. As at all the Pigs, the restaurant is excellent, utilizing seasonal ingredients grown on-site or sourced within 25 miles.