86 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.

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.

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.

Discreet and rakish—and right in the heart of Soho—this stylish Georgian town house (really three town houses turned into one) has a effortlessly chic bohemian vibe and an excellent eponymous Modern British restaurant decorated with interesting pieces by renowned British artists like Peter Blake and Tracey Emin. Inside, comfy velvet sofas and heavy upholstered chairs jostle for space; and many beds are four-poster. As part of the Soho House group of members' clubs and hotels, it's all effortlessly hip, soignée and unfailingly au courant, which comes at a price—although bargains are to be found, especially on Sunday night.

Part Jacobean, part Georgian, this magnificent stately home provides formal luxury in an opulent country setting. The building is decorated with a masterful touch—crystal chandeliers, original oil paintings, and carved ceilings adorn the ornate public areas; the magnificent Jacobean staircase is guarded by unique carved figures. Bedrooms, furnished with well-chosen antiques and comfortable beds, are suitably grand. Some rooms are situated in Hartwell Court, on the approach to the main house, and some have direct access to 90 acres of landscaped parkland. You can dress to impress for dinner, enjoy the terrace of the spa's café, or just drop in for a refined afternoon tea.

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.

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.

On a quiet corner, this upscale boutique B&B has spacious guest rooms with carefully chosen fabrics and wallpaper, comfortable mattresses, and contemporary touches. Stained glass, wooden floors, shelves of books, and a grand piano help give the place a cultured air. Breakfast options include local sausages, fresh fruit, and eggs Benedict. Your hosts will also prepare picnic baskets, cheese plates, and other delicious savory platters on request.

A classic Georgian building has been converted with flair and wit to create a contemporary guesthouse—the first link in what is now a small chain whose boutique properties all have a strong artistic bent. Each of the bright rooms has been individually designed by a different artist using a bold mixture of retro curios, old-style furnishings, and colorful murals, although bathrooms are reassuringly modern and well equipped. If possible, ask to see your room first (some are quite small). A self-catering cottage is available, too. The bar, restaurant, and terrace garden are also well worth exploring.

Right in the center of the city, a stone's throw from Bath Abbey, the owners of the Bird have taken an attractive villa-style property and transformed it into one of Bath's coolest design hotels. The 29 bedrooms are all individually styled, with handcrafted wallpapers, unique artwork, and, in many cases, views over Bath. Some rooms have freestanding copper bathtubs. Families and dogs alike receive a warm welcome. Whether you are staying here or not, it is worth having dinner in the restaurant or on the garden terrace overlooking Bath Abbey, or in one of the hotel's funky Igloos (in winter).  

One of the highlights of the region, this thermal spa hotel occupies part of the spectacular Georgian-era Crescent building with its arches, colonnades, and 378 windows. Built in 1780 by fashionable architect John Carr for the fifth duke of Devonshire (of nearby Chatsworth House), it underwent a 17-year restoration and is a fantastic place to recharge in style, especially in combination with soul-stirring Peak District walks (it’s dog-friendly, too). Exceptional British cuisine awaits you in the restaurant on your return.

In an ideal world everyone would sojourn in this oasis of opulence at least once; however, the luxury never gets in the way of the overall air of relaxation, a tribute to the warmth and efficiency of the staff. A quintessential country-house hotel, it's also family-friendly, with a high-tech children's play area as well as a luxurious spa. The modern guest rooms are spacious and quiet; family suites have refrigerators and either bunk beds or singles in a separate room. Dishes at the elegant Brasserie are a blend of traditional and modern elements, whereas the Hive is a relaxing café. The hotel is 3 miles west of town.

This luxury hotel in the heart of Chipping Campden injects contemporary design into a stately 18th-century manor house, and from the swirling staircase in the entrance to the individually designed guest rooms studded with contemporary art, it's a winning formula. Two rooms have their own garden and hot tub. The lounges invite lingering, the spa luxuriating, and the terrace and spacious garden suggest seclusion—the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Both the casual Bistro on the Square and the more formal Fig Restaurant offer creative takes on English and Mediterranean dishes; they're worth a stop even if you aren't staying here.

At this hotel tucked behind the Fitzwilliam Museum on the banks of the River Cam, punters drift by in a steady stream, restored punts adorn the walls of the lobby and staircase, and rooms conjure romantic notions of nostalgia (think wood paneling, writers' bureaus, and Voysey-esque headboards). The on-site Garden House restaurant is excellent.

This marvelously atmospheric lodging, full of historic personality and stately antiques, occupies three connected 18th-century town houses, one of which was the last home of the English critic and essayist William Hazlitt (1778–1830). Traditional English style and opulent Regency furnishings form a huge part of its appeal, but it's charmingly devoid of a few modern amenities—as the owners say, "In 1718, there were no elevators, and there still aren't." Rooms are named after infamous Soho denizens like the 1st Duke of Monmouth and nearby are more interesting restaurants than you could visit in a year.

The 63 acres surrounding this elegant 17th-century country-house hotel retain many original features, including the walls of the kitchen garden (still in use), the apple trees in the former orchard, and a mile-long avenue of linden trees, the longest in the United Kingdom. The house itself is similarly rich in period details such as a baronial staircase, wood paneling with carvings by Grinling Gibbons in the bar, and two fireplaces surrounded by hand-painted Delft tiles (all the rage when the house was built during the reign of William and Mary). Rooms may have original wood shutters and ceiling molding, but the bathrooms have up-to-date electronics and underfloor heating. Smaller, less pricey rooms in one of five extensions are more modern and less distinguished. Don't miss the falconry displays featuring the resident owls and falcons. The hotel is 2½ miles northwest of Winchester.

Occupying a sprawling 600-year-old coaching inn on High Street, the Lygon Arms is a charming warren, filled with cozy nooks for afternoon tea, a separate wine bar, a vaulted dining hall serving locally sourced menus, and plush luxury at every turn. The rooms vary in size (and price), but all are opulently designed and embrace the rich history of the building, while the courtyard leads to a discreet spa and pool complex.

Secluded in a 23-acre park on the edge of the village, this partly 14th-century manor house has guest rooms—some in mews cottages—that brim with antique character. Outside, the house is a baronial swirl of solid chimney stacks, carvings, and columns. Inside, a stone frieze depicts characters from Shakespeare's Falstaff plays to commemorate the fact that Sir John Fastolf, thought to be the model for the character, was lord of this manor. The Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant serves fantastic upscale cuisine with imaginative wine pairings, but you can also dine more affordably in the 12th-century pub, The Castle Inn, nearby. The landscaped setting is soothing, with green vistas on every side and a river running through the grounds, though the village is steps away. An excellent 18-hole golf course is on-site.  

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.

There's a lot to love about this modestly priced, mid-range hotel—it's housed in the city's commanding stone Municipal Building a short hop from Lime Street station, its Palm Court restaurant is decadent, its Seaforth Restaurant salutes refined British cuisine, and its gorgeous spa and pool are serene retreats. Upstairs, stylish rooms come with high ceilings and plush muted grey furnishings that complete the hotel's classy showing.    

One of London's hippest hotels sits opposite the famous Royal Opera House, and while a bit austere looking from the outside, inside it's all deluxe boho-chic, with dark mahoganies, worn rugs, velvet sofas, embroidered damasks, and hand-painted wallpapers. Set in the former Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station and delightfully sprinkled with 1,600 pieces of art, be sure to take tea in the Library, enjoy craft cocktails in the subterranean Common Decency cocktail lounge, or sip agave-based cocktails in the hopping Side Hustle bar.

The best views in Mousehole can be enjoyed from this lodging's guest rooms, some of which have balconies or terraces, and all of which have modern bathrooms and come with Cornish tea and proper coffee with fresh milk. You can also soak up the sea views on the sheltered deck overlooking the subtropical garden, at the bottom of which the coast path gives direct access to the harbor, a three- or four-minute walk away. There's good food to be had in the open-plan bar and restaurant, which is adorned with local art.

One of the original luxury boutique hotels of the Lakes has all the hallmarks of country elegance and comfort: bold, printed wallpapers and stylish furnishings; huge, soft beds; and roaring fires in the elegant common areas. The crowning achievement, however, is the food at the restaurant; head chef Aaron Lawrence showcases the best seasonal ingredients to create an unforgettable fine dining menu and an exemplary afternoon tea.

Part of Dartmouth's historic waterfront (and consequently a hub of activity), this hotel has truly earned the name "Royal"—several monarchs have slept here. It was built in the 17th century, reputedly of timber from wrecks of the Spanish Armada, and fireplaces and beamed ceilings are traditional features that remain. Rooms come in different sizes and styles, but all are thoughtfully and richly furnished, with a liberal sprinkling of antiques. Number 6 has its own "priest hole," a secret room used to hide Roman Catholic priests. Most of the pricier rooms facing the river have hot tubs. The food in the restaurant and bars is consistently good, and breakfasts are a royal feast. The hotel has no private parking—ask at reception about the local park and ride deals.

Located 15 miles southwest of East Grinstead (and within east reach of Arundel, Brighton, and Lewes), this spectacular country estate is the region's most luxurious stay, set within 92 acres of Sussex countryside and including a small vineyard, woodland walk, kitchen garden, and rockery. Still, it's what inside the hotel that counts. The beautifully appointed bedrooms, suites, and lakeside lodges are individually designed to combine heritage features with modern comfort, and there are wide-ranging dining options in the three excellent restaurants—including the Michelin-starred Ben Wilkinson at The Pass—along with the billiard bar and garden terrace. Perhaps the highlight, however, is the state-of-the-art spa, with an indoor pool and a natural outdoor swimming lake, as well as a scented sauna and salt steam room. Breakfast is served in the elegant Camellia, or you can eat in the spa restaurant Botanica, which has many vegetarian and vegan options. South Lodge is also an excellent family retreat, with extras for young children including a tent and books in the room, activity trails through the gardens (with prizes), and designated swimming times.

This stunningly restored Victorian landmark—replete with gingerbread turrets and neo-Gothic flourishes—started as a love letter to the golden age of railways, and now it's one of London's most sophisticated places to stay. Originally built in 1873 to serve wealthy passengers for the adjacent St. Pancras rail station, the hotel's original High Victorian Gothic features have been restored to great effect, from the soaring, redbrick reception area to the stylish, gilt-trimmed bar and restaurant, a reworking of the old station's booking hall. Guest rooms, styled with a restrained elegance and understated grandeur, are spacious, comfortable, and feature a host of up-to-the-minute gadgetry.

If you've ever wanted to experience the Downton Abbey lifestyle, head for this luxury hotel in a Victorian Gothic castle that's complete with battlements, a tower, and a turret. The core of the house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with the baronial features added in the 19th century by its current owners, the Cunliffe-Lister family. The plush public rooms epitomize the traditional country-house style, as do the spacious bedrooms, which are named after Yorkshire towns (and come complete with teddy bears). The castle's location on one of the largest private estates in England, 20,000 acres bordering Yorkshire Dales National Park, guarantees seclusion and abundant outdoor pursuits, including falconry. The property has 200 acres of parkland with 63 miles of trails and a 4-acre walled garden along with an excellent, modern spa complex, an on-site cooking school, two detached cottages, a 10-room Coach House, and eight luxury yurts in a meadow for "glamping" (camping glamorously). The formal restaurant specializes in seasonal Modern British food—much of it sourced from the estate itself. There's also a more casual restaurant with outdoor tables and a fine dining "chef's table" restaurant in the cooking school. Masham is 8 miles north of Ripon and 35 miles north of Leeds and York.

This art-filled former 19th-century office building, now part of the Hilton chain, is in a superb location, and some guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with extraordinary views of Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, and The City. Twenty-one rooms are split-level, with upstairs space for chilling out and sleeping space below. Bathrooms have deep tubs, full-size toiletries, and mini-TVs. Go up to the roof garden for spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. Better yet, ask for Room 303 to enjoy these exquisite views in privacy.