89 Best Hotels in England

There's a general Zen vibe (and no TVs) at this boutique B&B in the quieter St. Leonard's district of Hastings, making it a thoroughly relaxing place to stay. The comfortable, light-filled guest rooms are decorated in soothing tones of gray and polished wood, with beautiful art on the walls. A holistic approach is taken to guests' health and well-being—four dedicated therapists offer aromatherapy, Reiki, shiatsu, or hot-stone treatments, while delicious, well-balanced breakfasts and dinners are served in the excellent restaurant. The owners could hardly be friendlier, nor the atmosphere more relaxed.

Near a canal filled with colorful narrow boats in the Little Venice neighborhood, this lovely town house offers individually styled rooms, some with rich brocades, velvets, and antiques, others with balconies. The 1920s elevator (believed to be one of the oldest still working in the United Kingdom) and the Wedgwood fireplace in the lobby add to the historic style, as does the "Sigmund Freud Suite" (Freud visited regularly in 1938). It's also the birthplace of Alan Turing, one of the fathers of computer science and the man who deciphered the German Enigma code in World War II.

A contrast to the wildly expensive business hotels that proliferate in this part of the East End, right on the edge of The City, The Corner is a modern and surprisingly affordable option in a trendy area of town. Sleek and cheerful public spaces have a self-consciously irreverent edge, with wry "thoughts for the day" placed around the hotel by staff. Mismatched pieces of furniture have been recycled from industrial materials, and guest rooms are decorated in bold, outlandish color schemes. What could easily get stale stays nicely to the side of playfulness. 

With a reputation as the best boutique hotel in Cheltenham, Cotswold Grange is in the leafy Pittville district in a historic area, and the 1855 Tudor Revival golden stone building has been beautifully restored, with individually designed rooms. The well-equipped, modern rooms have comfortable Hypnos mattresses and nicely finished bahrooms supplied with Noble Isle toiletries. Public areas have some period details such as elaborate cornices. 

Originally a shipping magnate's residence, this Victorian-era country house sits 4 miles west of Whitby on 4 acres of gardens and grounds, with views of the sea in the distance (the beach at Sandsend is a five-minute drive away). Wood paneling complements rich carpets and leather arm chairs, and stained-glass windows, hidden staircases, and curios lend quirky charm. Bedrooms are spacious and handsomely decorated, though some are a bit worn.

London's original "pod hotel" has tiny rooms with a double bed, private shower room, and little else—each brightly decorated in the easyGroup's trademark orange and white (to match their budget airline, easyJet). The reception desk doesn't offer much in terms of service, and everything costs extra: room cleaning during your stay, use of television, Wi-Fi, and even a window. The concept is undeniably a hit—it's fully booked months in advance (the earlier you book, the cheaper your room rate) and several branches have opened (the website details locations)—just don't expect any frills. Like, none.

Originally built as a Georgian town house, this charming hotel is just around the corner from the British Museum, and all its 26 rooms are fully ensuite and come with a variety of modern amenities, including TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. The breakfast room overlooks a delightful walled garden and should you wish to have lunch or dinner in-house, then a sister hotel, the Grange White Hall, is literally two doors away. The public areas have a traditional, old-fashioned feel to them, which only adds to the charm of the place. Service is excellent, with a concierge and porter always on hand to help.  

It's rare to find a compact hotel in the cobblestone heart of Bath, and this informal three-story lodging converted from a group of Georgian town houses fits the bill nicely. Bedrooms, though bright, are not spacious, there are no views from the windows, and the parking facilities can be tricky to find. However, the cleanliness, polite and friendly service, outdoor hot tub, and central location outweigh these minuses. There's also an EV charging point, and the hotel is pet friendly. The hotel also rents a number of serviced apartments in Bath for short stays. 

Set in a handsome Georgian crescent, this family-run hotel offers quiet and comfortable accommodations with excellent amenities. With space for four, the quad rooms are a good choice for traveling families. For those who tire of eggs and sausage every morning, breakfast includes a choice of fresh croissants and a variety of cereals. See if you can spot Zizi and Wolfgang, the hotel's friendly cat and dog.

On a quiet street opposite the abbey grounds and just steps from Glastonbury's High Street, this elegant guest house offers pastel-hued, well-maintained rooms with great views and separate kitchenettes equipped with everything you need to rustle up snacks. If available, opt for the Abbey Suite, covering the entire top floor and with views of the abbey ruins framed by Wearyall Hill behind it. Breakfast isn't served, but you can make your own or walk to one of the numerous cafés close by.

An excellent central location near the waterside nightlife scene is just one perk of staying at this smoothly run chain hotel. The crisp, modern bedrooms and bathrooms, though on the small side, are beautifully equipped and furnished in calm, neutral tones. Downstairs, the trendy bar and neighboring Recess restaurant have a very Mad Men feel. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are included in the good weekend deals and even in high-season, bargains can be had.

In Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, this chic but relaxed hotel happily blends old (an 1890s building inspired by Venetian palazzos) and new (a contemporary steel-and-glass facade fitted over part of the frontage and rooms that have minimalist, Scandinavian-esque decor). Accommodations on upper floors have city views, and the two penthouse suites have private terraces from which to admire the nearby cathedrals and the river (one also has an outdoor spa bath).

This former hospital has been reimagined as a modish hotel with a zippy, happening vibe and add-ons that include a heated indoor-outdoor pool and spa treatments. Any residual institutional feel has been dispelled by the contemporary decor of the guest rooms, the walled garden, and a pavilion-like bistro-restaurant that offers a superb range of Mediterranean-style dishes. The location isn't auspicious (it's on the edge of the old town by an intersection), but it's only a few minutes' walk from the center. Hotel parking should be booked ahead.

This 16th-century coaching inn provides simple but comfortable rooms and a warm welcome in its main building and the News Coach House. It's a better value than other options in Burford, and a popular spot for those with children and dogs. The restaurant is open to guests and non-guests alike and serves a short but well-considered menu of British favorites.

One of Windermere's tidiest bed-and-breakfasts, spotless Ivy Bank is in a quiet, leafy part of town. The guest rooms are furnished in traditional style and have views over the rooftops. The owner is a qualified masseuse and aromatherapist and offers treatments to guests. You can use the Old England Spa nearby for a discounted rate.

Delicious breakfasts, hospitable owners, and reasonable rates enhance a stay at this stone Victorian house, close to the center of town. The B&B's simple bedrooms are light and airy, with double-glazed windows to block out traffic noise. Cyclists and walkers are welcome.

This friendly family-run bed-and-breakfast is a great value given the location: it's only a short walk from the British Museum, Soho, and Covent Garden. Guest rooms won't win any design awards, but they're comfortable and clean. Breakfasts are tasty and filling, even if there's not much choice past the traditional full English breakfast. There's a small guest lounge and a pretty little garden out back—a nice touch for a B&B right in the center of town.

A short drive from Tetbury in a small hamlet, this pub and inn is a paragon of rustic chic, with cozy modern rooms furnished with big, soft beds. The ethos here is good, plain British fare and comfort, and plenty of it. With two holiday cottages supplementing the rooms above the pub, an outdoor pizza oven for the summer, and a loyal local crowd, you may have to fight for the chairs nearest the fireplace.

Set in a row of white Georgian town houses, this excellent budget option in hit-or-miss Bayswater is friendly, well run, and spotlessly clean. The tone is set right from the gleaming white lobby and minimalist public areas. Guest rooms are modern and well maintained. Rooms in the basement, unsurprisingly, are the best bargain, but also the most cramped. A continental buffet breakfast is available for an extra £15.95 per person.

The first London outpost of the fashionable French hotel brand, the rooms and public areas here have the feel of an upmarket design hotel—think marble-top tables, bold fabrics, and atmospheric designed lighting—but at a fraction of the cost.

Built in 1847, this historic property was originally called "the Grecian Villa,” which gives you an idea of its architectural style, though the rooms and furnishings are more down-to-earth. Its centerpiece is an elegant wood-paneled spiral staircase. No two guest rooms are alike, and they incorporate many of the building's original architectural features as well as modern comforts.

It's worth seeking out this characterful 17th-century "country pub with cottages and rooms," located 10 miles north of Wimborne Minster in a lovely area designated a National Landscape. Despite a stylish makeover, the building retains many of its original period features, such as the bar, flagstone floors, and inglenook fireplace. Bedrooms, some with four-posters, have a country-house feel. Tasty local and seasonal food, like fish tacos with chipotle sour cream or a chicken supreme with gnocchi and oyster mushrooms, is available daily in the bar or in the more formal Shed restaurant on weekends. Dogs are welcome guests.

The best accommodation option in Arundel town center, this 18th-century coaching inn on the main street was, like Arundel's cathedral and castle, built by one of the dukes of Norfolk (during the Napoleonic Wars, it was used to house soldiers). The comfortable rooms are decorated in a simple, country-house style, and range from small singles to spacious "feature" doubles; those in the annex are generally larger and more modern. Downstairs, the Norfolk Tap pub serves good food and craft beer until late.

Beyond the traditional Cotswold stone exterior of this former coaching inn—now a bed-and-breakfast—are three unfussy, spacious bedrooms done in soothing white and pale colors. Beds are super comfortable, with feather toppers on the mattresses. The inglenook fireplace is a draw in winter, and wholesome breakfasts include fruit salads and omelets.

This delightful old inn near the train station has a handful of comfortable, modern rooms—with private baths and free Wi-Fi—in a converted Victorian brewhouse. The pub serves tasty, predominantly British pub classics. True to the name the Old Brewery still makes its own beer, which is a great rarity in these days of brewery-owned chain pubs. The beer also goes into the batter for their fish-and-chips. How's that for holding up tradition?

Now part of the same group as the Buxton Crescent Hotel, this property overlooking the ornate Buxton Opera House occupies a refurbished 16th-century building claiming to be England's oldest hotel and rumored to have once accommodated Mary, Queen of Scots. Rooms are individually decorated in a classic style; a couple have four-poster beds. The Cockerel Wine Bar is popular with theatergoers, who stoke up on its hearty dishes; there's also a more formal restaurant on-site.

Perfectly located just steps from the tranquility of Hyde Park to the south and the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street to the east, this sweet guesthouse oozes warmth, homeliness, and good value. With helpful hosts and simple but tastefully decorated rooms, it's the perfect little oasis in the middle of the hectic city. One grisly piece of historical trivia: it's situated near the site of the "Tyburn Tree," an enormous gallows used to execute prisoners from the Middle Ages until 1783 (and frequently referenced by Shakespeare)—a memorial on the street marks the spot. Tyburn is further immortalized in the small convent behind the hotel, which has a shrine dedicated to the hundreds of Catholics who were martyred there. The sisters conduct tours of the shrine.

One of London's quirkiest hotels, The Portobello (formed from two adjoining Victorian houses) has attracted scores of celebrities to its small but stylish rooms over the years, and the decor reflects these hip credentials with joyous abandon. Rooms are individually designed and range in size from "Box" rooms for the solo traveler to the 400 square-foot "Signature" rooms, replete with four-poster beds and views over the pretty garden. One room even contains a circular bed, next to which is an original Victorian "bathing machine"—legend has it that Johnny Depp once filled it with Champagne for his then-girlfriend Kate Moss.

Mere blocks from the British Museum and London's West End theaters, this handsomely fronted guesthouse has clean, neat, and plainly decorated rooms at bargain rates. The public areas are simple but welcoming, and residents have access to a quiet, secluded garden out back. Breakfasts are filling although choices are limited. An interesting historical note: No. 67 was once the home of Elizabeth Stride, who later moved to the East End and fell victim to Jack the Ripper.