89 Best Hotels in England

Despite being on the notoriously traffic-clogged Cromwell Road, the Rockwell, with its triple-soundproofed windows, offers good value. Bedrooms are modernist in style and decorated in slightly retro tones, all while being comfortable, well designed, and very spacious by London standards; mezzanine suites are split-level lofts and basement garden rooms have small patios. There's a pleasant walled deck to the rear. Family rooms offer especially good value for money. The restaurant serves an all-day brunch menu focusing on contemporary classics.

Converted from what were once the offices of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, this Ambleside café and notable bakery has branched out into accommodations, with simple but stylishly furnished rooms decorated with photos of delights from the café next door. Guest rooms have comfy beds and wood floors. The handsome old building has been refurbished in contemporary style, complete with docks for digital devices and free Wi-Fi. And, of course, breakfast is baked fresh next door, where cake is only ever moments away. Also available are three stone cottages for self-catering. 

Looking onto a placid sward of lawn in the newly fashionable Royal William Yard district of Plymouth—formerly the navy's victualing quarter—this classic Georgian building once housed naval officers and now offers well-appointed guest accommodations with a touch of class. The rooms are bright and tastefully furnished and come with modern bathrooms. It's a brief walk to a selection of dockside eateries, or a stroll across the square to Bistrot Pierre, which has a range of French-inspired meals at reasonable prices (and is where guests must check in).

This historic, 15th-century pub certainly looks the part, with low-beamed ceilings and a fire crackling in the grate, though the uncommonly large guest rooms upstairs are a pleasant surprise, with a contemporary design that retains a few original features, such as exposed woodwork. The inn also serves good, unfussy British classics (beef and Guinness pie; sausages, mash, and gravy) which you can enjoy in the lovely terrace garden if the weather's good. On Sunday, stop in for the popular weekly roast.

Conveniently located at the bottom of the main street, this centuries-old coaching inn has counted Daniel Defoe and Edward VII among its former guests. A modern makeover has transformed the interior without sacrificing its period features and created well-equipped bedrooms that are clean and elegant (some have four-poster beds and spa baths). It's worth upgrading to a Premium or De Luxe room for more space. Hot and cold meals are available in either of the two bars. Note that there is no elevator and some stairs are a bit steep.

Named after a classic climbing novel, Rum Doodle is an immaculately and imaginatively designed B&B. Fond attention has clearly been spent on sourcing retro furniture and on the many special and occasionally whimsical touches, from four-poster beds and bowler-hat lights to the special Rum Doodle coffee and prosecco in each of the nine rooms. Guests get fresh homemade cookies in their rooms on arrival, and there are homemade jams, too. Apart from Stornaway black pudding, all the food is locally sourced.

This imposing stone building was established as a private home in the 1600s, and William Wordsworth often used to visit on his evening walks; today the estate comprises a hotel, holiday cottages, a bunk house, and a campsite. Rooms are simply but comfortably furnished in light, neutral colors. Everything is powered by the estate's own hydroelectric plant. There are 30 acres of gardens and woodland plus a tea shop and a program of regular events.

Amid the cobbled streets of old town, in a former workshop that served the jet jewelry trade, this charming little complex has shabby-chic guest rooms surrounding a courtyard tucked behind a health food store and a dress boutique. Although small, the rooms have pine furnishings and either four-poster or brass bedsteads; two rooms have balconies. No breakfast is served, but there's an adjacent café, and the owners will point you to other good alternatives nearby. Organic facials are available on the premises.

Huge beds and luxury bedding demonstrate the hosts' commitment to guest comfort at this intimate B&B in a former gentleman's residence. There's also a lovely garden with views across the valley towards Riber Castle. The airy drawing room has daily newspapers, books, music, and DVDs, and there are full Derbyshire breakfasts plus the option of homemade afternoon tea.

Peace, seclusion, and magnificent views of the Wye Valley await 3 miles southeast of Hereford at this informal working farm, which dates back to the 16th century; there's even a hot tub from which to enjoy the scene. Guest rooms in the stone farmhouse are furnished nicely with period pieces alongside DAB radios, and breakfasts, including local bacon and eggs, are taken at the communal dining table.

Set inside a pair of refurbished Georgian town houses, these studio apartments near Hyde Park are done in soothing tones of white and gray, with polished wood floors and attractive modern kitchenettes equipped with all you need to make small meals. The standard units are quite small, but premium studios cost only £20 or so more and give you much more space to play. Bathrooms are new and modern, although they are not large.

Facing the churchyard in the heart of Chagford village, this inn dating from the 13th century retains its venerable character, from its part-thatched roof, granite facade, and mullioned windows to the grand inglenook fireplaces. Modern facilities are artfully integrated, most conspicuously in the smart restaurant located within a glass atrium in the courtyard. Although the guest rooms have remained essentially unchanged for several centuries, here too you'll find contemporary comforts including well-designed bathrooms. Everything from pub classics to evening specials is available in the restaurant, and the low-beamed bars exude warmth and conviviality, with St. Austell and craft ales on tap.

If you want hotel benefits, this is a good bet; near the water's edge, with good views, it's comfortable and spotless, with excellent service and amenities such as underfloor heating, espresso machines, and even the occasional trouser press. Rooms are decorated in a similar style, in browns, greens, and neutral colors with some prints and carpeting. Discounted rates are often available in the winter; check the website for the latest offers.

Guests have been welcomed to this inn since the 15th century (it's even said that Oliver Cromwell stabled his horses here), and the main building retains all the period trappings—cobbled entrance, beams, stone walls, courtyard—while the bedrooms, both in the main building and in a separate wing, are relatively modern. The hotel has a casual but atmospheric bar-restaurant where you can order such dishes as steak-and-ale pie, curries, and burgers; guests who book accommodation direct receive a 20% discount on the restaurant bill.

This venerable 17th-century coaching inn has counted the eminent statesman William Pitt the Elder among its guests, and, since his visit, it has retained much of its antique style. Today, though, the guest rooms are spacious, comfortable, and modern, with all the amenities necessary for a night or two. A range of foods is available in the bar and restaurant, including a hearty brunch.

A 450-year-old former coaching inn, this hotel and restaurant once patronized by Charles Dickens is full of historic character, with open fireplaces, wood paneling, and exposed beams. The bedrooms, some with original fireplaces, offer a combination of traditional charm and modern, uncluttered style. The cozy bistro downstairs serves a Modern British menu with an emphasis on seafood.

Perks at this one-time 19th-century cotton mill include complimentary yoga classes for guests while a tempting roster of social events and activities open to both residents and locals includes drag brunches, vintage swing dance classes, bee mosaic making (the bee is the city's symbol), and Sunday board games. There's a Peruvian-inspired restaurant too. The suites and studios combine hip contemporary decor with nods to the building's Victorian quirks and eccentricities, plus the practicality of full kitchens. Colors and textures are refreshingly offbeat—think salmon pink, mustard yellow, and various shades of green on everything from sofas to painted brick walls.

These contemporary apartments were loosely inspired by the wit and wisdom of Irish writer Oscar Wilde and blend personality and creativity with practicality in the design-led studios and one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. Think timber flooring, bespoke joinery, and unique crafts and artwork, many by independent Irish business and artists, plus high-end appliances. There are discounts for longer stays.

This sweet and rather elegant old hotel, on the premises of one of London's first B&Bs (1881), is a decent, well-situated option. It's a cheery little place, with comfortable (if small) bedrooms, in which muted modern color schemes clash only slightly with the kind of floral fabrics your grandmother would love. The restaurant serves decent, though unimaginative British and European cuisine; however, you're just a couple of blocks from London's Victoria train station and the multitude of eateries close by. Breakfasts are delightful. 

Part of a global brand that first became known for its airport capsule hotels, this colorful lodging option features high-tech "cabins"—some are tiny and some windowless, but all incorporate sustainable-design elements like LED lighting that turns off when not in use, solar panels, and water-reducing showers. In-house MOTLEY serves low-key, seasonal produce and beer from local breweries and even has a karaoke pod. Guests get discounts at TRIB3 boutique fitness studio.

If you're looking for a central location and modern urban style on a tight budget, the Z is a superb option. Rooms are pared-back and minimalist—all the better to appreciate the superb city views from rooms with windows (the most expensive, but still great value). Bespoke beds, crisp linen, and flat-screen TVs make the place feel more expensive than it is. The Z Café serves buffet breakfasts and snacks.

This agency specializes in executive apartments for business travelers, so prices are high, but so is the quality. Aside from a few supercheap places in parts of town you wouldn't want to stay in, prices start at around £70 per night for a one bedroom near the former Olympic Village in Stratford (East London), rising to around £550 per night for a two bedroom in Mayfair.

Rooms in private homes in Knightsbridge, Kensington, Mayfair, Chelsea, and West London are handled by this agency. Prices start at around £87 a night per double room, making this a great alternative to budget hotels.

Contact this company for delightful little London hideaways, in Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge, costing around £75–£125 per night with full English breakfasts.

This company arranges stays in the properties of Londoners who are temporarily away. Attractive apartments and houses are primarily in Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea, and most cost around £115 to £170 per night. The minimum booking of five to seven nights is a bit limiting, though, and you must make a substantial security deposit (usually between £200 and £1,000), which is returned after your stay.

Specializing in unusual and historic buildings, this agency has London apartments starting at around £650 for a four-night (minimum) stay.

What sets this agency apart is the quality of the properties on offer and the outstanding support you get during your stay—fresh linen, toiletries, a kitchen full of basic supplies, iPhones helpfully loaded with maps, and, in a lovely touch, a package of tips about the area from the owners themselves.

This agency has hundreds of luxurious flats in residential neighborhoods all over London, with prices starting at around £1,000 per week.