451 Best Hotels in England

Like rays of sunshine in gritty south London, the rooms at this distinctive Camberwell hotel are decorated in rich colors that evoke Mexico, a theme enhanced by authentic touches like elaborately painted crucifixes, tiles handmade in Guadalajara, and handcrafted iron bed frames. Breakfast is a tasty combination of organic breads, pastries, and smoothies, much of it sourced from nearby Borough Market. There's also an honor bar with a great selection of whiskies, tequilas, rums, and Spanish bottled beers.

High-concept, high-tech, and supertrendy, this Dutch budget boutique minichain has a unique selling point—nearly everything at the hotel is self-service, and that includes check-in and breakfast. Even the in-room amenities, from the blinds to the television, are all controlled via a tablet. The egalitarian rooms (all feature the same design) are small, but comfortable, with huge beds and wall-size windows. They're soundproofed, too—a big bonus given the busy location on the South Bank, not to mention the happening bar/workspace downstairs. The effect is more no-nonsense than no frills; or, as the hotel's website puts it, "absolutely no trouser presses, bellboys, or stupid pillow chocolates." It won't be to everyone's taste, but you'll look a long time before finding a better affordable hotel in such a good location.

The modern rooms at this central London outpost of the trendy Dutch hotel brand have been cleverly designed to maximize storage space, enabling a more comfortable stay than you might expect from such a small space. Ask for a room on the mews side for views of nearby Westminster Cathedral. 

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.

Everything is new in this airy and spacious lodging, but it doesn't mean the place lacks atmosphere or charm. The cool and pastel colors, such as duck-egg blue and subtle purples, and light wood floors give it an almost seaside air, and a scattering of hand-knitted cushions adds a personal touch. Bedrooms have high-quality bathrooms, and the hospitable hosts dispense generous breakfasts.

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. 

Everything in St. Ives seems squeezed into the tiniest of spaces, and this cottage lodging in the quiet Downalong quarter is no exception. Though small, the light, tastefully converted rooms are pleasingly simple in design, with modern decor and good bathrooms, and the more expensive ones have sea views. Most rooms are named after characters in Daphne du Maurier's novels (she regularly stayed here in the 1940s). Breakfast is not offered, but there are plenty of options in the immediate neighborhood, and rooms are equipped with fridges, fresh milk, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A minimum two-night stay usually applies.

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. 

Located halfway between Wilton and Salisbury, this comfortable ex-gamekeeper's cottage overlooks a cricket ground and has a large, peaceful garden of its own; a modern annex provides additional suites and apartments. Rooms are individually decorated, so it's good to check the website. There is no restaurant (though the apartments have kitchenettes), but evening snacks are available on weekdays. The B&B is on the main A36 road, a mile or so west of Salisbury's center.

Overlooking a tiny park in the middle of Wells-next-the-Sea, this cozy little hotel and restaurant is owned by New Zealand–born TV chef Chris Coubrough. Guest rooms are elegant, bright, and comfortable; larger rooms have king-size beds. The wonderful restaurant serves traditional British fare such as Brancaster rock oysters followed by roast cod or maybe beef short ribs with mashed potatoes.

The centerpiece of the Regency Esplanade, this grand hotel overlooking the South Bay was Scarborough's first, originally opened in 1845 to accommodate fashionable visitors. Bedrooms are comfortable and contemporary, and some have outstanding sea views. The in-house spa is a bonus. Room-only rates are available, and rates drop for some two-night stays.

Grandly located in a tall block overlooking Plymouth Hoe, this modern chain hotel has a businesslike tone but doesn't skimp on comforts. Rooms are spacious and uncluttered, with brown or gray color schemes, and modern bathrooms. On the penthouse floor, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill provides a panoramic dining area, which is also used for self-serve breakfasts. There's also a fitness center and a good-size indoor pool.

This spick-and-span, good-value hotel’s selling points are its excellent location near the center of the historic district and views across the river. It also has plenty of modern amenities and large, light-filled rooms, but the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Ask for rooms away from the elevators, as they can be a bit noisy. Staff are friendly, and children are welcomed enthusiastically. The hotel is often full of businesspeople and conferences, though there are some nice touches, such as the Terrace Bar, where you can enjoy drinks or dinner, and the bright Riverside Restaurant.

Magic-loving Muggles will go wild for this enchanting boutique hotel in the heart of Alnwick, which evokes all the spirit of the wizarding world—even if its literary inspiration is never actually named. The atmospheric guest rooms, as well as the stairways and corridors that link them, are decked out with stuffed owls, broomsticks, and burgundy-and-gold scarves, and lit by "candlelight." However, there are plenty of mod cons to enjoy too, from Hypnos beds and smart TVs to coffee machines and rainfall showers. Downstairs is the Dirty Bottles bar, which serves excellent pub food (with a focus on smoked meats) and fancy cocktails until late. There's no parking on-site, but you can pick up a parking disc for £1 and leave your car on nearby Pottergate (!) street.

In a Victorian town house and former dairy near the city walls, this guesthouse retains atmospheric features like stained or etched glass, period fireplaces, and ornate plaster cornices. The pastel-walled bedrooms are simple but stylish, with books, games, and hospitable touches like complimentary cookies and chocolates. The flower-filled interior courtyard is lovely.

This sleek boutique hotel from the founder of the Malmaison group puts the emphasis on contemporary minimalist comfort, with soundproofed, media-and-amenity-stuffed rooms in subdued grays and taupes. The in-house brasserie-style grill restaurant is a local favorite, the ground floor bar has a Champagne room, and there's also a private rooftop terrace Residents' Bar for hotel guests.

This more casual sister property of the Devonshire Arms down the road (guests have access to the larger property's spa and hiking trails) boasts outstanding views over a particularly lovely part of the Yorkshire Dales. The design of the guest rooms is fresh and modern, but there is a sense of corners being cut; the complimentary breakfast is fruit salad (no roll or croissant) and orange juice from a carton. The service is very friendly, but somewhat haphazard (you may have to carry your own bags up the stairs) because the small staff oversees both the hotel and the two restaurants. The Dalzell, the more formal option, serves Modern British dishes like pan-fried halibut  with seaweed potatoes, while a more informal Bistro offers elevated pub grub such as fish and chips or grilled steaks.

Luxury rules at this converted 17th-century farmhouse overlooking the Vale of Evesham, 2 miles north of Broadway, which has been firmly brought into the 21st century with the best of approachable contemporary design. You can visit the sumptuous spa or cozy up in a firelit lounge before making your way to the guest rooms, each individually decorated and with luxurious bathrooms. The sophisticated Garden Room restaurant fronts a garden designed by a Chelsea Flower Show Gold winner, while the Potting Shed has more rustic style and fare.

Although this modern hotel may lack the period charm of older hotels, its up-to-date facilities, spacious rooms, and ample grounds make it a good option if Tudor beamed ceilings aren't a must or you prefer the consistency of a chain. Rooms, all with well-designed furniture and tasteful color schemes, come in several shapes; some even have four-poster beds. There's a mini-gym on-site. 

Around 6 miles northwest of Dunstanburgh Castle, halfway between Alnwick and Bamburgh, lies this 200-year-old country mansion—now a popular spa hotel. Set within lovely gardens (among them a walled garden and hedge maze) and surrounded by rolling, lake-dotted countryside, the central building is home to a host of well-appointed bedrooms and suites. There's also an excellent restaurant, and the extensive spa facilities include a large heated swimming pool, whirlpool bath, steam room, sauna, and several treatment rooms. For longer or more secluded stays, opt for one of the three coach houses or the self-catering cottage in the grounds. Even if you aren't able to stay the night, you can still visit with a day package, which can include spa treatments and a two-course lunch.

True Georgian grandeur is evident in the refurbished rooms of this Palladian-style mansion, now an elegant boutique guesthouse with one of the best addresses in Bath. Great care has been taken with the decoration and furnishing of the guest rooms, all of which come with beautiful wallpapers, antique furniture, and superb bathrooms. Service is amiable and breakfasts present a wide choice of dishes.

At this small exclusive hotel in a discreet cul-de-sac, ample natural light brightens the classically elegant rooms. The bar is a delight—don't even think about staying here without dropping in for a cocktail—and the cigar and cognac garden is a pleasingly retro addition. The GBR, which stands for Great British Restaurant, offers all-day dining, creating delicious meals out of classic British flavors; appealingly enough, the kitchen also eschews modern gadgetry as much as possible, in favor of traditional techniques. But the hotel's real trump card is the location—just a hop and a skip from Piccadilly and Green Park, yet tucked away enough that it feels peaceful.

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.

This welcoming boutique hotel is an oasis of understated country-house chic in glitzy Knightsbridge, with guest rooms that don't stint on design touches like four-poster beds, swagged curtains, and patterned wallpaper and textiles. Prints and posters by impressionist artists adorn the walls, and some rooms have verdant views over the beautiful gardens in back. The lovely staff—surely among the most helpful and friendly in London—keep everything running like clockwork. The two drawing rooms are good places to write letters or relax with a drink from the honor bar. There is no restaurant but a limited menu is available through room service. The hotel also has a partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum, which means guests can score tickets even to sold-out exhibitions.

This small independent hotel in the heart of Bath is made up of two neighboring buildings that have been combined into one single, style-focused property, where each of the 20 rooms is individually and exquisitely designed. Homemade biscuits are provided in the rooms alongside tea and coffee. The 500-year-old cellar was originally a refectory for monks worshipping at Bath Abbey; now it's an atmospheric bar open from noon until late.

Situated next to Cheltenham Race Course, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate, now a hotel with a luxury spa and 90 acres of grounds. The 61 rooms are individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the Elemis Spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine alfresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, the hotel is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.

This former Victorian hotel near Earl's Court has been converted into an apartment/hotel residence aimed at extended-stay travelers, although there are a handful of rooms without kitchenettes. The decor is inspired by the legendary, retro-chic Biba boutique formerly just down the road, with deep vermilions, emeralds, and mustards, Art Deco touches, and numerous potted palms. The individually designed boudoir-style rooms are comfortable (though unlikely to appeal to fans of high-tech touches—USB ports and even power outlets are in short supply) and kitchens have Smeg appliances. There's a spacious garden with a terrace, a co-working space, a free laundry room, a café that serves breakfast, a Middle Eastern restaurant, and a bar.