Best Hotels in England, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers some of the world’s most memorable hotel experiences. From grand city hotels in London to boutique manor houses in the countryside and snug spa retreats tucked into rural landscapes—what makes a hotel “best” will depend on your travel style, priorities, and the experience you seek. In this article, I’ll walk you through what to look for, profile outstanding hotels across regions, suggest how to choose the right one, and offer sample itinerary ideas.
What Makes a Hotel Among the Best Hotels in England
Before listing hotels, it helps to define criteria for what “best” means. These factors guide how travellers select exceptional places to stay in England.
- Location & Setting
Does the hotel offer convenient access to major attractions (in London, York, Bath, etc.)? Or is it an escape into countryside serenity (Cotswolds, Lake District, Devon)? Perhaps it’s ideally placed for hiking, coastal views or proximity to heritage sites. - Heritage & Architecture
England has many hotels housed in historic buildings—manor houses, estates, converted castles, Georgian or Victorian structures. Staying there is as much about ambiance as it is comfort. - Design & Boutique Character
Some hotels lean heavily on luxury and tradition; others are boutique-style, artfully designed, offering personality, modern touches, or creative interiors. These often appeal to travellers seeking more unique stays. - Facilities & Amenities
What extras does the hotel offer? Spa / wellness centres, fine-dining restaurants (possibly Michelin-starred or high-end reviews), conference / event spaces, gardens, golf, or special experiences (e.g. cooking classes, afternoon tea traditions, chauffeur service). - Service, Reputation & Awards
Hotels awarded by travel guides, or recognized by organisations such as AA, Michelin (e.g. recent “Michelin Key Hotels” listings in the UK), TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice, Condé Nast Traveller, etc., may indicate consistency in quality. - Value & Target Audience
The “best” hotel for a honeymooner may differ from that for a family, a business traveler, or someone seeking spa & wellness. Some travellers prefer “grand luxury”; others prefer boutique charm or immersive countryside character. - Seasonality & Accessibility
England’s weather, transport links, and high demand periods (bank holidays, summer months) all matter. A country‐house hotel may be quieter and more peaceful outside peak season; a London hotel may cost more but offer better proximity to theatres / museums.
With those criteria in mind, let’s explore some standout hotels by region, and then how you might choose based on your trip style.
Signature Hotels by Region
Here are some of the best hotels in England, representative of different styles and locations.
London (City & Luxury Classics)
London is home to many iconic luxury hotels—especially historic grand hotels, boutique luxury properties, and state-of-the-art suites with premier service.
- The Ritz London
One of the most famous luxury hotels in England, The Ritz is synonymous with opulence. Located on Piccadilly, it has been hosting royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries for decades.
It is a 5-star property, with classic décor, luxury finishes, and exceptional service. - The Academy Hotel (Bloomsbury)
A boutique-luxury hotel in central London.
Its location in Bloomsbury makes it handy for museums, theatres, and the academic / cultural areas of the city. - Other Luxury / Boutique Picks
London also has many high-end boutique hotels that are often featured in Condé Nast Traveller lists. For example “boutique hotels in London” rounds up hidden gems with design focus, high-end interiors, and curated guest experience. - Chewton Glen (Hampshire, near London / South Coast)
While not in central London, Chewton Glen is close enough for many visitors looking for countryside luxury with spa amenities. It’s a five-star hotel & spa on the edge of New Forest National Park.
These hotels combine excellent service, premium amenities, and convenient access to London’s major attractions (or easy countryside retreat access from the city).
Countryside & Manor Houses
England’s countryside is dotted with manor-houses, castle-style hotels, and boutique retreats. These are ideal if you want peaceful surroundings, gardens, historic charm, and often great food.
- Bovey Castle (Devon)
This is a luxury country-house hotel located in Devon, set near Dartmoor.
It retains architectural charm (Neo-Jacobean style) and offers fine dining, spa, and scenic gardens / grounds. It is listed as a high-quality hotel and noted by AA designations. - The Olde Bell, Hurley (Berkshire)
One of the oldest coaching inns in England (in Hurley, Berkshire).
Offers historic ambiance and boutique-hotel charm; ideal for staying close to London yet with rural character. - Heckfield Place (Hampshire)
Though not deeply profiled above, Heckfield Place appears in listings of top UK hotels.
It represents the kind of refurbished country estate that blends design, wellness, gastronomy, and history.
Regional / Boutique Gems & Spa Hotels
Outside London and countryside manor-houses, there are hotels focusing on boutique character, spa-wellness, or specific regional appeal.
- Women’s Boutique / Design-led Boutique Hotels
Lists such as “Best Boutique Hotels in London” highlight smaller-scale properties with strong design credentials, or that deliver a more intimate staying experience. - Awards & Recognition
Some hotels have recently been awarded new distinctions in England / UK, such as the Michelin Key Hotels scheme.
Others are featured in Traveller’s Choice lists, or Condé Nast lists of Best Hotels in UK / England. - Rural Boutique / Wellness Retreats
Many boutique rural hotels or spa retreats (e.g. in Hampshire, Devon, the Cotswolds) offer an escape—wellness programmes, nature walks, refined dining, antiques / historic architecture.
Choosing the Right Hotel in England for Your Trip
Given the wide variety, how should you decide which hotel is best for you? Here are some practical tips:
- Define Your Trip Objective
- City-focused: You want to immerse in culture, theatre, museums, shopping in London or another major city. Staying in central London (or a boutique luxury hotel in central London) will give you time saving on commuting.
- Relaxation / Countryside: You prefer unwinding, nature, spa, country walks, slower pace. Select a country-house hotel or rural boutique retreat.
- Hybrid: Perhaps some nights in London, some in countryside manor house or spa hotel.
- Consider the Style You Prefer
- Grand & Historic: Large luxury hotels like The Ritz or country-house manor properties have legacy & prestige.
- Boutique or contemporary design: Smaller-capacity hotels with bespoke service, artistic interiors, curated experiences.
- Wellness / Spa Focus: If you plan spa, wellness treatments, swimming pools, or gardens / walking trails, check hotel amenities and reviews carefully. Best Hotels in England
- Season & Demand
- Peak seasons (summer months, major events in London such as theatre premieres, festivals) tend to increase rates & reduce availability.
- Off-peak seasons (early spring, late autumn) may offer better value, quieter atmosphere, or special deals at boutique hotels.
- Weather is milder in summer; countryside hotels may have more walking activity; winter may bring cosy stays by fireside.
- Accessibility & Location Trade-offs
- Urban hotels: proximity to public transport (tube / train stations), airports, major attractions.
- Countryside hotels: check driving time from your entry point (e.g. London or regional airports), whether transfers are easy (car hire may be required).
- Parking availability, transport convenience for day excursions.
- Check Reviews & Awards
- Use up-to-date traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or other traveller-choice awards.
- Check whether hotel is recognized by guides (e.g. AA-star ratings, Michelin Keys, or other hospitality awards).
- Be especially attentive to recent guest feedback about maintenance, dining quality, service responsiveness, and any seasonal closures / refurbishments.
- Balance Budget & Experience
- Luxury hotels command premium prices, but boutique or countryside options may offer high experience-per-cost if you’re flexible on location.
- Consider number of nights vs experience: maybe stay fewer nights at ultra-luxury, then more nights at boutique hotel for variety.
- Booking & Cancellation Policies
- Many high-end hotels have stricter policies or require deposits.
- Boutique hotels may have limited rooms; book early especially in popular periods.
- Confirm what is included in the rate (breakfast, parking, WiFi, taxes / city fees), and whether amenities (spa, pool) are fully open during your stay dates.
Example Itineraries Featuring Outstanding Hotels
To help illustrate how a stay in England might combine great hotels into a travel plan, here are a few sample itineraries that mix city and countryside stays.
Itinerary A: London & Countryside Luxury (7 Nights)
| Day | Location | Hotel Suggestion |
| Day 1–3 | London | Stay in a luxury / boutique hotel in central London — for example The Ritz London or a boutique hotel like The Academy (Bloomsbury) |
| Day 4 | Transfer to countryside (Hampshire / Berkshire) | Stay at Chewton Glen (Hampshire) or The Olde Bell (Berkshire) to transition into rural luxury |
| Day 5–6 | Explore nearby countryside or coast | Activities: walks, spa treatments, fine-dining meals at hotel; relax and unwind |
| Day 7 | Return to London or depart | Final night back in city for last-minute shopping, dinner or theatre |
Itinerary B: Boutique & Historic Country House Tour (7–10 Nights)
| Day | Location | Hotel Suggestion |
| Day 1–2 | Hampshire / South England | Check-in to Heckfield Place or Chewton Glen — enjoy spa, gardens, farm-to-table dining |
| Day 3–4 | From there, move to another region (e.g. Cotswolds or Devon) | Overnight in a boutique manor-house hotel / country estate |
| Day 5–6 | Travel towards London area or another city for cultural sightseeing | Stay final nights in London city-centre boutique or grand hotel for theatre, museums & fine dining |
| Day 7+ | Depart from London | Optionally add an extra night for last-minute experiences or shopping before flight home |
Itinerary C: Luxury & Wellness Retreat
| Day | Location | Hotel Suggestion |
| Day 1 | Arrive in London, stay one night in city luxury hotel to adjust (e.g. Ritz or boutique central hotel) | |
| Day 2–4 | Travel to spa-focused or wellness countryside retreat (Chewton Glen or other spa hotel in Hampshire / South Coast / Cotswolds) | |
| Day 5–6 | Move to another boutique countryside location for gourmet dining & walking / relaxation | |
| Day 7 | Return to London for departure or last cultural evening |
Challenges, Caveats & Things to Watch Out For
Even the best hotels require attention to detail when planning your trip. Keep in mind:
- City Taxes or Extra Fees: Some hotel rates may not include local tourist taxes, parking charges, or service fees.
- Refurbishments & Accessibility: Older heritage properties may undergo renovation, or have layout constraints (stairs, limited elevator access). If you have mobility needs or prefer certain amenities, check recent guest reviews.
- Seasonal Availability: In some rural hotels or spa retreats, certain facilities may close for maintenance during off-peak or shoulder season.
- Travel Delays / Weather: In rainy or stormy weather, countryside access roads or driving times may be slower; always factor in buffer time between hotel check-in / check-out and transfers.
- Cancellation & Flexibility: Boutique or small-capacity hotels may have more restrictive cancellation policies, or require advance booking with deposit.
- Dining Bookings & Local Restrictions: Popular hotel restaurants (fine dining rooms) often need advance reservations; if you plan special meals (e.g. afternoon tea, local cuisine menus), it’s good to book ahead inside or through the hotel concierge. Best Hotels in England
- Preferences & Expectations: What looks perfect in a brochure may differ in person. Reading recent traveler photos / reviews helps ensure what you see is what you get. Best Hotels in England
Conclusion
England offers a rich spectrum of exceptional hotels—from grand luxury in London to boutique countryside manor houses, spa retreats, historic inns, and design-led boutique hideaways. The “best” hotel for your journey depends on your desired balance between location, style, amenities, and budget.
If you seek grand elegance and tradition, London’s landmark hotels such as The Ritz or boutique luxury properties in central districts can provide an unforgettable urban stay. If your priority is relaxation, countryside charm, wellness, or exploring rural England at leisure, properties like Chewton Glen, Bovey Castle, or boutique manor houses in Hampshire / Devon / Berkshire offer deeply memorable and scenic stays.
