We’ve scoured the country on the hunt for the UK and Ireland’s best hotels for your next mini-break

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Why put yourself through the stress of international travel, when the long weekend of your dreams is a couple of hours away? A swish city escape or a few days in a country lodge can do wonders for your mind, which is why we've scoured the country on the hunt for some of the UK and Ireland’s best hotels for your next mini-break, from Claridge's and Gleneagles to Adare Manor and The Samling.

From the coastal retreats that will make you feel like you're in LA (weather permitting) to spas hidden away in the deep countryside, we've found a hotel to satisfy every facet of your staycation wanderlust. Sure, a trip to the Maldives might be at the top of your holiday wish list, but the UK has a wealth of beautiful locations that won’t take you a full day to get to – and there are countless more just across the Irish Sea. And if you fancy staying in a holiday cottage rather than in a hotel, make sure to head over to our guide to the best holiday cottages in the UK to book now.

Start packing your suitcase: your next holiday might be closer than you think. So, here we go, listed in rough geographical location, south to north. Want to search out your next hotel stay by location? Just follow the quick list below…

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

An ocean of calm and grandeur in what is perhaps the UK's most chaotic metropolis, Birmingham's The Grand Hotel sits just a minute's walk from the city cathedral and a stone's throw away from menswear haven (and secret speakeasy) The Liquor Store. Hailing all the way back to 1879, The Grand was refurbished three years ago with a sense of splendour and decadence befitting its Grade 2* listed status. With 185 bedrooms and suites available – including a penthouse apartment – you're well-served whether you need a plush base from which to explore the Midlands or a dreamy bed and expertly-curated roof terrace bar to decamp to after day spent watching Ben Stokes and co at Edgbaston.

Even though Brum's culinary bona fides aren't exactly a secret nowadays, The Opheem Grand Experience is by far and away the best way for any aspiring glutton to spend their time in the Second City. Featuring an overnight stay at The Grand, afternoon tea in the refined surroundings of its Madeleine cocktail lounge and dinner at the two-Michelin-starred Opheem, the hospitality on show here is utterly peerless. The only Indian restaurant away from London to be decorated with a Michelin star, Opheem's 10-course tasting menu is a revelation featuring tandoori BBQ mutton rib and Cornish monkfish, green bean compote, raw mango and coconut. With an à la carte offering that includes the Great British Menu-winning course of soft shell crab, caraway seed tempura and crab shaami, chef Aktar Islam has all bases covered when it comes to evening indulgence.

The Swan Hotel

The Swan Hotel, situated in the picture book town of Southwold, is charming. Located on a brewing site (owned and run by Adnams), charming. Picnics on the beach (organised on request), charming.

It’s a homely, breakfast-in-bed kind of place, where aside from being two minutes away from the beach, its food, particularly the fish, is stand-out. There are two options: The Tap Room, which acts as a local pub offering upmarket gastro food, and The Still Room, their more formal, but still relaxed dining area. Their sous-vide haddock was beautifully tender with a meaty crispness, accompanied with pickled cucumbers, chargrilled fennel and grapefruit it felt smugly healthy and balanced. With its laid-back service, sea air and easy access (just over two hours on the train from London, for instance), The Swan makes for a restorative weekend break. Market Place, Southwold, IP18 6EG.

Callow Hall, Derbyshire

In a year when the staycation was king, what did it take to be crowned Best Hotel at the GQ Food and Drink Awards? Individually designed bedrooms? Tick. Garden Room restaurant and Library Snug for an evening, post-walk round of Scrabble and scotch? Tick. Acres of woodland and meadows to explore? Tick. Converted Coach House offering first-rate wellness treatments for our weary limbs? Tick. Oh, and that’s before you’ve stumbled upon their oak-shrouded treehouses and woodland hives.

Hambleton Hall, Rutland

Hambleton Hall is a beautiful Victorian country-house hotel, impeccably furnished and tucked away in a picture postcard landscape overlooking Rutland Water and the surrounding nature reserve – which is all very nice, but let's talk about bread.

Back in 2008, owner Tim Hart (the father of restaurateurs Sam and Eddie) opened Hambleton Bakery, specialising in traditionally made loaves and cakes, and the results – served in the hotel at breakfast, lunch, during afternoon tea and at dinner – are astounding. From sourdough and spelt, through to Borodinsky rye and date and walnut, if you are a glutton for carb-loaded punishment this bread is worth the price of overnight admission alone.

However, there is much more to Hambleton Hall than an artisanal granary. For instance, there is the restaurant, overseen since 1992 by Aaron Patterson, which has held a Michelin star for the past 40 years (the longest in the UK). The dishes change daily according to what's in season and you know you're on to a winner when every animal on your plate has its farm address on the menu.

With only 15 guest rooms, the grand old house feels intimate and exclusive. The décor is wonderfully, unapologetically old-school, while the staff are as friendly as they are unobtrusive. And on top of all that you can actually leave the house and not be disappointed. There is a tennis court, classic landscaped gardens and all the natural beauty of England's smallest county beyond. The perfect romantic weekend away? Possibly. If you like fruit loaf? Definitely. Ketton Rd, Oakham, LE15 8TH. hambletonhall.com

The Arden Hotel, Stratford

No matter what they tell you, theatreland doesn’t start and end with the West End. And if you’re a fan of that plucky upstart William Shakespeare, a short trip north to Stratford upon Avon is a must. Not only can you visit the Bard’s grave – in a quiet, unassuming church with no gift shop in sight – there is arguably the RSC’s spiritual home, The Swan, where world class adaptations of his plays are pretty much a constant.

Luckily, there’s also a superb hotel just over the road: The Arden. With a traditional, homely feel and a gorgeous terrace / garden, it’s the perfect base to explore one of the UK’s most historic and charming towns, while the food at the award-winning No.44 Brasserie is a memorable take on British classics cooked with passion. Our pro tip? After dinner walk around the corner to the Dirty Duck pub, a long-time favourite of thespians from around the world. It's what Billy would have wanted. Chapel Ln, Waterside, CV37 6BA. theardenhotelstratford.com

South Lodge, Horsham

Less of a hotel and more of a 92-acre Sussex estate (complete with its own spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and burgeoning vineyard), South Lodge is the kind of place you head to when a spot of escapism is in order. New for 2024 is The Reeds, an array of luxury Lakeside and Spa lodges that all adhere to the property’s hard-earned, B Corp-approved sustainable credentials. Think bamboo-clad exteriors, water-source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting systems that all support a series of seriously luxe interiors – as well as a private infra-red halotherapy sauna. We spent a winter weekend in the confines of one of South Lodge’s Lakeside properties and revelled in the cosy seclusion it offered. There may well be greater pleasures in life than watching Sky Sports in the bath before a long afternoon nap but we’re yet to discover them.

As much as these bright, spacious retreats are well set for the colder months, they were really designed to come to life over the summer. Somehow, the appeal of both your very own sundeck and open water swimming in the private lake it looks out onto don’t have the same appeal when the mercury drops into single digits... Still, when you can hop five minutes down the road for a spa day, it’s hard to complain too much. Set in its own complex – complete with a 200-metre gym and both indoor and outdoor pools – you‘re spoiled for pampering options via an expansive menu of massages and treatments.

While there’s plenty to be said for both South Lodge’s accommodation and facilities, The Pass is its undisputed, Michelin-approved MVP. An intimate dining space that’s run under the watchful eye of head chef Ben Wilkinson, its exquisite tasting menu is one of those rare gems that’s served without fuss or pretence. Highlights include succulent ‘Wild Fallow Deer’ and a delightful ‘Day Boat Turbot’, but every course leaves a moreish impression right down to the ‘Chocolate Délice’ with hazelnut, vanilla and Pedro Ximénez sherry. For those voyeurs who revel in peering out at their food as it‘s prepped, the restaurant’s clear glass wall that divides its chefs and diners only confirms the art and craft that’s exacted upon each dish. Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Crabtree, Horsham RH13 6PS. 

The Fish, Farncombe

Tucked away in the depths of the Cotswolds, this luxury woodland retreat is perfect for those looking to have a peaceful weekend in nature – especially those with four-legged puppy pals that they don't want to leave behind.

We headed to the seafood-inspired restaurant, Hook, with our whippet, Wally, in tow. It’s not often I get to experience a fine dining menu with my dog, and the staff made him feel as comfortable and welcomed as us humans. As we snuggled around the cosy fire of the bar, I sampled the incredible slow-braised pork belly accompanied by a smattering of BBQ sriracha prawns – good enough to eat an entire bowl. Our meal was finished with the ooziest sticky toffee pudding.

The surroundings of The Fish are stunning. The drive down to the hotel crosses some of the most picturesque parts of the English countryside, beautifully offset by the crisp autumn air when we arrived on a misty yet glorious October morning. The grounds have so many leafy spots to explore, including a gurgling steam that trickles through the site and a bar-side heated outdoor area. For Wally, the highlight was the dog agility course, complete with see-saw and tunnel. It had ample fenced-off space for him to let loose, and we ended up spending a good hour a day there teaching him new tricks.

We stayed in one of the Treehouses. As we entered through the front gate, we were immediately greeted by two outdoor bathtubs under a huge, leafy tree canopy, which demanded to be filled up with hot water and bath salts, complemented by a can of the hotel’s own-brewed lager (if we ran dry, we were more than eager to push the button for more). There’s a range of places to stay, including shepherd’s huts and suites, but I'm desperate to go back to enjoy the hidden hut on its own private island, where you take a boat across the river to relax in a private space complete with a hot tub for two.

Whatley Manor

Whatley Manor at a glance is exactly what you’d expect from a luxury five-star Cotswolds get-away; a Grade II listed manor hotel with 19th-century architecture set amongst 12 acres of stunning English countryside, snug leather chairs and Tudor glass windows overlooking pristine gardens, restored from their original 1920s designs. Yet thanks to an ongoing transformation which includes being the UK’s first Climate Positive Hotel and one of 23 UK hotels to gain a Green Michelin Star for sustainable gastronomy, there is a lot more to Whatley Manor than classic Cotswolds charm.

The Aquarias Spa offers upscale treatments and the outdoor hydrotherapy pool has views across acres of English countryside, which incidentally, is perfect for a dog walk. ‘Petflix and Chill’ is available to anyone staying in one of the pet-friendly suites – curated pet movies, dog-friendly ice-cream treats and a bottle of ‘Pawseco’ are included (Gusbourne English wine and popcorn for the humans). If, like us, your idea of ‘chill’ is catching up on the Oscar nominees, you’ll be happy to find nestled amongst the country house interiors is a private cinema – the Sunday Cinema Club is followed by a three-course dinner at Grays restaurant (be sure to book the terrace in summer).

The highest awards at Whatley Manor go to The Dining Room, the two-starred Michelin restaurant with luxury racing green interiors and an open kitchen-come-stage where you’ll watch executive chef Ricki Wilson and his team expertly garnish Pembrokeshire Lobster and plate A5 Wagyu with Fermented lettuce and pear (Weston’s answer to the Big Mac) – part of the six-course PoB ‘Seasoned to Perfection’ menu available to staying and visiting guests from March 2024. Whatley Manor, Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB.

The Bull, Charlbury

Scene-loving Londoners rejoiced last year, when the duo behind Notting Hill hotspot The Pelican turned their sights to the Cotswolds. Somehow, they've managed to recreate all the buzz and style of their O.G. haunt in the depths of Oxfordshire. The Bull itself has been around since the early 1500s, but the skin-contact wines didn't start flowing until Phil Winser and James Gummer took over. Now, the pub-slash-restaurant-slash-hotel is one of the most active sites in town, with a garden that stays packed until late in the warmer months.

The pub has all the expected cosiness of a 16th-century building, but the hotel rooms are spacious and extremely well-appointed, with freestanding baths and super king beds. It's the ideal getaway for weary Londoners – particularly city dwellers lacking cars, as the hotel is only an eight-minute walk from Charlbury station – who don't want to compromise on food and drink when skipping town. Sheep St, Charlbury, Chipping Norton OX7 3RR.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Even by the standards of spa town luxury, The Royal Crescent sets a lofty bar for five-star decadence. Set in the city's northern climes – right next to the verdant Royal Victoria Park – this Georgian hotel and spa complex blends 18th century elegance with all manner of modern niceties thanks to the recent refurbishment of it 11 designer suites and Montagu's Mews restaurant.

Although its rooms provide ample indulgence in their own right, it's in these suites that this hotel shines, with the option of a king-size or four poster bed, a tranquil view of the hotel grounds and even the option to bring a pet along for the trip. For those to whom “escapism” equates to doing as little as humanly possible in close proximity to a cocktail bar, you're impeccably catered for with an ample spa that features a 12-metre heated relaxation pool alongside an expert menu of massages, facials and other revitalising treatments. A hot air balloon and afternoon tea experience is also available for anyone with either a more adventurous nature or an irrepressible thirst for Taittinger champagne.

For us, it's the Montagu's Mews restaurant that sets The Royal Crescent in rarefied company. Chef Martin Blake's nine course tasting menu is a sumptuous way to while away an evening that dances from Cornish cod to Wye Valley asparagus before crescendoing with a delightful Yorkshire Forced rhubarb, olive oil and vanilla dessert. The Royal Cresent, 16 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LS. 

Tillingham, Rye

Nestled amongst 70 acres of countryside in Sussex, Tillingham is your one-stop retreat for the ultimate relaxation experience. Based at a farm that dates back to the 13th century, this hotel not only boasts a rich history and world class restaurant, but they also boast their own vineyard offering intimate tours and wine tasting.

Tillingham is perfect for all the family, whether you are after luxury or something a little more rustic. Each room at Tillingham has been designed to meet a variety of tastes; the feature double room has a luxury freestanding bath tub, super-king bed and the all-important views of the vineyards, rolling hills and woodlands

Furthermore, there are bell tents for the more adventurous, with king size beds, private terraces, log burners and fire pits for extra cosy Autumnal nights. Whatever your taste, staff are constantly on hand, not only with a smile on their face but also an excellent knowledge of the food, local area and wine that would make the locals jealous. Even if you are after great-tasting food without the pretentiousness of a fancy London restaurants, Tillingham really knows how to make you feel at home, and luxury rooms start at just £160 a night. Tillingham Dew Farm Dew Lane Peasmarsh, Rye TN31 6XD.

Four Seasons, Hampshire

The Four Seasons Hampshire offers 500 acres of space and 1,000 years of history within a particularly good stone's throw of London. One hour from the capital, it's the perfect place to experience the very best of tranquil, English countryside living: sit back for afternoon tea in the 18th Century library, or try your hand at fishing, croquet, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, falconry or horse riding. Speaking of horses, the Estate’s original stable block is also home to a spa, 20-metre indoor conservatory swimming pool and outdoor vitality pool.

The hotel’s Wild Carrot restaurant serves classic British dishes made with the finest locally-sourced produce. Daytime foodies should head to the 18th-century Library for afternoon tea, which overlooks the property’s picturesque landscape. Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, RG27 8TD. 

Shorefield Shepherd Huts, Dorset

Perhaps camping is more your speed? While getting down and dirty with a tent and sleeping bag can be an enjoyable break away, glamping is what we're aspiring for in 2025. Kicking back for true luxury in Dorset, these decked-out shepherds huts are the perfect balance of chic design, outdoor ruggedness and contemporary amenities to combine for the ultimate home-away-from-home UK getaway.

Shielded from other campers on it's own private paddock, two exclusive hits are kitted with a BBQ, outdoor stove, internal heating and a fully-equipped kitchen that unlocks the door to flexible eating in the sun, should the weather be kind to your stay. Each hut has full electrics and plumbing, including a warm shower, a Quooker tap and –the best feature in our opinion – a stargazing roof light to drift off under the stars. Wilksworth Farm, Cranborne Rd, Furzehill, Wimborne BH21 4HW. 

The Langley, Buckinghamshire

Matthew Shaw

Located in the heart of Buckinghamshire’s vast Langley Park and just a short drive from central London, the Grade II-listed Langley balances luxury living with outdoor wonder: while you might find it difficult to tear yourself away from the cocktail-laden drawing room, borrow some Aigle wellies and explore the hotel’s wider estate, including the Capability Brown-designed gardens and the Langley Park Arboretum.

The highlight of the property is perhaps the Langley Spa. With indoor and outdoor pools and a ludicrous range of thermal facilities, it’s the ultimate space for relaxation – although if you're a sucker for punishment, there’s a state-of-the-art gym, too. Avenue Drive, Uxbridge Road, Iver, SL3 6DU.

Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall

When a hotel has an address that reads “On The Beach”, it tells you all you need to know. On the edge of one of Cornwall’s best surf spots, Watergate Bay is a two-mile stretch of sand between Newquay and Padstow, and this well-known hotel is as chilled and contemporary as anywhere from here to Formentera.

With interior design provided by the team behind Soho House, you’ll find open-plan living that suggests Nordic-ski-resort-on-sea. The best rooms are in the Ocean Wing, which have jaw-dropping sea views. If you can’t get one of those, you can do your North Atlantic sightseeing from the two restaurants or the even-closer-to-the-ocean Beach Hut café bar.

If you are inspired by the setting, the hotel runs an Extreme Academy for surf lessons and equipment hire, but for more gentle appreciation of the Bay there is a stunning infinity pool and a Canadian-style hot tub. Either way, life’s a beach. Watergate Bay Hotel, On The Beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA. watergatebay.co.uk

Cary Arms, Devon

GQ has written about this hotel, nestled away in Devon's answer to Big Sur, in the past – but the Cary Arms deserves another showing. In foam-flecked proximity to the water's edge, each of the hotel and spa's beach huts has a sitting room, wet bar, log-burning stove, a raised bedroom area and a stylish bathroom, as well as enticing views across Babbacombe Bay. As well as being larger, the beach suites offer exhilarating sea views as well as the chance to sit out on one's own sun deck.

Rounding off the Cary Arms is a glass-fronted spa, replete with mood lighting and an experience shower. Veterans of this part of the world may recognise the need to turn every shower into an experience, but newbies to the area will savour the opportunity to hole up awhile in one of the West Country's leading hostelries. Babbacombe Beach, South Devon, TQ1 3LX. caryarms.co.uk

The Pig On The Beach, Dorset

Rambling staircases, yellow-painted turrets, thatched dovecotes and stuffed puffins are what lend The Pig On The Beach its fairy-tale delight and idiosyncratic charm; a charm that attracts scores of visitors to its sleepy seaside shores. Perched on the Dorset cliffs within a picturesque hamlet overlooking Studland Bay's crescent of golden sand, The Pig offers some of the UK's best views and countryside for an upscale weekend retreat, with a National Trust coastal path running alongside it.

The hotel's interior matches the windswept, sandy scruffiness of its 16th-century exterior, with shabby-chic rooms boasting sea views, grand four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs as well as intimate shepherd's huts for private couples.

As well as spectacular views, The Pig also offers superb food, served in the quirky Victorian-style Conservatory restaurant peppered with herb pots and watering cans. Dishes always include something from The Pig's kitchen garden and are all sourced from within 25 miles. With 1,100 room bookings processed within 24 hours of Hutson's latest piglet opening its doors, The Pig is one of the most sought-after hotels across all the land. Manor House, Manor Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AU. thepighotel.com

The Newt, Somerset

Forget glamping and forego the usual off-site options: we've found your digs for next year's Glastonbury Festival (unless the headliners have beaten you to it). The husband-and-wife team behind one of South Africa’s most prized properties, Babylonstoren, have brought their portfolio approach to hospitality to Somerset – and it’s stunning.

Arranged around the existing – albeit heavily modified – 17th-century Hadspen House, The Newt is the perfect country retreat, with spa, fitness centre and cleverly repurposed outbuildings converging on the main house that offers old-world elegance with a pristine contemporary slant.

Head chef Ben Champkin has produced a menu that goes heavy on locality, with estate vegetables, cuts from the salt room and dayboat fish from the nearby coast. Hadspen, Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG. thenewtinsomerset.com

Beaverbrook, Surrey

The former seat of Lord Beaverbrook – newspaper proprietor, friend of Churchill and fastidious entertainer (Ian Fleming, Elizabeth Taylor) – represents the ideal 72-hour getaway. Following a £90 million renovation, the house and grounds have been transformed into a heady brew of period-perfect luxuriousness teamed with contemporary hospitality centred around the ornate, inviting Parrot Bar, and that’s before you begin to explore the 470 rolling acres of Surrey countryside. It’s upscale country living, only not as you know it. Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8QX. beaverbrook.co.uk

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Every room at Cliveden could tell a fabulous story. From rakes and royalty, to film stars and political leaders, Cliveden welcomed them all and invited them to party like it was 1899. In such ornate surroundings, one could soirée, take tea, promenade around the grounds, then head back for the kind of clandestine trysts such a house seemed designed for – the pool, for example, was where John Profumo first clapped eyes on Christine Keeler.

From the journey through the grounds, up the gravel drive and to the majestic house itself, it feels like the ultimate stately experience. Wood panels and glorious portraits echo Cliveden's rich history, but 21st-century service and essential mod cons have been added sensitively and subtly. A good example is the Astor Grill, a converted stable block that now serves as a relaxed dining room. Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JF. clivedenhouse.co.uk

London

The Standard

Twenty years after launching its trademark take on quirky hedonism in a former retirement home on LA’s Sunset Strip, Standard Hotels opened its first European outpost at the epicentre of London’s international rail hub, opposite Kings Cross and St Pancras International. Housed in a former annex of Camden Council (oh, the glamour), the '70s brutalist building has undergone a complete renovation, decanting all but a playful reference to a former public library on its ground floor and adding a further three storeys in order to accommodate large, light-filled suites, some of which come complete with their own terraces and outdoor tubs.

As befits a now-established foodie quarter, on the tenth floor there’s signature dining spot Decimo, offering Michelin-starred Bristolian chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias’ take on fine Spanish/Mexican fusion food, while at ground level there’s all-day dining (complete with DJ booth) in two further outlets. Throughout, the design is clever, confident and decidedly plush, with a strong Seventies vibe detectable in its swirling carpets, brightly-tiled bathrooms and brazenly huggable Craig Green bathrobes. 10 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EG. booking.com

The Hari

Arabescato marble, graystone and smoked glass coalesce to offer cultural legacy, exquisite design and modern luxury at The Hari. Situated in the residential streets of Belgravia, neighbouring mansions home to Earls, dignitaries and musicians, this hotel's location, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the prestigious shopping districts of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square, and tourist-favourite Buckingham Palace, is unbeatable. Artwork from iconic British artist Tracey Emin adorn the rooms and public areas, and why not borrow a book from their impressive collection – the owners invite you to.

But the real gem of of a stay here is food at Il Pampero, the hotel's restaurant. Overseen by Tuscan-born Head Chef, Calogero Carlino, the team delivers a traditional Italian menu complemented by an impressive wine list and cocktail menu. Bold Vespa-green lacquers and rich velvets combine with soft leathers and heritage fabrics to create a warm and inviting design. 20 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8HQ. booking.com

Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch

Luxury and East London are two words that don't find themselves in the same sentences all too often, but just so happens to be exactly what Nobu Hotel's Shoreditch outpost is bringing to the table. An industrial chic building you can't help but stare at as you wander past, behind its sloped facade of concrete and glass is an impressive 164 guest rooms done out to slick Japanese minimalist standards.

Elegant and modern, Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch will easily serve a romantic city break or corporate stay with its nondescript decor. Of course, a stay could never be complete without a table booked at the world-renowned Nobu sushi restaurant that occupies its basement floor and bleeds into Nami bar with its alfresco terrace. Here's where Nobu's knack for hospitality shines brightest, with expert servers helping you curate a meal to remember, all washed down with fantastic signature cocktails. Pure class. Willow St, London EC2A 4BH. booking.com

Charlotte Street Hotel

Simon Brown

Upon entry at Charlotte Street Hotel, you're immediately met by sumptuous interiors and the hotel's expansive (and we mean expansive) art collection. Inspired by the work of the Bloomsbury set, the art of Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry and Duncan Grant can be found throughout the Drawing Room and Library and is carried through to each of the 52 bedrooms and suites, decked out in an array of patterns and florals.

The unmatched location of the hotel grants access to some of the most prestigious salons and spas in London, along with some of the capital's best restaurants. For a bite closer to home, the lively Oscar Brasserie, just off the hotel's main reception, continues the plush vibe of proceedings, with contemporary British plates served alongside an extensive cocktail menu. 15-17 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 1RJ. booking.com

The Mandrake

Carved from a RIBA Award-winning building in Fitzrovia, The Mandrake – named for the plant’s medicinal properties – promises a degree of hedonism with a touch of the surreal. Its art-heavy interior plays host to a vibey bar, Waeska, and George Scott-Toft's riotously decorated South American restaurant YOPO.

Besides a lift shaft decorated in tattoo-like stencils by Thomas Hooper, the public spaces contain work by Francesco Clemente and Jonas Burgert, as well as a 30-candle chandelier by Lara Bohinc. Meanwhile, its 33 rooms and suites, arranged around a courtyard, come with non-sheepish interiors and Venetian-style masks. With a rooftop super-suite with its own terrace and a basement screening room-cum-supper club with murals by Berlin street-art duo Herakut and the artist Philippe De Villiers, the hotel revives parts that other, less individualistic spots fail to reach. “I try to create a mythical, magical place where people can have a good time,” says owner Rami Fustok, “and I’ve created it by touching and stimulating the senses.” 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG. booking.com

The Lanesborough

Hotel fashion might be a fickle mistress, but old-world wisdom prevails in the holier shrines of the capital's more palatial properties. Take, for instance, the 93-room Knightsbridge landmark, the Lanesborough, converted from the old St George's hospital in 1991 and now resplendent in an £80 million Alberto Pinto-designed makeover that reveals its glorious Regency details to even greater effect.

Butlers are on duty for all guests, irrespective of room size or status, and a newly enlarged, seven-bedroom Royal Suite retails for a not-insignificant £26,000 a night. Passing foot traffic, however, should prefer the traditional and sublime Library Bar, and the evergreen Garden Room, wherein the hotel's collection of vintage cigars can be enjoyed with a cognac or three. Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA. booking.com

Batty Langley's

Old-world magic spills over in Spitalfields where traditional style belies a very modern guesthouse. There are modern touches in the third period-inspired lodging from the duo that brought you Soho's Hazlitt's (1718) and Clerkenwell's The Rookery (1764), but at Batty Langley's (1724) you'll struggle to find them. In keeping with its owners' desire to re-create hospitality from another age with the comforts of today, televisions are routinely hidden behind wall hangings and the extensive in-room bar is similarly obscured from immediate view (probably just as well). In the Earl of Bolingbroke suite, the guest bathroom requires the judicious deployment of a fake title on the otherwise real bookshelf: little secrets that together with further idiosyncrasies (such as a freestanding marble bath and a retractable ceiling above the canopied bed) make it a favourite of proposing suitors and honeymoon first-nighters.

But if neither's on the horizon, don't delay staying at this hideaway gem in otherwise teeming Spitalfields. Granted, there's no dining room – that's what Shoreditch is for – but the in-room breakfast is a marvel: a piping hot bacon sandwich in a just-baked roll, excellent coffee and, to settle the guilt pangs, a perfect mixed fruit bowl. By all means book a table at Lyle's or Dishoom for dinner, but otherwise, this is a bolthole you won't be minded to leave. 12 Folgate St, London, E1 6BX. booking.com

Claridge's

In an age when real-life fairy tales are in short supply, Claridge's remains a modern-day marvel. With its origins dating back to 1812, the Mayfair hotel's illustrious history includes a star cast of royals, political heavyweights and celebrity deities. In 1945, Suite 212 was declared Yugoslavian territory so that Crown Prince Alexander II could be born in his own country. That same year, Claridge's also served as Winston Churchill's London home following his landslide election defeat. Hollywood actor Spencer Tracy famously sealed the hotel's iconic status when he declared that he'd rather go to Claridge's than to heaven.

The great and the good have all fallen for its charm – as did GQ's Food & Drink Awards judges a few years back. "Claridge's is timeless and never ages," said Adam Hyman. "It's the hotel that everyone wants to stay in." April Bloomfield, meanwhile, praised its all-encompassing hospitality: "For me, the single stand-out quality about Claridge's is that immediate feeling as soon as you enter, that you will be well looked after." When it comes to old-school decadence, bespoke service and enchanting luxury, there is nowhere quite as magical. 49 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HR. booking.com

Rosewood London

The towering grandeur of 252 High Holborn began its life as the home of the Pearl Assurance Company in 1914. Today, the Grade II-listed Edwardian building is better known as a pearl in the capital's luxury diadem. In the years since its reopening under the Rosewood name, the hotel has flourished, redefining contemporary opulence.

Inside the Belle Epoque edifice glistens the redesigned interior courtesy of Tony Chi, whose respectful refurbishment takes the spirit of turn-of-the-century gentlemanly sophistication and embellishes it with a modernist exactitude. With The Mirror Room, Holborn Dining Room and Scarfes Bar also garnering praise for their culinary offerings and endlessly alluring ambience, it appears Rosewood may well have gifted us with a new classic. 252 High Holborn, London, WC1 7EN. booking.com

1 Hotel Mayfair

1 Hotel Mayfair

Say Mayfair, and you think designer stores with doormen in great suits, palatial expanses of Edwardian stone and a guaranteed vacant black cab. But despite the name, 1 Hotel Mayfair is a deeply modernist oasis that's a luxury contrast to its old world surroundings. It's the most central part of central London, and yet feels more like a retreat in an East Asian rainforest.

That's because 1 Hotel Mayfair pairs many stars with a sustainable approach. The timbers are reclaimed. The restaurant offers locally sourced produce. Even the wiring runs through the building via a smart electricity management system to conserve energy. Luxury can be kinder to the planet, too. 3 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8DJ. booking.com

Broadwick Soho

A brand new independent hotel in the middle of London's funnest district, Broadwick Soho is a 57-roomed independent venture that goes haute on the eccentricity. Think of a mix between the golden age of Jazz, Amalfi boutique hotels that don't exist on Google and a little bit of the good weirdness that exemplifies our strange capital.

That's because its interiors have been led by Martin Brudnizki, the Chelsea-based designer that's made a name for an haute mish-mash that's as fun as it is fine. Inside the hotel itself, expect to find Bar Jackie, an all-day eaterie that's walk-in only, and Dear Jackie, the fine dining experience that goes hard on Italian cuisine and old world Milanese flamboyance. Expect Broadwick Soho to be London's next big after-hours haunt. 20 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8HT. broadwicksoho.com

Four Seasons at Park Lane

Four Seasons

We know that you know about the Four Seasons: the international luxury hotel chain that can guarantee a good experience and an even better sleep. But what makes the Park Lane instalment so great is the location: this modernist tower is sandwiched right between Green Park and Hyde Park (London's two most famous and most magnetic green stretches).

That means an insane view. But it also means an expansive spa in its inner sanctum, Bar Antoine with the sort of terrace you don't usually find this central and the Pavyllon: a fine dining experience from multi-Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno. Among Four Seasons' many veterans, Park Lane is a commonly-picked favourite. Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7DR. booking.com

The Gantry

There was a time in the not-too-distant past whereby few Londoners would ever advise a stay in Costa Del Stratford. But following a little-known Olympic ceremony a decade ago, investment in the area has grown and grown to the point where there's much going on in the East London neighbourhood, now home to sporting pursuits of all varieties and a hotbed for concerts, football, NFL and myriad other stadium events.

Which is what makes The Gantry hotel, situated a stone's throw from Stratford International and at the foot of the East Village's desirable housing, such an appealing prospect to out-of-towners. Whether in town for a West Ham home game or Abba Voyage, this Curio Collection by Hilton hotel has an address to be reckoned with. It doesn't hurt that its interiors are slick and modern; its terrace bar, Coupe, is the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon cocktail; and the views from its bedroom offer a unique perspective of the London skyline. If you're going to set up shop in Stratford on your next visit, there really is no better place to do it. 40 Celebration Ave, London, E20 1DB. booking.com

Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars

Blackfriars is one of those incredibly odd parts of London that really reminds you that you’re in London – as in, a centuries-old city with so much history that if you think too hard about it you’ll feel like a drop in the ocean. The Hyatt Regency Blackfriars – the latest five-star addition to the Hyatt hotel franchise – really leans into that vibe. It’s right next to the Thames, a short walk from the Tate Modern and is situated in a Grade II listed building on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace. Rooms are modern and business-like (think: masculine colours, gold ceramics and marble finishes), with the kind of regal city views that'll make you feel like a spy in a BBC drama.

The real pull of this hotel, though, is the food. It's got three restaurants on-site – American joint Nynlon, 1920s Latin American-inspired hideaway The Leaf and Cane and the Chinese Cricket Club. The latter of which sells the sort of authentic Chinese food that’ll have you fantasising for weeks (melt-in-the-mouth smoked duck, fried sea bass adorned in fresh citrus and a colourful dim sum selection that looks so sculptural you’ll nearly not want to eat it – nearly). And don’t worry about consuming your body weight in culinary delights – there’s a state-of-the-art fitness centre to run and pump it all off afterwards. 19 New Bridge St, London EC4V 6DB. booking.com

CitizenM Shoreditch

Sometimes, the best hotels aren’t the ones with the most mod-cons, or the biggest rooms, or the baths with multiple jacuzzi settings. Sometimes, they’re simply the ones in which you’ll have the deepest sleep after a long flight or a night out at a minimal cost. Enter: CitizenM, the Netherlands-based global hotel chain which is as close to a sleep pod you can get to without going to an actual sleep pod. The rooms are temperature and colour light-controlled (we recommend deep pink), the black-out blinds are frighteningly transformative and the memory foam beds are so big you’ll need Citymapper to get out of them.

CitizenM has a bunch of “affordable luxury” hotels dotted around the world, from Downtown Los Angeles to Bukit Bintang in Malaysia. Our current favourite, though, has to be London’s Shoreditch branch. Planted slap-bang in the middle of the bustling east London neighbourhood, this hotel really leans into its lively, art-influenced surroundings, with colourful graphic design on the foyer walls and shelves stacked with skate decks, keyboards and vinyl collections. But fear not: the rooms remain a calm oasis, with nothing but a huge wall TV, a high-power shower and feathery white sheets. They’ve also launched a new campaign, Sleep Like a Champion, which means you can receive your own personalised sleep guide before staying at any CitizenM. Oh, and, when you finally wake up, they do the best coffee this side of the river. 6 Holywell Ln, London EC2A 3ET. citizenm.com

Hyde London City

Earlier this year, Hyde London City opened its doors as the first of the collection's British locations. Found in the heart of the Square Mile (just opposite the Old Bailey and a 5-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral), the building itself was previously the Spiers and Pond Hotel, founded in 1874 and the first hotel in the capital to boast electricity.

Featuring seven storeys and a very impressive 111 guest rooms, Hyde London City is also equipped with a Turkish-inspired restaurant, Leydi, and a vinyl-led basement bar, Black Lacquer. If you want to kick back and chill in the comfort of your own room, the wonderful staff will bring you room service directly from these establishments.

The rooms themselves have a very Victorian aura, with the building's rich history coming through alongside the contemporary vibrancy of Hyde. The wallpapers are rich and exotic, the woods are beautifully finished, the lighting fixtures are bolstered with brushed gold, and the linens are crisp, white and perfect. If you ever find yourself in London wanting some ‘me’ time, this is the place to get it. 15 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EF. hydehotels.com

The Peninsula London

Flaunting immaculate attention to detail and grandeur befitting of its Hyde Park surroundings, every room in the Peninsula Hotel demands your attention. Start your day in The Lobby for the finest of breakfasts accompanied by a pianist perched on an ornate balcony while you indulge in the most perfect croissants you will ever set eyes on.

We stayed in the Grand Premier Park Suite, a lavish room placed halfway to the heavens, which boasts a grand panoramic window to peacefully watch the rush around the magnificent Wellington Arch late into the night. Below decks, Cantonese restaurant Canton Blue is styled out in ornate glory as famed junk trade ship, the Keying, with beautiful china plates suspended around the tables. The restaurant’s famed dim sum is reason enough to visit. Follow the sweeping staircase past the intricate porcelain dragon artwork and you will discover the cocktail bar on the bottom floor, a cosy nook where you can enjoy one of the best (off-menu) whisky sours in London.

Hidden four floors down in the depths of the hotel, you will find its real crown jewel: the beautiful mosaic walls and magnificent ceiling light of the pool. Swimming here is immensely peaceful, and provides you with moments to actually think and escape from the bustling city above. This is all before a visit to the spa, a serene sanctum filled with calming aromas that will transport you to another world.

This hotel is escapism in its more luxurious form, with pampering and catering to your every request. When you leave and begrudgingly return to “normal" life, the Peninsula feels less like a memory and more like a wonderful dream – only one you can return to again and again. 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ. booking.com

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