It’s important not to become too hung up about the weather in the UK. Yes, it can be a bit rainy. (And windy. And occasionally snowy.) But that is all the more reason to make sure you choose excellent places to stay. The reassurance of knowing that you can always nip back inside and hole up somewhere comfortable/luxurious/eclectic/grand/quirky if the heavens do open, means you don’t have to give the weather a thought. The Hotel Guru is here to help.
Being an island, the UK has a lot of beach and is rich in places to stay with dramatic sea views. Cornwall, Devon, Wales and the West coast of Scotland are popular destinations for beach holidays. Whether you are looking for a family bucket and spade holiday, the thrills and spills of water sports, solitary walks or the drama and romance of big waves and bigger skies, there is a hotel to suit you. In Cornwall the chic Driftwood Hotel is in a glorious setting with a terrace which feels as much Cote d’Azur as Cornwall. In Devon the Cary Arms is right on the beach and has an outdoor pizza oven. The Harbourmaster Hotel in Aberaeron, West Wales is as colourful inside as it is out. The Loch Melfort Hotel in Argyll on the West coast of Scotland is in a glorious position on Asknish Bay and next door to the National Trust Arduaine Gardens.
The UK is flush with beautiful countryside in every corner of the land. From Perthshire to the Lake District to Yorkshire, the Cotswolds, Hampshire, Cornwall and even offshore, on islands such as the Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles and the Scottish Hebrides. For a city break the capital cities of London and Edinburgh will never disappoint and are rammed with great places to stay for every budget. But don’t overlook other British cities such as Bath, Newcastle and Oxford or pretty towns like Cheltenham.
Browse through our extensive list of the best places to stay in the UK and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice Contact
London (South West)
Legendary London luxury hotel with great views of Hyde Park, close to the best shopping, with topnotch restaurant, spa and bar.
London (Mayfair)
Suites only, self catering hotel in Mayfair, with state of the art audio-visuals for demanding clients
Edinburgh
Quietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient...THE place to stay in Edinburgh, right above Waverley station. Part of Rocco Forte Collection and boasting Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. The old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame.
By Oban, Argyll
Idiosyncratic, loveable, privately owned, with golf and spa on its own island - a haven of peace and quiet, with great views
Burford (Barnsley)
Mellow Cotswold house with a famous garden, good food and a sybaritic spa. A popular rural escape for urbanites in a lovely part of the Cotswolds.
Burford
Superb all-round hotel in its own estate: the perfect retreat for families or couples with top notch rooms, spa, indoor pool, and great dining.
near Harrogate, Yorkshire
Michelin-starred food at this superb traditional village inn in the rolling Dales. Cosy, contemporary and traditional rooms, elegant public areas, and great walking outside.
Skipton, Yorkshire
Romantic former coaching inn on the Duke of Devonshire's Bolton Abbey estate, now a fine country house hotel with spa. Beautiful setting in parkland. Michelin starred cooking as well as a brasserie. Popular for weddings. Helicopter pad.
South Devon
Full of character, this seaside art deco hotel on an island is a true 'experience' hotel. It offers the fun of pretending it’s still 1930 (and that you are well-off). Half board only, because the tide locks you in at night.
Chagford, Devon
Super luxurious and pampering Dartmoor retreat with top notch service, very comfortable rooms, extensive grounds (with fine views) and excellent gourmet cooking. Spa, tennis etc.
Windermere, Cumbria
Immaculate, spoiling Relais & Chateaux country house hotel, with luxurious bedrooms, private suites in the grounds, top notch service and well reviewed dining. Separate Lake House with suites, pool and spa.
Windermere, Cumbria
Charming hotel located in the hills surrounding Lake Windemere. Beautiful views, Michelin chefs, separate cottage.
Cheltenham (Southam)
16th century rambling manor restored to former glory in beautiful Costwolds setting. Opulent luxury suites boast antiques, four posters and Nina Campbell interiors. A serious country house hotel, with spa, pool and gourmet dining.
Upper Slaughter, The Cotswolds
Elegant but understated country manor. Honey-coloured stone, parkland, walled garden & lake. Michelin-starred restaurant, spacious bedrooms.