Great hotels for May Bank Holiday (2026)

May is a great time to travel, especially with warmer weather and bank holidays across the board. Europe is always a good bet at this time of year, offering a wonderful mix of culture, adventure and relaxation, with longer and warmer days in which to enjoy it all. From the beautiful beaches of Greece, Turkey and Spain to the charming countryside in the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany, there's so much to choose from. Whether you fancy a family getaway to the sun, a romantic hideaway or a chic city break, our Gurus have picked their favourite hotels to make your May Bank Holiday extra-special.

For a family getaway

• Ikos Andalusia in Marbella couldn't be more family-friendly with a kids club, endless on-site activities, interconnecting rooms, and children's menus. There are six pools (the indoor one in the spa is adults-only) and seven innovative restaurants from European to Asian. There's also lots of fun to be had at the hotel's Beach Club on its own picturesque stretch of white sand beach.
• Nestled on Fethiye’s Mediterranean coast, Hillside Beach Club is a true Turkish delight with no less than five bars, three restaurants and a nightclub. From water skiing and wakeboarding to banana boating, there are many water-based activities, plus three private beaches (one adults-only), two on-site spas and a kids club. No-one's going to get bored here!
• Les Rochers in Normandy is another fab family pick with a duplex room and gîte on offer. This lovingly restored 16th-century manor house is located between the beaches and Bayeux, so you can choose sightseeing or a day at the seaside — or both! Bicycles, children's toys, petanque and badminton are on offer too.

For a romantic stay

• Two freshwater pools, an open-air cinema and an al fresco gym area make the most of the gorgeous landscape at Numo Ierapetra on Crete's serene shores. This adults-only retreat is the perfect pick for a blissful couples' stay with a cosy spa featuring candlelit treatment rooms and peaceful gardens.
• For a romantic hideaway on the West Coast of Scotland, Woodlands in Glencoe hits the mark. This collection of luxury lodges — all with private hot tubs — just outside Ballachulish is in the ideal spot for outdoorsy types: hike, bike, play golf, try a segway tour and much more! Or why not head to its Wellness Studio offering massages, reiki and other treatments for a relaxing couples' treat?
• Set across two original buildings in historic Rethymno, Rimondi Boutique Hotel is a charming choice close to a sandy beach. There are 20 stylish rooms here, some with exposed wooden beams or original curved stone ceilings, private hot tubs and balconies. The spoiling spa, interior courtyards and chic rooftop pool area make this a very romantic spot.
• B&B Maiure is a great little find on the Amalfi Coast. It's elegant and artsy — think exposed beams, statement artworks and intricate details — with a lovely terrace for al fresco breakfasts. With just six charming and characterful rooms, it provides an intimate escape in a very romantic location.

For a rural gem

• Monaci Delle Terre Nere sits on the slopes of Sicily's Mount Etna, commanding wonderful views. A pretty pink 19th century villa is the hub of the hotel, whilst the bedrooms are scattered through the 40-acre grounds in a mixture of converted farm buildings, outhouses and some new builds. With a cinema, games room, tennis and an excellent restaurant, it's the perfect hideaway. 
• The Masons Arms in Cumbria's Lake District is a charming pick if you fancy being surrounded by the glorious English countryside. Expect low-beamed ceilings, flagstone or wooden floors, open fires and cosy snugs, plus a lively bar and pub classics on the menu. There are beautiful walking routes nearby and a terrace (with heaters for chillier days) to take in some wonderful valley views.
• The Swan Hotel & Spa is another Cumbrian delight overlooking the River Leven on the South shore of Lake Windermere. Surrounded by rolling hills, it boasts bright and contemporary rooms, a children's playroom, an indoor pool and spa, brasserie and bar. Ideal for couples or families looking for a country escape.

For breathtaking views

• Hotel Villa Ducale in the heart of Sicily's Taormina is the ideal place from which to enjoy panoramic views of Mount Etna and the coast. Bask in luxury here with rooms decorated in exquisite Italian style, a lovely garden with pool and a stunning roof terrace. Traditional Sicilian dishes are on the menu, plus there's a complimentary daily al fresco afternoon tea to accompany those epic vistas.
• Langass Lodge is a charming lodge on North Uist, set in a beautiful coastal spot in the Hebrides with glorious views. Renowned for its restaurant that serves creative fare using the freshest local ingredients, it's the perfect place to escape for a tranquil rural break. Fishing, shooting, stalking, surfing and cycling are all on the doorstep.
• Set in a pretty pink building, Casa Mariantonia is located on Anacapri's pedestrian main street on the beautiful island of Capri. Interiors feature a mix of traditional architecture, including vaulted ceilings and arches, and touches of contemporary design. Laze by the pool and take in the stunning views of Mount Solaro, or explore the island by bus, with a stop just steps from the hotel.

For character and style

• The Grove, Narberth is a grand Welsh farmhouse ideally placed to explore the Pembrokeshire coast. The 14 rooms here ooze character with floral wallpaper and quaint homely touches creating a cosy feel, while all rooms boast great views either to the Preseli mountains, over the gardens or the surrounding fields. Its vegetable garden provides continuous fresh produce throughout the year for the popular restaurant.
• Set amidst beautiful rolling woodlands, Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel is another Welsh wonder offering character in spades. The interiors have a classic charm with fireplaces, wood panelling and pretty fabrics, while outside there's a gorgeous garden. With a range of activities such as cycling, horse riding and fishing on offer, it's great for an active break, plus there are excellent walking routes in the surrounding Snowdonia National Park.

• La Maison de Rhodes in Champagne is a fabulous townhouse renovation in Troyes with ancient half-timbering and terracotta flooring. It offers an organic restaurant, a wellness area, Swedish sauna, outdoor pool and leafy garden tucked at the base of the town's cathedral. History buffs will be in heaven here as this medieval building was once owned by the Knights of the Order of Malta.
• Funky retro furnishings, colourful contemporary artworks and Scandinavian chic make Hotel Esplendido stand out in style! Positioned right in the middle of Port de Soller's sweeping bay and overlooking its scenic beachfront promenade, this is a Mallorcan gem. Plus there are two outdoor pools, a deluxe spa with a heated indoor pool and a lively bistro.

For a city escape

• Located next to Las Ramblas and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Hotel Espana is a stylish choice in Barcelona's historic centre. Set in a beautiful original Modernist building, it features sleek decor, an award-winning restaurant, a small rooftop pool and a hot tub. Great value for a fantastic city spot.
• Empress Zoe is a peaceful pick despite being situated in Istanbul's centre. Expect lots of character here with natural wood and stone, plus oriental rugs, textiles and prints. At the heart of the hotel are two secluded courtyard gardens, one of them backing onto the ruins of a 15th-century Turkish bath. A real haven.
• The Yard, Berlin is a chic design hotel in a quiet part of Kreuzberg, great for exploring Berlin's galleries, shops and sights — Tiergarten and the Reichstag are both within easy distance. The stylish rooms are decorated in a subtle Scandi-style and there's an excellent on-site bistro and bar. 

Still not sure? 

• Browse through our list of Where's hot in May.
• Refine your search to include our recommendations for 20 Best Value Country Hotels for a UK Getaway or 15 of the Best Family Hotels on Crete.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.