25 Best Hotels in the UK Luxury Budget and Unique

25 Best Hotels in the UK to Stay in 2025 (Luxury, Budget & Unique)

Planning a UK getaway in 2025? Whether you’re craving high-end luxury, a cozy budget stay, or something a little more offbeat, I’ve handpicked five hotels that travelers are raving about this year. These aren’t just any stays—they’re experiences. Based on personal research, traveler reviews, and standout offerings, here are the 25 best hotels in the UK for 2025.

1. Claridge’s – London (Luxury Redefined)

Claridge’s – London (Luxury Redefined)

Location: Mayfair, London
Perfect for: Glamorous city breaks, anniversary trips, or a splurge-worthy stay

If you’re looking to be treated like royalty (literally—Claridge’s has hosted actual royals), this iconic five-star hotel in Mayfair is the epitome of old-world charm blended with modern opulence. From the Art Deco design to the world-class afternoon tea service, Claridge’s is where luxury whispers rather than shouts.

  • New spa and wellness facilities featuring state-of-the-art cryotherapy and Himalayan salt saunas

  • Michelin-star dining at Davies and Brook

  • Unrivaled Mayfair location for shopping and theater access

  • Book or explore Claridge’s here

2. The Pig at Harlyn Bay – Cornwall (Rustic Luxury by the Coast)

The Pig at Harlyn Bay – Cornwall (Rustic Luxury by the Coast)

Location: Padstow, Cornwall
Perfect for: Foodies, couples, and nature-loving travelers

Tucked into the Cornish countryside with views of the Atlantic, The Pig at Harlyn Bay offers a relaxed yet refined boutique hotel experience. Think shabby-chic interiors, open kitchen gardens, and a menu that’s 90% sourced within 25 miles.

  • Unique walled garden dining experience

  • Coastal walks to hidden coves

  • Rooms in the main house and converted stables, each with its own character

3. The Zetter Townhouse – Clerkenwell, London (Quirky & Boutique)

The Zetter Townhouse – Clerkenwell, London (Quirky & Boutique)

Location: Clerkenwell, London
Perfect for: Solo travelers, creatives, and couples on a city escape

Staying at The Zetter Townhouse is like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie. With whimsical antiques, velvet couches, and cocktails served by candlelight in a 19th-century lounge, this 13-room townhouse hotel is a total vibe.

  • Refreshed cocktail menu at Wilhelmina’s Lounge

  • Expanded breakfast offerings with locally sourced baked goods

  • Insider walking tours of historic Clerkenwell neighborhoods

  • See more at The Zetter Townhouse

4. Premier Inn Hub – Edinburgh Rose Street (Smart Budget Pick)

Premier Inn Hub – Edinburgh Rose Street (Smart Budget Pick)

Location: Edinburgh New Town
Perfect for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, and digital nomads

If you want clean, modern, and central without emptying your wallet, Premier Inn Hub in Edinburgh is your go-to. These compact, high-tech rooms are designed for short stays and great sleep, and the location is unbeatable—steps from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

  • App-controlled room lighting and temperature

  • Affordable breakfast deals

  • Luggage lockers and express check-in/out

  • Check availability here

5. The Witchery by the Castle – Edinburgh (For the Dramatic & Romantic)

The Witchery by the Castle – Edinburgh (For the Dramatic & Romantic)

Location: Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Perfect for: Honeymooners, romantic retreats, gothic lovers

If Dracula had a favorite hotel, this might be it. Lavish, moody, and utterly romantic, The Witchery offers dramatic suites filled with velvet, tapestries, and gold-leafed ceilings—all tucked beside Edinburgh Castle. It’s often booked months in advance, and for good reason.

  • Every suite is unique—some with hidden doors and roll-top baths

  • Gourmet candlelit dinners in a Baroque-style dining room

  • Walking distance to ghost tours, the castle, and literary hotspots

  • See rooms at The Witchery

6. The Balmoral – Edinburgh (Grandeur Meets Scottish Charm)

The Balmoral – Edinburgh (Grandeur Meets Scottish Charm)

Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh
Perfect for: Classic luxury seekers, first-time UK travelers, and Harry Potter fans

Overlooking Edinburgh Castle and attached to Waverley Station, The Balmoral is a five-star landmark that combines Edwardian elegance with contemporary Scottish luxury. Fun fact: J.K. Rowling finished the final Harry Potter book in one of its suites.

  • Michelin-starred dining at Number One

  • Luxurious spa treatments with Scottish botanicals

  • Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is an experience in itself

  • Explore The Balmoral

7. Artist Residence – Brighton (Creative, Cool & Coastal)

Artist Residence – Brighton (Creative, Cool & Coastal)

Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Perfect for: Artists, digital nomads, couples who love quirky spaces

This boutique hotel feels more like staying in a stylish friend’s home than a hotel. Each room at Artist Residence Brighton is individually decorated with handpicked artwork, reclaimed furniture, and vibrant pops of color.

  • Located minutes from the seafront and Brighton’s famous Lanes

  • A creative base for exploring the city’s street art and indie cafes

  • In-room breakfast hampers filled with local goodies

  • Book your stay at Artist Residence Brighton

8. No.15 by GuestHouse – Bath (Modern Boutique with Historic Soul)

No.15 by GuestHouse – Bath (Modern Boutique with Historic Soul)

Location: Bath, Somerset
Perfect for: History lovers, weekend escapes, and spa breaks

Just a short stroll from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, No.15 by GuestHouse is an elegant townhouse hotel that blends Regency architecture with playful, modern touches—like room service delivered via a vintage dumbwaiter.

  • Eco-conscious luxury with refillable amenities

  • Spa treatments using British natural ingredients

  • Curated playlists and record players in the rooms

  • Visit No.15 Bath

9. Yotel Manchester Deansgate – (Tech-Savvy, Budget-Friendly Cool)

Yotel Manchester Deansgate – (Tech Savvy, Budget Friendly Cool)

Location: Manchester City Centre
Perfect for: Digital travelers, music lovers, and budget-conscious visitors

Yotel Manchester brings smart design to one of the UK’s liveliest cities. Expect space-saving tech (like SmartBeds that move!), mood lighting, and rainfall showers—all at wallet-friendly rates. It’s a hit with Gen Z and younger millennials.

  • Close to Manchester’s Northern Quarter and music venues

  • Self-check-in kiosks and fast Wi-Fi everywhere

  • In-house bar and restaurant with street-food-style dishes

  • See more at Yotel Manchester

10. The Fife Arms – Braemar, Scotland (Art, Wilderness & Aristocratic Luxury)

The Fife Arms – Braemar, Scotland (Art, Wilderness & Aristocratic Luxury)

Location: Scottish Highlands, near Cairngorms National Park
Perfect for: Nature lovers, art collectors, and luxury adventurers

Owned by Hauser & Wirth gallery founders, The Fife Arms is a restored 19th-century hunting lodge turned luxury hotel, bursting with art and eccentric Scottish charm. You’ll find Picassos next to taxidermy, and cocktails inspired by local legends.

  • Over 14,000 pieces of art throughout the hotel

  • Highland safaris, fly fishing, and whisky tastings

  • Michelin-worthy cuisine using local game and produce

  • Discover The Fife Arms

11. Lime Wood – New Forest, Hampshire (Wellness in the Woods)

Lime Wood – New Forest, Hampshire (Wellness in the Woods)

Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire
Perfect for: Wellness retreats, romantic getaways, and countryside luxury

Nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood is a 5-star country house hotel known for its forest spa, tranquil setting, and food crafted by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder. It’s where luxury and relaxation come naturally.

  • The Herb House Spa with forest-view saunas

  • Organic skincare treatments and forest yoga

  • Seasonal menus featuring garden-to-table ingredients

  • Relax at Lime Wood

12. The Grand – York (Historic Grandeur Meets Modern Comfort)

The Grand – York (Historic Grandeur Meets Modern Comfort)

Location: York city centre
Perfect for: History buffs, luxury train travelers, and weekend breaks

Formerly the HQ of a railway company, The Grand York is now Yorkshire’s only 5-star hotel. With vaulted ceilings, marble interiors, and a prime location near York Minster and The Shambles, it’s ideal for exploring this historic city in style.

  • Restored Edwardian architecture with plush, modern interiors

  • Afternoon tea with Yorkshire flair

  • Award-winning Cookery School on-site

  • Book The Grand, York

13. The Tawny – Staffordshire (Cabins, Boathouses & Nature Immersion)

The Tawny – Staffordshire, Hotel in the UK

Location: Consall Gardens, Staffordshire
Perfect for: Off-grid stays, digital detoxes, and Instagram-friendly retreats

Set in 70 acres of rewilded gardens and lakes, The Tawny offers chic treehouses, shepherd’s huts, and “wild wood” cabins with hot tubs. It’s one of the UK’s most innovative hotel concepts, offering eco-luxury surrounded by nature.

  • Private outdoor copper bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling glass

  • Activities like forest bathing and paddleboarding

  • On-site Plume Restaurant with a produce-first menu

14. The Scarlet Hotel – Cornwall (Eco-Luxury for Adults Only)

The Scarlet Hotel – Cornwall (Eco Luxury for Adults Only)

Location: Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall
Perfect for: Couples, spa seekers, and sustainable travelers

With clifftop views of the Atlantic and an adults-only policy, The Scarlet Hotel blends luxury, mindfulness, and sustainability. It’s solar-powered, plastic-free, and includes a natural reed-filtered swimming pool.

  • Cliff-top hot tubs and Ayurvedic spa rituals

  • No TVs in rooms—just views and silence

  • Award-winning eco-design that still feels indulgent

  • Visit The Scarlet Hotel

15. Roomzzz Aparthotel – Leeds City West (Smart & Flexible Urban Stay)

Roomzzz Aparthotel – Leeds City West (Smart & Flexible Urban Stay)

Location: Leeds City West
Perfect for: Long stays, business travelers, and budget-conscious families

A stylish hybrid between a hotel and serviced apartment, Roomzzz gives you the space and convenience of a flat with the perks of a hotel. Think: full kitchens, comfy beds, and super-fast Wi-Fi—all at great value.

  • Ideal for longer UK stays or remote workers

  • Grab-and-go breakfast and free coffee daily

  • Pet-friendly and close to public transport links

  • Explore Roomzzz Leeds

16. Heckfield Place – Hampshire (Sustainable English Elegance)

Heckfield Place – Hampshire (Sustainable English Elegance)

Location: Hook, Hampshire
Perfect for: Sustainable luxury lovers, quiet escapes, and foodies

Heckfield Place is a Georgian estate turned eco-conscious luxury retreat. From biodynamic farm-to-table cuisine to zero-waste operations, it’s a quiet revolution in countryside hospitality.

  • Rooms filled with antiques and soft, natural materials

  • Michelin Green Star restaurant, Marle

  • On-site farm, lake, and Home Farm cinema

  • Book at Heckfield Place

17. The Ned – London (Opulent, Social & Stylish)

The Ned – London (Opulent, Social & Stylish)

Location: Bank, London
Perfect for: Young professionals, creatives, and luxury travelers who love a scene

Housed in a former bank, The Ned is a full-scale experience: members’ club, hotel, spa, rooftop pool, live music, and 10 restaurants under one roof. Think Soho House meets grand London glamour.

  • Buzzing food hall & live music every night

  • Rooftop views with skyline plunge pool

  • Vintage-styled rooms with rainforest showers

  • Visit The Ned

18. Glenapp Castle – Ayrshire, Scotland (Live Like Royalty)

Glenapp Castle – Ayrshire, Scotland (Live Like Royalty)

Location: Ballantrae, South Ayrshire
Perfect for: Honeymooners, families, and fantasy lovers

Glenapp Castle is a true fairytale stay on Scotland’s rugged west coast. Expect turrets, wood-burning fireplaces, afternoon tea, and private boat trips to uninhabited isles.

  • Stargazing and astronomy experiences in the castle gardens

  • Private chef picnics on the Hebridean coast

  • Walled gardens and Victorian greenhouses to explore

  • Experience Glenapp Castle

19. The Hoxton – Shoreditch, London (Trendy & Urban Cool)

The Hoxton – Shoreditch, London (Trendy & Urban Cool)

Location: Shoreditch, London
Perfect for: Digital nomads, creatives, and city explorers

An East London favorite, The Hoxton blends Brooklyn-style interiors with London’s gritty-cool energy. Rooms are compact but beautifully designed, and the lobby is always buzzing with locals.

  • Coworking-friendly lobbies and events

  • House-made cocktails and late-night bites

  • Free minibar snacks and daily breakfast bag

  • Book The Hoxton Shoreditch

20. The Beach Hut – Devon (UK’s Secret Coastal Hideaway)

The Beach Hut – Devon (UK’s Secret Coastal Hideaway)

Location: South Devon coast (near Bigbury-on-Sea)
Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, and nature lovers looking to unplug

The Beach Hut is a hidden retreat built into the cliffs overlooking a quiet cove in Devon. There’s no Wi-Fi, no TV—just panoramic sea views, a cozy wood burner, and a private hot tub on the deck.

21. The Idle Rocks – St Mawes, Cornwall (Seaside Sophistication)

The Idle Rocks – St Mawes, Cornwall (Seaside Sophistication)

Location: St Mawes, South Cornwall
Perfect for: Couples, foodies, and scenic coastal escapes

Overlooking the Roseland Peninsula harbor, The Idle Rocks blends Cornish charm with boutique hotel elegance. With 19 individually styled rooms and a stunning waterside terrace, this hotel is all about laid-back luxury.

  • Incredible seafood restaurant by chef Dorian Janmaat

  • Beach walks and sailing tours right at your doorstep

  • Stylish yet homely interiors with sea views

  • Visit The Idle Rocks

22. The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire, Scotland (Luxury Sporting Estate)

The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire, Scotland (Luxury Sporting Estate) (2)

Location: Auchterarder, Perthshire
Perfect for: Golfers, families, and luxury countryside breaks

A legend in its own right, Gleneagles is a five-star Scottish estate famous for its championship golf courses, country pursuits, and impeccable service. Whether you’re clay pigeon shooting, enjoying the spa, or relaxing fireside with whisky, it’s the full Highland experience.

  • World-renowned golf facilities and equestrian school

  • Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

  • Newly redesigned rooms and wellness offerings

  • Explore Gleneagles

23. Birch (Selsdon) – South Croydon, London (Nature x Creativity)

Birch (Selsdon) – South Croydon, Hotel in the UK

Location: South Croydon, London
Perfect for: Remote workers, artists, families, and wellness lovers

Set within 200 acres just outside London, Birch Selsdon is a creative rewilded hotel space offering forest schools, pottery workshops, yoga, co-working, and organic dining. It’s where “urban meets nature”—ideal for digital detoxes and creative escapes.

  • New forest studios and wild spa treatments

  • Family-friendly with nature play zones

  • Wildflower meadows, gardens, and an eco-ethos

24. Chewton Glen – New Forest, Hampshire (Luxury Treehouse Escape)

Chewton Glen – New Forest, Hampshire (Luxury Treehouse Escape)

Location: Near New Milton, New Forest
Perfect for: Families, couples, and luxury nature lovers

Chewton Glen offers classic English country house luxury—with a twist. Its treehouse suites high above the forest floor come with outdoor hot tubs, wood-burning stoves, and total seclusion.

  • Perfect mix of spa luxury and wild adventure

  • Access to New Forest trails and the coast

  • One of the best afternoon teas in the UK

  • Stay at Chewton Glen

25. The King Street Townhouse – Manchester (City Views & Rooftop Pool)

The King Street Townhouse – Manchester (City Views & Rooftop Pool)

Location: Manchester city centre
Perfect for: Stylish city breaks, couples, and urban explorers

This boutique hotel in the heart of Manchester is famed for its infinity rooftop pool overlooking the Town Hall. With vintage interiors and curated comfort, The King Street Townhouse delivers urban luxury with northern soul.

  • Stunning skyline views from rooftop spa

  • Cosy afternoon tea lounges and cityscape dining

  • Walking distance to Manchester’s top bars, shops, and culture

  • Book The King Street Townhouse

Final Thoughts

From boutique charm in Cornwall to high-tech city stays in Edinburgh, these five hotels represent the best of the UK in 2025. Whether you’re here for indulgence, inspiration, or affordability, each hotel brings something special to the table—and trust me, they’ll leave you planning your return trip before you’ve even checked out.

Quick FAQ

Q: What’s the best time to visit these hotels in 2025?
A: Spring (April–June) and early fall (September) offer the best balance of good weather and lower tourist crowds, especially for London and Edinburgh.

 

Q: Are these hotels family-friendly?
A: Most are—especially Claridge’s and Premier Inn Hub. The Witchery and The Zetter are more adult-focused.

 

Q: Can I find deals on these hotels?
A: Booking directly on the hotel’s website often gives you perks like free breakfast or room upgrades. Also check sites like Booking.com or Mr & Mrs Smith for seasonal offers.

Related Post you may like:

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *