HIP Hotels Pick Of The Best Boutique Hotels In The UK
Top Picks
“When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and you know there is secrecy, there is luxury, there is fantasy. There is comfort. There is reassurance.” - Diane Von Furstenberg
There was a time when luxury hotels were imagined to be grand, large and extravagant, but these days, the meaning of luxury comes in many forms. This is what draws many of us to the more boutique-style of luxury. Due to their strong personalities and exquisite hospitality, luxury boutique hotels welcome their guests with that true ‘home away from home’ feeling, making every stay a unique experience to remember.
After the unexpected time we’ve all experienced, we’re all deserving of a spot of luxury. Many of us have been waiting patiently for the world to reopen again and it’s certainly beginning to do so, with all indoor hospitality, including hotels, to reopen from the 17th May.
Now is the perfect time to start searching for some inspiration and book yourself a magnificent stay at some of the best boutique hotels in the UK — HIP Hotels approved, of course. If you haven’t already planned your getaways around the UK for the rest of 2021, let us inspire you with some of our magnificent HIP Hotels around the UK. From a Grade II listed villa built in 1855 in the Cotswolds and a Gotham-themed hotel in central Manchester, to a rockstar hangout in Notting Hill and a cosy former pub turned multi-award winning boutique hotel in Berkshire, if you’re looking for a stylish stay in the UK, our guide to the best boutique hotels in the UK will cover all possible desires.
Flemings Mayfair
Discover the true meaning of luxury hidden behind thirteen converted Georgian townhouses. Flemings Mayfair was built in 1851, making it the second-oldest hotel in London. Taking its inspiration from the pivotal era of interior design, the 1930s, the quirky and ornate details within this contemporary boutique hotel makes for the perfect place to indulge in luxury. Nestled within the beating heart of London’s upscale Mayfair, an elegant district filled with gorgeous Georgian townhouses, exclusive hotels, gourmet restaurants and bespoke fashion designers, Flemings is located down a peaceful side street just off of Piccadilly, placing you just moments from the iconic Green Park, Buckingham Palace and London’s energetic hub of Bond Street.
This show-stopping boutique hotel is a true gem providing everything you need for the perfect UK city break, with an added luxurious twist. Indulge in a 1930s concoction of sophistication and be inspired by the bespoke furniture from Tully Filmer; beautiful shades of bronze and soft greys merge in each of the rooms. Discover traditional afternoon tea and sip some of the finest teas by The East India Tea Company in their enchanting Drawing Room; this refined India-inspired tea room echoes elegance and grace, resonating with the hotel's eighteenth-century origins.
A trip to London is never complete without a stay at Flemings Mayfair.
Hurley House Hotel
Hurley House Hotel is the quintessential British stay. Presenting laidback luxury in the heart of the true chocolate-box delight of Hurley, Berkshire, discover a former pub masterfully turned multi-award-winning boutique hotel of excellent reputation. Known for its wide popularity amongst locals and Hollywood stars alike including Kate Winslet and George Clooney, Hurley House has truly raised the bar in terms of hospitality standards. This gorgeous boutique is the go-to escape for both foodies and luxury lovers. From its tastefully furnished cosy and chic rooms to its superb in-house restaurant, there’s no better place to indulge in a relaxing, laid-back countryside escape than here.
It’s apparent that the whole concept of this former pub was drafted around the sole purpose of offering a serene atmosphere, so you can enjoy the sublime rest you need. Whether you’re looking for a tasty Sunday lunch surrounded by flagstone flooring, rustic furniture, a wood-burning stove and a fine-dining experience in a more relaxed setting, or the ideal weekend away where you can end each day with a rejuvenating bubble bath in an intimate but sophisticated suite, Hurley House certainly caters for all, allowing you to freely enjoy the best of a British getaway.
The LaLiT London
Nestled on the banks of London Bridge, look forward to more easing of restrictions with a luxury stay at the magnificent LaLiT London. As it brings in a perfect taste of India on one of the oldest streets in London, feel like a Maharaja the moment you step foot into this enchantingly restored Victorian schoolhouse. The LaLiT London combines British eccentricism with Indian decor and hospitality.
Filled with a traditional blend of gorgeous Indian embroidery adorning the walls, contrasted with modern furniture and original exposed brick from the former St Olave’s Grammar School, there’s no better place to stay near Tower Bridge. Book a stay in one of their elegant Classroom suites, spoil your palate in the magnificent Baluchi restaurant serving its guests a contemporary take on impeccably-executed Pan-Indian dishes and enjoy spectacular views over the Great Hall whilst you indulge in the extensive collection of world teas, the amazing Indian Masala Chai and delightful light treats from The Gallery. If this hasn’t already sparked excitement, relocate to Rejuve, the signature spa, and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit through a range of Ayurvedic techniques — a holistic combination of eastern and western therapies utilising herbal infusions. Whether you’re tantalising your taste buds at the magnificent Baluchi restaurant or relaxing in your spacious room with intricate furnishings and ornate embellishments, The LaLiT London is a unique experience to say the least.
Please note:they are yet to announce their reopening, but we’re sure they’re hard at work ensuring the hotel is as safe as possible for its staff and guests upon their return.
Cowley Manor
Looking for both a staycation in the UK and a place to indulge yourself in a quintessentially English afternoon? Look no further than the enchanting eighteenth-century Grade-II-listed villa of Cowley Manor. Nestled within the enchanting green hills and charming meadows of the Cotswolds, there’s no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life than here? Inviting, elegant and peaceful, Cowley Manor is the perfect place to indulge in British luxury.
This popular destination in the heart of Gloucestershire was once the home of Sir James Horlick and is now the first hotel to be selected as part of the Curious Group of Hotels. Its eclectic interior design mixes bold colours and intricate patterns, contrasting perfectly with the eighteenth-century elegance of the building; think English country house mixed with uncompromising modernity — this is so much more than just your typical stately home. Dine in the grand Malt Room and indulge in the spectacularly high, colourful ceilings whilst enjoying gorgeous views of the grounds, enjoy a tipple in their funky bar that’s a complete riot of colour, and revel in the sun with some alfresco dining on The Terrace with direct access to the hotel’s gardens, surrounding woodland and lakes.
A stay at Cowley Manor is never complete without a trip to its multi-award-winning C-Side Spa. Inspired by the natural beauty of the countryside, this spa offers a liberating and therapeutic experience. From a variety of massages, facials and speciality treatments, to rejuvenating saunas, steam rooms and relaxation areas, dip into the magnificent green-slated indoor pool looking over the greenery of the Cotswolds, and recharge those batteries.
With the interior and architecture of a stately English country house, Cowley Manor is the perfect retreat for the quintessential British stay.
Portobello Hotel
If there’s one place to indulge in the true eclecticism of London, you’ll certainly fall for this rockstar hangout. Located on a quiet street in west London’s elegant Notting Hill, Portobello Hotel is the perfect way to experience London and all of its quirks. This characterful boutique was founded in 1971 and has long been the go-to hotel for famous faces including Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Kate Moss, Robbie Williams and more, during their London getaways.
All 21 rooms and suites are uniquely decorated with their own unique character, but if you’re looking to walk in the footsteps of legends, set foot in Room 16 shown above; take a trip back in time and indulge in the incredible celebrity atmosphere that still lingers in the air — the very room where it is rumoured that Johnny and Kate famously filled the bathtub with champagne and bathed in it. With every room possessing its own unique personality, indulge in the eclectic spirit and rock ‘n’ roll nature of Portobello Hotel and be enchanted by views of the gorgeous rustic-coloured trees that fill the private Stanley Gardens. Tina Turner loved this quaint boutique so much, she bought the house next door!
Asserting its eclectic spirit and eccentric charm, discover inspiring vintage finds around every corner with a playful and delightful Curious Hotels twist.
Hotel Gotham
Whilst Manchester may not be the first place you think about visiting for a luxurious weekend away, this chic hotel with its myriad quirks will change your mind. Hotel Gotham is a glamorous six-story former bank, focussing on glitzy, theatrical decadence with a distinct 1920s Manhattan twist. With Batman references littered throughout, from the name to iconic motifs on the do-not-disturb signs, this Gotham-themed hotel draws you into a parallel universe. Nestled on 100 King Street in the heart of Manchester’s upmarket shopping district, this is the perfect city break of pampering luxury.
If that doesn’t already catch your attention, this glamorous boutique showcases an array of accolades, from 'World's Best New Hotel' to 'Coolest Boutique Hotel'. Feel like you’re in New York’s fictional alter-ego with staff dressing in signature Gotham-esque roles, and indulge in the retro, early twentieth-century Manhattan glamour in the heart of North England — of all places!. Formed of 60 opulent rooms and five ‘Inner Sanctum’ suites featuring a ‘wonderwall screen’, this former bank, now a seven-storey, exclusive VIP club was designed by Edwin Lutyens and is the perfect Art Deco, neo-classical stay for travellers who crave creatively inspirational surroundings — think leather headboards, lavish linens and quirky touches combined with a hearty northern welcome. So what are you waiting for? Enter through the old vault doors, check into your room, then make your way up to the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Honey, where you can enjoy their delicious menus and feel like you’re in a gentleman’s club in the evening. Feel a sense of grandeur at the Club Brass rooftop bar, bustling with VIPs and get to know the other hotel guests in this other-worldly 1920s setting.
A visit to Manchester’s Hotel Gotham will truly bring out the superhero in you.
Mimi’s Hotel Soho
Soho is a must-visit when exploring England’s capital. This central, historic neighbourhood is a vibrant hub of culture, restaurants, bars and shopping galore and just moments from the lights and glamour of the West End and famous Oxford Street. A place many famous faces over the years have come to party and call home, where inhibitions are freed and you’re encouraged to try something new; a place where the world is your oyster.
Nestled in the heart of this bustling neighbourhood lies the historical boutique of Mimi’s Hotel Soho. Behind its traditional townhouse façade, this newly-refurbished luxury boutique hotel with impeccably stylish decor is the perfect London-cool hideaway. Classic panelling and antique style meet sumptuously soft bedding and modern comforts to create cosy, homely rooms.
When you need a luxurious respite from the day’s outing, make sure to wet your whistle with a delicious cocktail or two in the intimate hotel bar, Henson’s Bar & Social, where the feeling is one of gentleman’s club meets contemporary cocktail bar. Whatever you wish to drink, allow bar manager Francesco to whip you up something entirely magical. From lavish interiors to impeccable cocktails, indulge in the refined and elegant surroundings and enjoy a tipple or two by the cosy fireplace. If you’re looking to fully indulge in the English Gentleman’s vibe, be sure to try their magnificent Blue Blazer cocktail!
We are delighted to announce we are exhibiting at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show's online edition from 7-9th May, with access until the 16th May for all who register.
Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, the UK’s leading and longest-running live travel event, will return to host its second online edition; Destinations presents Travel 2021 7-9 May. This timely, three-day event will be an online hub for your journey back to travel: it will inspire, as well as help you research, plan and prepare your next trip. The exhibitor list will cover all corners of the globe, including the UK. Importantly, you'll be able to contact them directly via the event through instant Live Chat or via One-To-One Consultations and you’ll be able to easily find their COVID booking policies. Set to wow and inspire, as well as offer practical travel advice - tune into Destinations TV, which will be hosting a fantastic line up of talks with travel personalities and industry experts from our exhibitors and partners, The Times & The Sunday Times, Stanford’s and Wanderlust.
