10 of the UK’s Classy Boutique Hotels for Vibrant Travellers
Boutique hotels provide high-spirited travellers with a truly personalised experience. The United Kingdom is home to many classy boutique hotels, ranging from picturesque inns to contemporary hideaways. Be it their captivating individual style, stunning landscape views or personable experience, these ten exclusive boutique hotels ensure unique, engaging, “just right” travel experiences in the UK.
ABode Chester, Chester
Abode Chester is a gem with a stunning city location and a strikingly glamorous hotel feel. It’s just a few minutes walk from the city centre with the popular Chester Racecourse next door. The hotel has a superb choice of eighty-five bedrooms which they have classified as comfortable, desirable, enviable and fabulous to suit every taste and budget. A great buffet selection and cooked-to-order breakfast options make for a memorable dining experience. The hotel also has a sophisticated champagne bar for drinks and a modern Michael Caines restaurant for a luxury dining experience.
The Lime Tree in Fort William, North West Highlands
For the art connoisseurs amongst us, there could be no better place for a weekend away than The Lime Tree, a boutique hotel boasting a nationally acclaimed art gallery. The hotel’s contemporary art gallery hosts two public exhibitions a year. Situated in the heart of Scotland, guests can also enjoy the spectacular landscape of Loch Linnhe, dine in the award-winning restaurant and snuggle up in the open fire warmed lounges.
The Nadler, Liverpool
This city-centre hotel is located in one of the UK’s most culturally renowned cities. The building in which the hotel is situated was originally built during the development of the wet dock in 1715. By the 1960s, the building had become a printing press, but lay derelict from the late 1970s until it was transformed into an innovative and contemporary hotel in 2008. Behind the bare brickwork exterior of The Nadler Liverpool you’ll find modern design, with a black and white colour scheme running through all 106 guest rooms.
Harington’s Hotel in Bath, Somerset
One of the finest places to stay when visiting Bath is Harington’s Hotel. This independent boutique hotel, although perfectly located in the historical city centre of Bath, is tucked away in a quiet, cobbled side street, ideal for precious seclusion. The hotel boasts thirteen stunning, distinctively designed boutique bedrooms, each brimming with personality. Harry’s kitchen, bar and the coffee lounge offers a lovely menu and personalised service. Harington’s also has three impressive home-like private apartments in Bath, decked with luxury perks. All of these treats topped with a ‘bright and breezy’ hospitality truly makes Harington’s more than just a ‘bit out of the ordinary.’
The Florence Suite Hotel and Restaurant, Southsea
Located in scenic Southsea, the Florence Suite hotel belongs to the famous Mercer Collection group of boutique properties. The hotel has a wonderful selection of rooms to choose from and a range of perks like high-speed wifi, car parking and daily housekeeping are all included in the room rate. The classic A La Carte restaurant offers a great choice of menu and caters to children and big groups as well. The hotel offers a range of spa treatments which are carried out in the rooms by expert therapists. Outside the hotel there are loads of great attractions for a family day out, such as restaurants and shopping centres.
The Blue Lion Inn in East Witton, North Yorkshire
The Blue Lion Inn blends quintessential Englishness with modern comfort to help guests relax and recharge. Surrounded by the splendor of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this historic 18th century hotel lies in the heart of iconic Wensleydale. There are fifteen exquisite, country-styled bedrooms, each uniquely designed and decorated with comfortable country furnishings. The Blue Lion’s seasonal menu makes the most of the local Yorkshire produce, earning it the ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ award three times. The formal restaurant sets the scene with delicate candlelight and indulgent food, ideal for a lovely romantic meal. In short, whether it is the exclusive accommodation or the candlelit fine dining, Blue Lion ensure a homely and welcoming experience.
Strattons Hotel in Swaffham, Norfolk
Art, design, luxury and comfort — Strattons Hotel is the perfect combination for vibrant travellers. This family owned boutique hotel, restaurant and cafe deli is tucked away in the captivating market town of Swaffham. The rooms are individually decorated and designed to accommodate children, pets and families. Strattons award-winning restaurant serves organic local produce in the modern English style. For its excellent service and chic overtones, the hotel has won prestigious awards including the EDP’s ‘Best Norfolk Restaurant’ Award and ‘Best Small UK Hotel’ from the International Hotel awards.
Mhor 84 Motel in Lochearnhead, Perthshire
This place should be on the list for all boutique hotel lovers who want an escape into the Scottish Highlands. Mhor 84 Motel was a project for two couples who wanted to design the perfect pit stop for adventurers heading out to the Balquhidder glen — and that they have! The hotel has just seven rooms, each decorated simply but with creative flair. Think white paint, vintage china and woodburners.
Holbeck Ghyll in Windermere, Cumbria
With breathtaking views of the Lake District and Cumbria, and a sublime, indulgent health spa, Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel is a multi-award winning country retreat that offers a truly luxurious experience. Surrounded by acres of lush woodland and gardens, the hotel gazes out over the mesmerising Lake Windermere and some of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks. The hotel has 29 luxury rooms and suites and two exclusive private holiday cottages. The panoramic view from their oak-panelled dining room, sumptuous lounges and the striking terrace has been voted one of the top 15 in the world. The hotel’s restaurant was ranked 24th in the 2009 Good Food Guide and is run by a team offering expert service — making Holbeck Ghyll an easy place to fall in love with.
Cranleigh Boutique, Windermere
The Cranleigh is one of the most amazing Lake District hotels located in the beautiful village of Windermere. With superb modern-day rooms featuring designer bathrooms and posh furnishings, the hotel has everything for pure luxury indulgence. There is an ornate lounge, bar and plenty of leisure facilities in which to unwind. For ultimate relaxation, the hotel has a state-of-the-art spa area with two jacuzzis, a steam room, sauna and poolside seating with mood lighting, all set in a soothing environment.
About the Author
Peter O'Sullivan Peter O'Sullivan is a UK travel enthusiast who loves culture, history and boutique design. He is the owner of Harington's City Hotel, an independent boutique hotel in Bath. Peter loves to share his experiences of Bath and the UK, telling stories from a local’s point of view.
