UK’s ‘best’ hotels – luxury and budget-friendly stays

With thousands of hotels spread across the UK, there’s plenty to choose from. But if you’re planning a staycation this summer, and want nothing but the best, other travellers’ experiences could be the key to unlocking your perfect holiday.

Tripadvisor has collated reviews from travellers who have visited properties nationwide to name the top 10 “best” hotels in the UK for 2023. While the best of the best include some luxury properties frequented by Royal Family members including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Dianna, others have far more modest roots, though don’t scrimp on quality service. From London to Llandudno, Tripadvisor’s top-rated hotels have all scored impressive five-star traveller reviews.

Alternatively, if saving money on your next UK stay is top of the list, you can read our guide to the latest deals from Travelodge, where some rooms are available for £38 or less. Or, if you’re looking further afield, read our tips on how to snap up a cheap last-minute holiday deal.

But if it’s a quality UK hotel stay you’re after, scroll down to read Tripadvisor’s top 10 list of “best” hotels in the UK, or click on the links to jump to the relevant section.

Topping the list is London’s Shangri-La The Shard, the capital’s highest hotel located in one of the skyline’s most recognisable buildings.

As you might imagine, the hotel offers stunning views across the city, with rooms making the most of these panoramic vistas. The hotel is a favourite for those celebrating special occasions but also has a considerable business clientele thanks to its well-connected location.

You can read reviews from previous guests and find out more on Tripadvisor.

Nestled in charming Covent Garden, the Resident Covent Garden is just a three-minute walk from the main central piazzas.

This luxe hotel offers 57 rooms featuring contemporary interior design, bespoke furnishings hand-made in West London and an array of modern amenities.

Stand-out features also include the hotel’s signature in-room mini kitchen. Travellers who reviewed the property listed the in-room breakfast and concierge staff among their favourite assets.

You can read reviews from previous guests and find out more on Tripadvisor.

Hotel 41 is a resident-only, five-star boutique hotel in London Victoria just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.

The hotel has previously been awarded a Forbes Five-Star rating and even features its own signature scent, making for a truly memorable stay.

At check-in, guests will be welcomed with a glass from the Champagne trolley, and homemade treats add an extra special touch to rooms.

The hotel is pet-friendly, which has helped it score such an impressive rating from guests. Previous visitors also listed the bar and lounge area among their favourite perks of this high-end hotel.

You can read reviews from previous guests and find out more on Tripadvisor.

The Montcalm Royal London House prides itself on offering “value, comfort and convenience”, located in Finsbury Square.

For tourists, the hotel is within walking distance from the majority of the city’s main attractions including Covent Garden and the London Eye.

Guests have access to a 24-hour front desk, room service, and concierge. There’s even a swimming pool for those who fancy a dip after a busy day of exploring, and an on-site restaurant. The swimming pool and spa are among two of the hotel’s best amenities, according to Tripadvisor traveller reviews.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a similarly luxurious stay with a hip edge, Montcalm has a sister hotel in trendy Shoreditch – Montcalm East – which features its own underground spa and swimming pool. For more inspiration read our full review of Montcalm East here.

Old-world charm oozes from The Milestone Hotel and Residences, located in the heart of Kensington. Jewel-toned furnishings and unique paintings add to the aesthetic of this classic hotel, which is also home to a selection of bars and dining options.

Guests can enjoy a drink at Stable’s Bar, afternoon tea in the Park Lounge or dine in the elegant British restaurant Cheneston’s. For those seeking a little relaxation, the hotel also features its own spa, with a plunge pool, gym and treatment rooms.

Previous guests highlighted the indoor pool and spa treatments among some of their favourite assets, as well as the friendly doorman who welcomes you back each day. Read more reviews and find out more on Tripadvisor.

Dakota Manchester is the newest hotel in the northern city from Dakota Hotels, this 137-bedroom hotel prides itself on modern “sophistication”.

Just five minutes from Piccadilly Station, the boutique hotel is well-placed for travellers. Some of its best reviews have complimented the restaurant and bar area.

Dakota Bar is best known for its cocktail offering and also has an outdoor terrace perfect for balmy summer evenings. Dakota Grill, meanwhile, specialises in signature, prime-cut steaks. Find out more and read previous traveller reviews on Tripadvisor.

Nestled in the quiet residential town of Farnborough, is the Aviator Hampshire, whose name pays homage to the town’s long aeronautical history.

The bar, along with in-room breakfast options, were among the highest-rated features of the hotel by previous guests. Find out more and read reviews from previous guests on Tripadvisor.

You may well know Clardige’s as a royal favourite, with both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana having stayed at the five-star hotel over the years.

It has also welcomed big-name celebrities too, including Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, Kate Moss, Jade Jagger, and Tom Cruise.

Located in London’s Mayfair, the hotel features Art Deco interior design and classic furnishings. Guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Foyer and Reading Room or a glass of bubbles in the hotel’s famous Claridge’s bar.

The hotel is also home to its own boutique, art space, wine cellar and spa. Previous guests cite the sauna, car hire service and babysitting service as some of their favourite amenities.

Find out more information and read traveller reviews of Claridge’s on Tripadvisor.

Another Mayfair classic is the Chesterfield, located just minutes from Bond Street Piccadilly and the Royal Parks.

The Chesterfield uses rich colour palettes in rooms and classic furnishings to maintain its timeless appeal.

Guests can stay in one of the 94 rooms or 16 suites on offer at the hotel. There’s also Butlers Restaurant, renowned for serving up “London’s best Dover sole” which is filleted right on the table. For those with a sweet tooth, a whimsical and playful afternoon tea is also on offer.

Guests who reviewed the hotel on Tripadvisor said they loved the family-friendly nature of the hotel, as well as the fact that pets are allowed.

While there are plenty of expensive properties on Tripadvisor’s top 10 list, this Welsh hotel shows that you don’t have to be the most costly to offer great service.

Nested in the quaint seaside resort of Llandudno is Tynedale Hotel, a bright and modern property just 20 metres from the beach.

The hotel offers sea-view rooms, a bistro-style menu, live evening entertainment and parking for guests.

Tripadvisor reviewers who have stayed at the hotel previously commended the evening entertainment as one of their favourite things about their stay, along with its proximity to the beach and restaurant menu. Find out more and read reviews on Tripadvisor.