Best UK hotels 2026

Our 2026 hotel round-up features the best UK properties that the Which? Travel undercover inspectors have ever visited. 

From Scottish manors and English seaside retreats to a good value Northern Irish lakeside hideaway, we stay at hundreds of UK hotels to bring you honest and impartial reviews you can trust: both good and bad. And good doesn't necessarily mean expensive; prices for our best hotels start at £185 per night.

All of the hotels featured here, impressed our secret inspectors enough to be rated either 4.5 or the full five stars. We completed many of these top-rated hotel stays during the past 12 months but have included some long-standing high scoring addresses, which were fact checked in 2025. Prices are for a Saturday night (peak price) and correct at the time of publication. 

But if you're looking for chain hotel ratings, head over to our best UK hotels guide where we rate brands from Premier Inn to Travelodge and Hilton.

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Secret Inspectors' top-rated hotel in Northern Ireland

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen

Peak price £199

Score Five stars

Check prices directly lougherneresort.com

When might you come to the conclusion that this expansive estate in the tranquil lake lands of County Fermanagh is the best-value stay in the country? Perhaps when you’re climbing the hidden staircase connecting bedrooms to the spa and swimming pool, having unpacked your worries in the whirlpool, steam room or sauna (included in the room rate). 

Rooms Inspired by old country houses in Scotland, this modern interpretation has the same character, with its grand staircase and drawing room, but none of the creaks and cracks. Accommodation is spread across 25 lodges and 95 bedrooms. Our standard double room in the main house is generously sized with lake views. Rich teal and velvet furnishings, Egyptian cotton bedding and a claw-foot bath offer muted luxury. 

Food and drink Almost everything at breakfast is locally produced. Ours eggs Benedict was freshly laid at a farm down the road, with bacon from County Armagh and a delicately tangy butter and tarragon sauce from County Derry. It’s served in the formal Catelina restaurant, where you can also indulge in well-priced AA-rosette-awarded food overlooking the Nick Faldo golf course. 

We dine at the Blaney bar bistro next door, accompanied by a roaring fire and views of Castle Lough Hume. The beef bourguignon with slabs of warm Guinness bread is so richly flavoured and comforting that it almost rocks us off to sleep.

Our verdict A destination hotel in a stunning corner of Northern Ireland, and only the second five-star rating we’ve awarded in eight years.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the March/April 2026 issue of Which? Travel

Secret Inspectors' top-rated hotel in Scotland

The Marcliffe, Aberdeen

Peak price £185

Score Five stars

Check rates at the Marcliffe

From the moment you climb the sweeping drive of this Victorian manor house on the outskirts of Aberdeen, to the waistcoated staff who swing open the doors and usher you into a reception warmed by a blazing fire, every minute at the Marcliffe feels special. 

There is no bling, no gold wallpaper or cocktail-snapping influencers, not even a hot tub in the small spa. The tartan carpets, high tea in the drawing room and impeccable service feel almost old-fashioned. But it’s this elegance that appeals and keeps minor royals – who can’t fit into nearby Balmoral – coming back.

Rooms Bedrooms in muted greys and browns, with reproduction Chippendale desks, don’t especially wow, but they are spacious. The locally made mattresses are wonderfully comfortable, and you’ll find snacks, robes, same-day laundry service and other amenities that are slowly being cut at other properties.

Food and drink Guests still dress for dinner, lending a sense of occasion to taking whisky in the deep armchair of the drawing room, before being escorted to tables with crisp white linen and rattan chairs in the Conservatory restaurant. 

Locally caught langoustines in chilli and garlic, and sirloin of Aberdeenshire beef, are exquisitely presented and taste excellent. With prices for mains starting at £25, it’s also brilliant value. 

You’re back in the morning for the sort of breakfast buffet Willy Wonka would dream up: smoked haddock, grilled kippers, salmon and everything else you could possibly want. 

Staff are exceptional. Able to answer any question you ask about the food, they're smartly dressed but make sure dining here still feels comfortable and relaxed.

Our verdict It's the value that makes this the best UK hotel we've stayed at in the past seven years. To be so completely swept off your feet for less than £200 (including breakfast) makes The Marcliffe remarkable. 

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the March 2025 issue of Which? Travel 

Secret Inspectors' top-rated hotels in England

The Grand, Brighton, East Sussex

Peak price £320

Rating 4.5 stars

Book direct at The Grand Brighton

Many know it as the hotel bombed by the IRA in a bid to assassinate Margaret Thatcher. In the 40 years that followed, at times, it was grand in name only. Fresh from a refurb, this seafront grande dame is shabby no longer – wowing from her plush Art Deco carpets up to her stately chandeliers. In the lobby bar, guests nurse champagne cocktails on dark-cyan, deep button-back banquettes – beneath the original 155-year-old marble columns that have been thoughtfully preserved. All of this comes without a hint of pretension: everyone from the coat-tailed bellhops to the friendly waiters were exceptionally attentive.

Rooms Nautical chic was the aesthetic in our newly revamped classic inland double: think navy-and-white striped cushions, herringbone throws and beach-themed prints. The spacious white marble rainfall shower pumped out lashings of hot water (welcome after a chilly sea dip). Our only complaint was the creaky corridor floor announcing every late-night guest with a groan. Sunday-night stays are a bargain, but seafront king superior rooms, with wrought-iron balconies, typically set you back another £100.

Food and drink The restaurant specialises in seafood and grills. Afternoon tea is served in the sea-facing Victoria Terrace. Breakfast left us loosening belts: copious fresh continental and cooked options (which almost spanned the length of the sprawling ballroom-style Albert Room), plus a made-to-order omelette station.

Our verdict A high-end beachside stay without the haughtiness. 

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the July/Aug 2025 issue of Which? Travel.

No. 42 by Guesthouse, Margate, Kent

Peak price £353

Rating 4.5 stars

Check rates at No.42 by Guesthouse

What’s stayed with us since our visit to No. 42 is not the sunset view over Margate’s Main Sands from our private balcony, nor the gorgeous interiors draped in thoughtful fabrics and embellished by hand with gold leaf. 

It’s not even the record player and cleverly curated selection of vinyl in our room. No, it’s the free sweets. A vintage ticket booth on the second floor groans with glass jars of fudge, dolly mixture and jellybeans alongside serve-yourself striped paper bags. 

This, coupled with the traditional ice cream tricycle used to collect guests’ luggage from the station so they can enjoy the 10-minute seafront stroll, shows just how much care has gone into getting the breezy beach-club look and feel just right.

Rooms Our generous sea-view room felt like a suite. The bedroom, with its upholstered ceiling and the view that inspired more than 100 Turner paintings, is separated by glass and wood panelling from a little nook containing a cocktail fridge and a bag with towels for you to take to the beach.

Food and drink Breakfast is a luxurious two-course affair, served in the Pearly Cow brasserie with its luxurious corner sofas and stained glass. Pastries and overnight oats are served as ‘starters’, while a fancy full English and other classic ‘mains’ are cooked to order.

Our verdict You’ll pay through the nose for a summer stay (off-season is more affordable), but if the sun shines it will be worth every penny.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the July/Aug 2025 issue of Which? Travel.

Planning a UK seaside holiday but not sure where to choose? See how readers rated popular resorts in Devon, Dorset, Northumberland and beyond for scenery, peace and quiet and more in our Best Seaside Town survey

Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa, Salcombe, Devon

Peak Price £405

Rating 4.5 stars

Book your stay direct with Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa

Enjoy uninterrupted sea views from a wraparound terrace that makes the most of the secluded South Sands location. From the complimentary champagne welcome and coffee on departure to the free resort activities, along with boat and shuttle transfers to Salcombe harbour, you’ll feel well taken care of. 

Easy smiles, top-quality facilities (including a spa) and a stellar location make this a relaxing spot to while away lazy summer days. 

Rooms Our worry that an inland room at a waterfront hotel would be disappointing was unfounded. Rolling hills were visible from the balcony, sunlight flooded through the skylights and a decanter of gin (and free soft drinks) awaited. Shades of green nodded to a 1930s coastal aesthetic, while a king-size bed, as well as twin wash basins and gold accents in the bathroom, added an understated touch of luxury. 

Food and drink A sea breeze and chilled soundtrack drifts through the airy bar and restaurant. Its subtle nautical decor has hints of an Agatha Christie holiday home, with rattan chairs and nostalgic art dotted around. Big portions are matched by big flavours; the chicken with morels (£24) is a highlight. Breakfast is a moreish buffet and à la carte affair. 

Our verdict Great service, thoughtful touches and an unbeatable location if you’re willing to splurge.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the July 2022 issue of Which? Travel and fact checked in June 2025.

Heading to Devon? Check out Brend Collection hotels. This family-run chain has fantastic properties in Devon and Cornwall and scored highly in our small hotel chains survey

The Harper, Langham, Norfolk

Peak Price £340

Rating 4.5 stars

Book direct at The Harper

The village of Langham lies a mile inland from Morston Quay with its seal trips, salt marshes and huge skies. It has a church, a village school and, as of 2021, a luxury boutique hotel. Not that The Harper, with its friendly, unfussy service, feels out of place. 

This former glassblowing factory has been converted into a low-slung complex around a suntrap courtyard of olive trees, rusty chimineas and festoon lighting. Leading off The Yard is an indoor pool and hot tub, a stylish bar area and several cosy hideaways to curl up in with a little something from the wine-vending machine. 

Rooms Even the smallest of the hotel’s 32 rooms, at 280 sq ft, is classified as ‘big’ (others are ‘bigger’ and ‘biggest’). All have four-poster beds, high-spec bathrooms with monsoon showers and free pre-mixed negronis in the minibar. 

Food and drink Mouthwatering local produce is everywhere. There’s freshly caught North Sea shrimp sizzling over charcoal in The Yard, Norfolk pancetta mac ’n’ cheese from the bar and tandoori monkfish in Stanley’s restaurant. Even better, you can eat wherever and whenever you please. Just make sure you don’t miss the complimentary 6pm freshly cooked snacks – meatballs with chutney dip on our visit.

Our verdict Spacious yet intimate, foodie yet unpretentious, relaxed but still special, The Harper has got its recipe just right.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the July 2022 issue of Which? Travel and fact checked in June 2025.

Boys Hall, Kent, England

Peak price: £240

Score: 4.5 stars

Check rates at Boys Hall

The ordinary location (deep in the Ashford suburbs, tucked behind a Wickes and a car dealership) only makes this Jacobean manor house – clad in wisteria from bedrock to gable – all the more spectacular. Charles I may have stayed here when hoofing it from the Roundheads, but this is Boys Hall’s first turn as a hotel – its historic old bones of beams and fireplaces have been lavishly restored. With just 10 rooms set around the original carved oak staircase, it feels intimate and we’re ushered inside for tea and cake.

Rooms While our spacious double has a four-poster bed and the sort of hefty timbered wardrobe that could house Narnia, contemporary fixtures and decorative tiles make it brighter and happier than most historic stays. Everything feels luxurious, from the sweeping floral drapes you need two hands to close, to a tea and coffee station with a choice of milks. There is also a complimentary slice of cake on arrival. 

Food and drink The restaurant is the main event. You’ll find fabulous fine dining (the Michelin Guide is sure to catch on soon) under huge timber joists in the brightly lit conservatory or on the terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens. Service is warm, prices are fair and there’s lots of local flavour, from Romney Marsh lamb to Kentish wines.

Our verdict There’s little to recommend the location, but this luxury stay is almost faultless.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the September 2023 issue of Which? Travel and fact checked in March 2026.

Hotel Endsleigh, Devon

Peak price: £270

Score: 4.5 stars

Check rates at the Hotel Endsleigh

This Dartmoor hotel was once the enviable rural retreat of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, who, in 1814, enlisted the help of landscape designer Humphry Repton to transform its grounds. Now part of The Polizzi Collection, both the Grade I-listed house and surrounding gardens are resplendent. Pick up a map and explore the 108 acres – you’ll discover follies, grottos, waterfalls and an arboretum, as well as a yew arch and fragrant rose walk with views down to the River Tamar.

Rooms All 19 rooms have been elegantly designed by Olga Polizzi, and many retain period features – we loved the fire buckets and hose reels on the landing upstairs. Our Classic Double (room 16), with its botanical paintings and roll-top bath (not all rooms have separate showers), overlooked the stables and clock tower. For the best garden views, choose one of the Repton rooms. Original hand-painted wallpaper is still on show in the Bedford rooms. A two-night stay is often required.

Food and drink Venison, duck breast and turbot with seaweed beurre blanc were among the mains on our three-course dinner menu (£67.50), although many visit simply to enjoy a garden stroll followed by afternoon cream tea (£35).

Our verdict Everything about Hotel Endsleigh is enchanting, including the attentive staff. A first-class escape.

This hotel was reviewed by an inspector for the May 2023 issue of Which? Travel and fact checked December 2025.

How we review hotels

Unlike all other national UK travel magazines and newspaper travel sections, Which? Travel never accepts freebies. We pay wherever we stay.

All our hotel inspections take place anonymously. We book a standard double room online, just as you would, and we sample the hotel’s facilities, just as you would. We never let on that we are from Which?.

That means no special treatment, no reviewer upgrades and no opportunity for the hotel to influence our verdict.

And no matter how badly the hotel fares, we always publish the review, warts and all.

Our hotel ratings

We use an overall star rating for the hotel based on what we think you should expect for the type of accommodation (B&B, luxury hotel etc) and price.

All our ratings strictly adhere to the following criteria:

• 0 stars – A dreadful hotel. We would not recommend staying here.
• 1 star – A sub-standard hotel we think is well below average in its category.
• 2 stars – An adequate hotel we think has room for improvement.
• 3 stars – A solid hotel that meets our expectations.
• 4 stars – An excellent hotel we think is above average in its category.
• 5 stars – An exceptional hotel we think is among the best of its type.

All of these hotel reviews first appeared in Which? Travel

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