The UK is ever popular as a tourist destination thanks to its rich history, beautiful landscapes and endless things to do.
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It’s also renowned for offering fabulous accommodation from Scotland to the far west of Cornwall.
Now, UK-based newspaper The Telegraph has launched a guide to The 250 Best Hotels in the UK, all of which represent the very best that hospitality has to offer.
The hotels featured were whittled down from 2,000 of the paper’s reviews, undertaken by its hotels team.
Each was chosen thanks to a range of criteria, including location, service, facilities, character, rooms, food and drink options, and value for money.
The properties on the list are searchable in an interactive tool, which also allows users to narrow down results based on region, as well as whether they’re dog-friendly or accessible, among other search terms.
Each region was awarded at least one ‘regional star’, which recognises the hotel of the highest calibre in an area.
There’s no better place than London to kick off a visit to the country – and these are some of the very best hotels to use as a base to explore the capital, and beyond.
The Chancery Rosewood
Opened in September last year, The Chancery Rosewood was The Telegraph’s only London pick to receive a ‘regional star’, meaning it’s very special indeed.
In the heart of Mayfair and close to iconic Hyde Park, this hotel boasts 144 rooms – and they’re all suites.
Situated in the former American embassy, rooms here feature amenities including libraries, marble baths and complimentary mini bars, filled with British-made products.
There are plenty of in-house dining and drinking spots, including the effortlessly chic rooftop Eagle Bar, and Tobi Masa, a high-end Japanese restaurant.
Don’t miss a visit to the subterranean spa, which features a 25-metre pool as well as treatment rooms, a cold plunge and an ice bath.
The Ritz
This Green Park-adjacent hotel is iconic for a reason.
Open since 1906, it’s long been famous for its luxurious decor and excellent service, and it’s having a moment now, thanks to its two-Michelin-starred restaurant recently being named London’s best in the 2025 National Restaurant Awards.
The iconic Palm Court remains the place to indulge in one of London’s most famous afternoon teas, while the rooms and suites blend period opulence with modern comforts.
For travellers seeking a quintessentially London experience, it doesn’t get much more timeless than this.
The Peninsula
One of a new breed of London’s ultra-luxury hotels, The Peninsula has quickly established itself as one of the capital’s most impressive places to stay.
Overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, the property combines large-for-London, beautifully appointed rooms with exceptional service and some of the city's best facilities.
The grand lobby makes an immediate impression, with soaring ceilings, marble floors and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
The subterranean spa is a destination in itself, featuring a 25-metre pool which plays underwater music, treatment rooms and wellness facilities, while the rooftop Brooklands by Claude Bosi has earned two Michelin stars for its inventive fine dining and spectacular views across London.
Batty Langley’s
For travellers who prefer character over contemporary minimalism, Batty Langley’s is one of London’s most distinctive boutique hotels – and it’s relatively affordable for the capital.
Tucked away on a quiet street in East London’s Spitalfields, the property takes inspiration from the 18th century, with antique furnishings, period details and individually designed rooms named after historical East London figures.
Its namesake was Bartholomew “Batty” Langley, a legendary architect, landscape gardener and author.
The cosy lounge features an honesty bar stocked with local spirits, while a secluded courtyard offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Breakfast is served directly to your room each morning, adding to the hotel's intimate, home-from-home feel.
Hotel Café Royal
This hotel is pretty much as central as you can get in London, with an address just off Piccadilly Circus.
The property, right on the doorstep of must-visits Soho and Mayfair, blends historic grandeur with sleek contemporary interiors, with rooms a decent size for such an impressive location. It’s home to one of the capital’s standout dining destinations: the two-Michelin-starred Alex Dilling restaurant.
There's also an extensive underground spa complete with an 18-metre pool, sauna, hammam and hot tub. The hotel’s history is just as impressive as its facilities, having welcomed everyone from Oscar Wilde and David Bowie to Princess Diana and Muhammad Ali through its doors.