The hospitality industry is quick to apply the ‘luxury’ label on locations that don’t really live up to the expectations at the end of the day. However, it doesn’t mean that true opulence and flawless services can’t be found in hotels all across the UK. It’s just a matter of knowing how to separate the utterly forgettable venues from the ones that will stay with you for the rest of your life. So, if you’re all about the five-star experience, no matter if we’re talking about accommodation, restaurants, or adjacent hotel services, check out the list our experts have put together.
The Gleneagles Hotel – Perthshire
We’re kicking off the list of luxurious hotels with the absolute best, according to the opinions of thousands of guests, and after comparing it with other venues on the list. Choosing the Gleneagles for your stay means you’ll be enjoying 850 acres of pure bliss and services that would even satisfy royal blood. This elegant, grandiose, and imposing hotel reminds you of the Roaring Twenties’ exquisite period when it first opened its doors. The 205 rooms and 28 suites are simply magnificent, boasting huge drapes, large windows with mesmerizing views, free-standing bathtubs, and beds fit for kings and queens.
Feel free to pick any of the eight bars and restaurants in the venue, including the famous Century Bar with over 100 single malts listed on the menu. And if you’re all about a long list of outdoor activities, there’s no better hotel to stay at. You can enjoy a game of golf on any of the three championship courses, go horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, or archery. There’s a bellboy service available so you won’t have to worry about your luggage from the moment you arrive at the hotel. And the list of services is immense, from spa treatments to personal tailors and everything else in between.
A double room can be booked for £445 including breakfast but you will have to pay £3,000 if you want to enjoy the panoramic view across the Glendevon from the 153m² luxury Suite Royal Lochnagar. Following the Scottish Government’s restrictions due to Covid-19 the hotel is currently closed and is hoping to reopen on the 14th of March 2021.
Cliveden House – Maidenhead
If you’re looking for some kind of proof that this is a luxury hotel in the UK, it’s enough to know that Meghan Markle spent the night here before her wedding. What more could you wish for? Spending the night in a hotel that hosted the Duchess of Sussex herself before the wedding of the century should be enough to convince even the pickiest of luxury seekers. And there’s a lot more about Cliveden House that makes it one of the best destinations, if opulence and pure bliss are what you are looking for.
The building was erected by the Duke of Buckingham in 1666, and it was converted into a hotel in 1984, receiving frequent visits from the likes of Queen Victoria, Lord Astor, and the Prince of Wales himself. The 47 rooms it offers are furnished with antiques, deliver handmade beds, intricate wallpapers, original artworks, and palace-like drapes. If the rooms make you feel like royalty, the rest of the interior maintains the same feeling. The Great Hall comes with a massive fireplace, the lobby has a very high ceiling, while the Gothic Revival mahogany staircase will definitely steal your attention.
You can also enjoy the massive gardens of this 376-acre estate, the perfect spot for romantic walks and stunning views. After everything we listed here, it goes without saying that you get a full range of hotel-specific services. When staying at the Cliveden House, you can forget all about your bags. If you choose to have your luggage delivered to your hotel on the day of arrival, combined with their exceptional bellboy services will mean your bags will already be inside the hotel room when you set foot in it. You’re left with the only purpose of relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views and services. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the hotel is currently closed but is expected to reopen as soon as restrictions are lifted.
Claridge’s – London
We couldn’t possibly put together a list of the most luxurious hotels and leave London out of it. Luckily, the extensive renovation at Claridge’s (1856) ended just in time for it to be reviewed and earn its spot here. The service and décor here are so seamless that it truly contributes to what a luxury hotel should offer and the fact that it’s family friendly only makes it better.
Whether you’re staying here or just popping by for afternoon tea, this place is the stuff of legend. Glide through the huge rotating doors, across the entrance hall with a superb checkerboard pattern on the floor, and straight into the 1930’s atmosphere. A family room starts at £630 and their Deluxe Suite is available from £1,512 per night. The hotel is open with COVID-19 restrictions.
The services include a manned lift, 24/7 bellboy assistance, and even a complimentary gift upon your arrival. And since we’ve mentioned bellboy services, you’ll be able to take their signature bellboy teddy bear with you when you leave. Just drop by the gift shop, and your children will be thrilled to play with their new stuffed buddy.
