When it comes to living the high life, luxurious hotel stays are part and parcel, and the UK is blessed with some of the very finest in the world. From glitzy city hotels to opulent countryside manors, there is something for everyone, each promising to deliver the earth for your next weekend getaway.
If you’re looking for a truly decadent break this autumn, then only the finest will do – but with luxury suites at some of the UK’s very best hotels setting you back upwards of several thousand pounds a night, it’s not for the faint hearted, so be prepared to splash the cash. We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels and most expensive suites in the country – so get your platinum card at the ready or be sure to buy lottery tickets this week, as it’s going to be a big spend.
Mandarin Oriental, London
One of the capital’s most iconic and celebrated five-star hotels, the Mandarin Oriental is about as lavish as it gets – especially if you opt to stay in the opulent Royal Suite, which will set you back an eye-watering £18,000 per night.
Having recently undergone a multi-million-pound renovation, the hotel is temporary closed – but when it re-opens, guests are set to be wowed by the hotel’s luxurious interior design, world class restaurants and stunning spa once again. The Royal Suite features a whopping three en suite bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room for 10 guests – making it a great choice for larger groups for whom only the lap of luxury will do. Enjoying fabulous views over Hyde Park, this elegantly furnished space boasts a large balcony running the full length of the suite, as well as its own private steam room, fully equipped kitchen, and a dining room to seat all ten guests.
Shangri-La at The Shard, London
Located in London’s iconic Shard, few hotels offer city views quite as breath-taking as the Shangri-La. Taking over the 34th-52nd floors and overlooking the nearby Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Globe Theatre and St. Paul’s Cathedral, guests are treated to a special vantage point that is second to none – and all whilst enjoying the utmost in luxury.
The exquisite Shangri-La Suite is the crème de la crème, offering a lavish en suite bathroom and dressing room, with a dining area, office space, guest washroom and kitchenette. In one of the largest suites in the capital, guests are treated to heated floors, a jacuzzi bath and plush bathrobes, with the specially made Shangri-La bed – which comes complete with 1,000 thread count cotton Frette linen – takes centre stage, promising the most comfortable night’s sleep of your life. You get what you pay for, and at around £14,000 a night, the Shangri-La Suite certainly doesn’t come cheap.
Claridges, London
Offering five-star luxury in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair, Claridges is another of the capital’s most iconic hotels, open since the 1850s and synonymous with the finer things in life. Timelessly elegant, here you will receive impeccable service through every phase of your stay – and more will more than likely find yourself mesmerised by the alluring fusion of glamour, history and elegance.
Blending innovation with the traditions of the past, this art deco icon certainly doesn’t do things by halves, and the spectacular Royal Suite is truly the pièce de résistance. Enter via its striking red reception hall, and you’ll immediately find yourself transported to the grandeur of the Victorian Age. Boasting two bedrooms, a dining room for ten, and a selection of beautiful 19th Century French architectural prints, it’s the grand piano – formerly owned by Richard D’Oyly Carte – which really steals the show, and stands in the drawing room, ready to be played.
If you want to stay here, be prepared to part with your hard-earned cash – the Royal Suite will set you back over £8,000 a night.
The Royal Crescent, Bath
The perfect base from which to explore the beautiful and historic city of Bath, the Royal Crescent is a five-star haven of elegance and tranquillity just a few minutes’ walk from the centre. Guests can enjoy sweeping views over the Royal Crescent gardens, with rooms decked out in opulent Georgian décor – each with its own luxurious four-poster bed.
Master bedrooms are light and spacious, and are located in both the main mansion and the coach houses, just across the lawns. Providing a luxurious living space and bedroom area, they come complete with opulent bathtubs and some of the best views in the hotel, with a host of high-end toiletries to choose from, and free spa treatments thrown in for good measure.
Be prepared to pay over £1,100 a night for the Master Suite if you’re travelling in November.
Gidleigh Park, Devon
Set in 107 acres of gardens and woodland, the stunning Gidleigh Park Hotel is a tranquil moorland haven set in the heart of Dartmoor in Devon and boasting a two Michelin Star restaurant within. Having retained its superior status for an impressive 15 years, it’s a great destination for foodies, and with 24 magnificent guest rooms and suites that are fit for royalty, guests staying here will want for nothing.
Dartmeet, the hotel’s decadent spa suite, even features its very own steam room, sauna and statement bath, where you can soak away the stresses and strains of recent days whilst overlooking breath-taking views of Dartmoor. Designed to provide the most luxurious individual spa experience, there’s no better room for a truly restorative and relaxing stay, and guests can enjoy complimentary spring water from the Gidleigh estate, L’Occitane skincare and bath lotions, slippers, bathrobes and a luxurious Vispring bed.
A Friday night in November will cost you just shy of £1,000.
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
Offering five-star luxury accommodation within easy reach of Heathrow airport, Stoke Park is set in an impressive 18th Century mansion, standing proud amongst 300-acres of sprawling green grounds. Also doubling as an exclusive private country club, facilities include a lavish spa, tennis courts and a championship golf course, with exceptional dining in the hotel restaurant, Humphry’s, which has award-winning Executive Head Chef Chris Wheeler at the helm.
For the most opulent of rooms, opt for the main house – décor and furnishings have a regal feel and give a truly opulent touch – but expect to pay around £1,000 a night for a Master Suite.
