The Westminster, London
A multimillion conversion has turned what was a nondescript London hotel into an affordable, chic base for city visits. The lobby is dotted with contemporary artworks, with rooms livened up by vibrantly coloured armchairs and sumptuously comfortable beds. Bao Yum on the ground floor is ideal for a quick pre-theatre or post-shopping bite, serving everything from cheeseburger or curry cauliflower to custard baos, salads, soup and breakfast. The hotel is a minute’s walk from the Thames, and nearby Pimlico station has fast tube connections to the West End.
Doubles from £190, hilton.com
The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
Good news for golfers – this classic hotel underwent a serious facelift during lockdown. Even for non-golfers, this is a gem of a place for a relaxing break (albeit a pricey one), with the only Kohler Waters Spa in the UK, glorious coastal walks along St Andrews West Sands Beach and horse-riding, fishing and sand-yachting all arrangeable by the hotel.
Doubles from £306 B&B, oldcoursehotel.co.uk
The Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge, Lake District
Idyllically situated right on the top of Windermere, the Swan opened its brand new Holte spa last month, including the region’s first spa garden, an outdoor Finnish sauna, naturally filtered pools and the Soul café, which focuses on ethically sourced dishes. Days spent walking or sailing end with dinners in the cosy Swan Inn or the elegant brasserie.
Doubles from £102 B&B, swanhotel.com
The Alice Hawthorn, Nun Monkton, near York
This much-loved village pub reinvented itself as one of the best places to stay in the area during lockdown, creating 12 rooms – four from the existing apartment above the bar, and eight new rooms in contemporary timber buildings, made from locally grown Douglas fir. Rooms are slick, with rainfall showers, high-thread-count linens and all the trappings of a boutique hotel – with a super-hearty breakfast thrown in.
Doubles from £120 B&B, thealicehawthorn.com
Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa, Rutland
With a new name, thorough facelift and slick new vibe, the Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa (previously the Barnsdale Hall) is emerging from its transformation, with the spectacular Main Hall due to be finished soon. Set across 65 acres, accommodation ranges from self-catering apartments and lodges to hotel rooms, all on the banks of Rutland Water. The new Blossoms Restaurant offers some of the region’s best dining, and a new spa is also under way. Dogs are welcome, kids have their own dinner menu, and tennis, crazy golf, squash and a pool are all on site.
Double rooms from £109, rutlandhall.co.uk
Fowey Hall, Cornwall
A family favourite by the coast, Fowey Hall has been undergoing a rolling programme of works over the past year, with revamped gardens, the addition of an outdoor pool and 24 new bedrooms. Perfect for children, there’s a recreation room with vintage-style arcade games, outdoor play areas, an indoor pool and flexible mealtimes.
Doubles from £185 B&B, foweyhallhotel.co.uk
White Hart Inn, Mersea Island, Essex
Set to open in late spring, the White Hart is currently undergoing a full refurb, with plans for six individually designed bedrooms, some with sea views. The restaurant will focus on local, seasonal ingredients with child-friendly options and plenty of fish and seafood, while beyond the Inn, Mersea offers wonderful beachy walks, fantastic sailing and some of the best oysters in the country.
Doubles from £175 B&B, whitehartinnmersea.co.uk
The Grosvenor, Stockbridge, Hampshire
Located on Stockbridge’s pretty high street, this Georgian hotel has undergone a change of ownership and a serious revamp, featuring bold colours throughout, including a hot pink bar, an alpine-themed alfresco dining area (La Hutte), a cottage and loft room, and a beautifully restored walled garden with a large decked terrace and outdoor bar. Families are welcomed, with adjoining rooms and cots provided, and spa treatments are available in the neatly converted Treatment Shed.
Doubles from £190 B&B, thegrosvenorstockbridge.com
Matfen Hall, Northumberland
Closed between November 2020 and May last year, Matfen Hall re-opened with its historic Great Hall, elegant bar and sweeping grounds restored to their original beauty. New bedrooms have emperor-sized beds, marble bathrooms and unfussy, country-house decor. There’s a pool, and foodies will find much to please, with three restaurants, including fine dining in the new Emerald restaurant and bistro classics served in the booths in Needham. Whichever you choose, an after-dinner snifter in the gloriously grand 1832 bar is the only way to end the night.
Doubles from £169 B&B; matfenhall.com
The Randolph Hotel, by Graduate Hotels, Oxford
Oxford’s grande dame got a much-needed facelift during lockdown, when American company Graduate Hotels swooped in with a palette of bold colours, vivid wallpapers and an ambience that keeps just on the right side of fun. The cosy Morse Bar, all polished wood-panelling and bottle-green walls, is ideal for a cocktail before dinner in the Alice – the hotel’s dining room – with rose-pink banquettes and glittering chandeliers. The location is unbeatable, breakfast is gluttonously good, and there’s a delightful, old-fashioned bustle – proving there’s plenty of life in the old girl yet.
Doubles from £166; graduatehotels.com
