What luxury looks like, inside luxury hotels

What luxury looks like, inside luxury hotels

As industry leaders, we know a thing or two about delivering the finest hotel experiences. To help you find and enjoy the very best luxury weekend breaks in the UK, we’ve put together a guide to what to look for in a luxury hotel. We’ve also highlighted a few of our favourites that tick all the ‘luxury’ boxes.

Sumptuous accommodation

The first thing to expect at a luxury hotel is sumptuous accommodation. From comfortable king-sized beds swathed in luxurious cotton sheets and flat-screen televisions to plush furnishings and lovely views, your room will be at the heart of your luxury weekend away. Luxury hotels also often feature extra touches, such as a bottle of wine in your room on arrival or a nice fluffy robe you can slip into. Overall, the finest venues understand that your weekend away starts with the highest quality accommodation.

Sample the luxury hotel experience

Five-star Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa in Climping, West Sussex features 39 beautiful rooms, each individually furnished to a high standard, complete with antiques and art. Selected rooms include four-poster beds for that extra-special luxury romantic weekend away. Find out more and book.

Michelin-starred or AA rosette-awarded dining

What sets many luxury hotels apart from the rest is the quality of dining. This extends to the surroundings, as well as the cuisine. The finest hotels recruit talented head chefs who create menus filled with delectable dishes that feature locally sourced ingredients and cater to different tastes. On a luxury weekend break, you want each meal to be an occasion to savour, whether it’s a hearty full English breakfast, elegant afternoon tea or a romantic evening meal paired with the perfect bottle of wine selected by a knowledgeable sommelier. One way to know your hotel of choice goes the extra mile to bring you the finest dining is the award of one or more Michelin stars or AA rosettes.

Sample the luxury hotel experience

The Midland Hotel in Manchester city centre is home to Adam Reid at The French, a first-class restaurant that features British cuisine with a modern twist, served in an opulent Grade II listed dining room. The restaurant has been awarded no less than 4 AA rosettes. It’s the perfect place to celebrate that special occasion. Find out more and book.

First-rate amenities and facilities

Outside of fine accommodation and dining, luxury hotels provide a range of amenities, facilities and services for guests to enjoy. Common amenities include luxurious toiletries in the bathroom, room service, and free wireless internet throughout the property. Many four- and five-star properties go beyond the basics to include such services as dry cleaning and on-site hair and beauty services. Some also feature fantastic facilities, such as golf courses, indoor heated swimming pools and luxurious spas with thermal and fitness suites.

Sample the luxury hotel experience

Rudding Park in Harrogate, North Yorkshire offers guests plenty of excellent amenities, facilities and services, all designed to cater to your every need. As well as the well-equipped guest rooms and extensive spa facilities, including a juniper log sauna and Rhassoul mud chamber, you can find two golf courses, a driving range, a hair and beauty studio and even an on-site cinema. Find out more and book.

Personal service

The finest venues treat guests as individuals and strive to offer each and every one the five-star treatment. This doesn’t mean overbearing and intrusive attention; it means understated attentiveness. For example, some luxury properties have a concierge on staff who can help you to arrange a romantic surprise or get you tickets to a show. Other hotels will have a ratio of staff-to-guests that ensures you don’t have to wait to be seen at reception or get served a drink in the lounge. You may also find a doorman to greet you each day and porters who offer to help you with your luggage, without being asked.

Sample the luxury hotel experience

The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa in Bath is a five-star luxury property that prides itself on its customer service. There is a professional concierge team to ensure your stay goes without a hitch, as well as valet parking services and porterage. Overall, it offers the understated attentiveness that you would expect of a luxury hotel. Find out more and book.

Superb surroundings

Finally, luxury hotels are often found in the best surroundings, from the heart of the city to the depths of the beautiful rolling countryside. As well as enjoying all the hotel has to offer, you can spend your weekend away soaking up the ambience, whether that means heading out for a night on the town or taking a leisurely drive through spectacular countryside and ending up by a roaring fire in a quaint village pub. Many luxury properties are housed in grand stately homes and estates, offering modern conveniences along with all the charm of the original building and its grounds.

Sample the luxury hotel experience

For a luxury hotel with the ‘wow’ factor, it’s hard to beat Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa in Keswick, Cumbria. Located on the edge of stunning Bassenthwaite Lake in the picture-perfect Lake District, this wonderful property promises charm, elegance and a calming ambience, inside and out. Find out more and book.

Additional luxurious hotels we love

At SpaSeekers, we pride ourselves on bringing you two things: luxury and choice. So, here are a few more of our favourite five-star luxury spa hotels and overnight spa packages that promise an extra special weekend (or even weekday) escape.

The Baglioni Hotel is a wonderful luxury hotel in London that enjoys a prime position in upmarket Kensington. The hotel is across the road from Kensington Gardens, as well as being close to Knightsbridge, Kensington High Street and excellent transport links. The 1 Night Break in a Junior Suite Courtyard package simply offers overnight accommodation in a spacious junior suite and breakfast, so you can indulge in five-star London luxury as part of your city escape. Book now.

Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa in West Sussex is a stunning rural luxury property that is within easy reach of London yet offers the ultimate tranquil escape. You can explore 120 acres of manicured gardens, relax in the well-appointed guest rooms, savour fine dining and, of course, experience the finest spa indulgence. The 1 Night Sunday Spa Break package offers a taste of luxury, with overnight accommodation, an evening meal, cooked breakfast and limited spa access. Book now.

Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House in Hertfordshire is a luxury spa hotel housed in a lovely Georgian building and set in 12 acres of beautiful countryside, making it the perfect setting for an anytime escape. While the venue offers superb accommodation and dining, what sets it apart is the level of facilities on offer. Depending on the package chosen, guests can enjoy access to the Cottonmill facilities and The Club at Cottonmill, a private members’ area. Enjoy all the venue has to offer on the 1 Night Midweek Countryside Classic at The Club at Cottonmill, which includes accommodation, dining, a 60-minute spa treatment and access to all the leisure facilities. Book now.

Looking for even more luxury? You can browse our full range of amazing luxury UK hotels here.