Bigger does not always mean better, and that is certainly the case when it comes to boutique hotels. Thoughtfully decorated, with mismatched antique furniture, bold colour schemes or retro floral patterns these are top-notch small boutique hotels in the UK with less than 50 rooms.
24 Royal Terrace Hotel, Edinburgh
What do you do when you run out of space for your contemporary art? Why, you buy the most beautiful 19th century townhouse, modernise it and turn it in to a hotel, of course! That’s exactly what the folks over at 24 Royal Terrace have done, so you can now share in their enjoyment of an ever-changing art collection. Besides plenty of curated pieces for your eyes to feast on, Edinburgh’s newest boutique hotel offers 16 rooms that come in different sizes and shapes, all meticulously restored and decorated. For entertainment there is a fancy bar serving food and drinks, including a mean full Scottish breakfast. The guests’ technology needs haven’t been forgotten either, so you can expect high speed Wi-Fi everywhere and USB charging points pretty much all over the place.
Double Room from £162 inc. Wi-Fi and a light breakfast. Book the 24 Royal Terrace Hotel.
Kings Head, Cirencester
The Kings Head is a historic hotel located in the heart of Cirencester, and recently re-opened as a chic boutique hotel with 45 bedrooms, a modern restaurant and a unique Spa. King Charles II, whose portrait hangs on the wall of the lounge area, was a former guest. The rooms, ranging from classic to feature and indulgent suites ( the largest of all rooms), offer a unique mix of the old and the contemporary, with exposed beams and brickwork; while some feature Lewis & Wood wallpapers depicting local scenes of country life. The unique Vaulted Spa offers a steam room, sauna, experience shower and hot tub, as well as signature treatments, rituals and products. The restaurant offers an all day dining option, serving the very best of modern British food as well as an exceptional wine list.
Double Room from £105 including breakfast and Wi-Fi. Book the Kings Head Hotel.
The Portobello Hotel, London
One of London’s most well-known hotels, The Portobello was founded in 1971 and ever since has been THE place for those in the know from the world of music, show business and fashion. Located on a quiet street in Notting Hill, only a short walk from the famous Portobello market, the hotel is housed in two converted neo-classical mansions. The 21 bedrooms, all individually designed, range from the smaller attic rooms decorated in beautiful colours, to the bigger and more luxurious suites with four poster beds and Victorian baths. One of the hotel’s many celebrity stories involves room No. 16, where Kate Moss and Johnny Deep, reportedly filled up the Victorian bath with champagne! Other famous guests over the years included Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Van Morrison and Damon Albarn (who worked as a barman in 1988).
Double Room from £175 including breakfast and Wi-Fi. Book The Portobello Hotel.
Master Builder’s House, New Forest
Located in one of the most stunning locations on the South Coast of England, the Master Builder’s is a unique historic hotel at the heart of the New Forest. Boasting spectacular views over the Beaulieu River, the hotel was the former house of Henry Adams, a Master shipbuilder in the 18th century. Some of Nelson’s warships were built here, with the Agamemnon, Euryalus and Swiftsure all going on to fight at Trafalgar. The hotel’s 26 rooms are named after some of Mr. Adams’ work, and range from standard contemporary rooms, to quirky chic and luxury rooms with designer interiors, warm colours, original features and 4 poster beds. There are vintage common rooms with wood beamed-ceilings and antique fireplaces, a yachtsman’s bar, and an elegant restaurant with patio dining overlooking the Beaulieu River.
Double Room from £140 inc. Full English breakfast. Book the Master Builder’s House.
The Old Rectory, Norwich
Privately owned and managed, this countryside gem boasts only 8 rooms and is housed in a Grade II listed creeper-clad Georgian rectory with a Victorian coach house, in Thorpe St Andrew, a small town and suburb of Norwich. The bedrooms at the Old Rectory vary in both size and character: those in the main building being the more spacious, some featuring a fireplace; and those in the coach house displaying exposed wooden beams. All guestrooms come with a selection of reading books, a complimentary hospitality tray, modern bathrooms, warm bathrobes and free high-speed Wi-Fi. The award winning restaurant is a destination in itself, and is open to both resident and non-resident guests alike. This elegant Georgian-panelled, candlelit Dining Room seats a maximum of only 16 guests and looks out onto the south lawn and gardens.
Double Room from £135 including breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Book The Old Rectory.
The Olde Bell, Berkshire
An 11th century former coaching inn, The Olde Bell is a boutique style re-invention of the traditional country inn, providing guests with fine eating, drinking and lodging. Located in the pretty village of Hurley, the Olde Bell is comprised of five separate buildings, of varied character and vintage, lovely gardens, an acclaimed restaurant and 48 stylish guestrooms. Rooms in the Main Inn and Malt House offer you the most character, with wonky wooded beams, clawfoot baths, huge comfortable beds and décor by acclaimed interior designer Ilse Crawford. The inn’s own inviting restaurant is also charmingly decorated, mixing old and quirky with sudden flashes of modernity. Recently awarded with 2 AA Rosettes, the menu offers a combination of simple, rustic Modern British dishes. Most of the vegetables are grown in the hotel’s own garden, and the bread is baked on site.
Standard Double Room from £89. Book The Olde Bell Hotel.
Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax
This 17th century country inn is a true hidden gem in West Yorkshire. Located a little off the beaten track, in the Shibden Valley outside Halifax, the Shibden Mill has an award-winning pub at its heart. There are 11 imaginatively styled bedrooms, of various sizes, some with archways and soaring ceilings. The design aims to keep the feel of the antique country inn, with exposed beams and stonework, and an eclectic mix of furniture. But despite the rustic feel, all the touchstones are here: free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, good size work desks and large bathtubs with shower. As for the pub, the Shibden Mill trumpets its use of local produce, and actually grows its own vegetables and herbs. Choose from a selection of traditional pub fare or the high-end dining which has won this place its well deserved foodie reputation.
Double Room from £100 including breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi. Book the Shibden Mill Inn.
Stanton Manor, Chippenham
Stanton Manor is an independent boutique hotel and restaurant near Chippenham in Wiltshire, at the southern edge of the Cotswolds. The manor itself is set in beautiful grounds, which include an orchard and picturesque rose garden with a fountain – the perfect backdrop for a romantic afternoon. The hotel offers 23 en-suite bedrooms, in different combinations of size and style, mixing heritage with a modern approach. The larger deluxe rooms are all individually designed; some include large four poster beds and a private patio. Private dining is also somewhat of a speciality at the manor house, being this a popular venue for weddings. With exquisite local, seasonal produce and an experienced chef, guests can rest assured delicious menus will be created to ensure a truly unique dining experience.
Double Room from £80 including free Wi-Fi and parking. Book the Stanton Manor.
Corriegour Lodge Hotel, Fort William
A former Victorian hunting lodge, Corriegour Lodge sits high above Loch Lochy, amidst the glorious splendour of the Scottish Highlands, near the town of Fort William. Complete with its own private lochside beach and jetty, a fishing boat and the services of a private fishing school at your disposal; this quirky hotel is the perfect choice for keen anglers, as well as walkers, hikers and aspiring sailors. Each of the 10 en-suite rooms are individually styled, and feature all the modern amenities you could think of, including free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, work desk, tea and coffee making facilities. There is also an award winning restaurant on-site. But aside from facilities, this privately owned hotel is also instilled with the spirit of true Highland hospitality, making your stay here just that tiny bit more special.
Double Room from £169. Book Corriegour Lodge Hotel.
Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon
Dating as far back as 1522, the Black Boy Inn is one of the oldest pubs in North Wales and one of the most atmospheric, located within Caernarfon’s historic town walls. Complete with roaring open fires, original wood panelling, low ceilings, narrow staircases and thick wooden beams, the Inn offers 26 characterful rooms and 8 suites, an award winning pub and restaurant, and a children’s playground. While most of the rooms are located in the main building, the modern junior suites, featuring a kitchenette, are located on a separate building. All of the en-suite rooms, however, retain the unique character and feel of the Black Boy Inn, by using local, traditional building materials, handmade furniture and quality fittings. The restaurant and pub serves good real cask ales and bitters, and hearty meals with local fresh produce.
Double Room from £81 including breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Book the Black Boy Inn.
