From new-builds to classic properties given a revamp, the Business Traveller team has been around the country this year checking out some of the must-visit hotels.
A mix of budget, boutique and luxury, here’s what we found…
London
The Landmark
One of the capital’s grand railway hotels. A welcome update for the rooms plus sensitive improvement works to the other spaces have given the Landmark London a renewed sense of luxury in time for its 120th anniversary. Highly recommended. Read more
The Stratford
The Stratford is a striking design hotel both inside and out, with Nordic touches, nods to its Manhattan heritage, and stellar customer service. The sky gardens will be a stand-out feature in the summer months. A welcome luxury addition to the up-and-coming east London neighbourhood, set to blossom over the next few years. Read more
Z Hotel Covent Garden
Another excellent addition to the Z Hotels portfolio. They are great value for money with friendly service. Each evening there’s an hour or so of free wine and cheese offered. Read more
Hub by Premier Inn London City Bank
An ideal location for business travellers looking for access to the City of London. Rooms are compact, but are well equipped in terms of technology, a good shower and a comfortable bed. Read more
Staybridge Suites London – Heathrow Bath Road
A good addition to IHG’s rapidly growing portfolio of properties at Heathrow – there are now nine hotels in the vicinity of the airport under the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites brands. Suites are well equipped for long stays, and added facilities such as the laundry and locker rooms are welcome. Read more
Wilde Aparthotel by Staycity, Covent Garden
A good price for a quietly luxurious stay in central London. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and really add to the overall experience making this a welcoming home from home. Read more
Holmes Hotel
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes and / or Arthur Conan Doyle, this hotel is a treasure trove of artwork, memorabilia and clues that will keep you busy throughout your stay. Even if you’re not, Holmes Hotel London is a stylish, well thought out property, and an excellent choice if you’re looking to be based in the Marylebone district of the capital. Read more
One Aldwych
This is an excellent updating of One Aldwych while retaining the qualities that regulars liked about the hotel. It’s a top class luxury hotel, so if you want to treat yourself, this is a good place to start. Read more
Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment
This 14-storey new-build overlooking the River Thames is the ninth Crowne Plaza property in London. It is a great new addition to an area which still has few hotels, and benefits from a riverside location and rooftop bar and restaurant with an outdoor terrace. Read more
Lincoln Plaza London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lincoln Plaza is part of the Hilton group’s Curio Collection, a small, upscale brand. It’s a new-build and has an impressive food and drink offering and spacious rooms, as well as a subterranean meeting room complex, 18-metre pool and gym. Read more
Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Another new-build, this time on the south side of the Thames just next to Blackfriars Bridge. The hotel has gone big on design and art, guided by interior designer Dayna Lee. It is a very impressive property, with large, stylish rooms and fantastic soundproofing, technology and service. Read more
Vintry and Mercer
The hotel is tucked away at the end of the cobbled muse-like Garlick Hill. It will suit those looking for a boutique-style alternative to more run-of-the-mill business hotels in the City. Staff are friendly, rooms are luxurious and well equipped, and the Mercer Roof Terrace offers wonderful views and food. Read more
The Nadler Covent Garden
Nadler Hotels is a small, UK-based chain that prides itself on offering high-quality hotels in central locations, while reducing costs for itself and guests by not having a restaurant, event spaces or a gym. The rooms are very comfortable, staff are friendly and it’s walking distance from some of the main sights of the city. Just don’t expect breakfast. Read more
The Moorgate by Saco
The latest aparthotel from Saco has retained character from the original building yet has all the expected mod cons. If you are looking for a long stay right in the City of London, it can’t be beaten (you certainly won’t be late for work). The public areas and apartments have been furnished to a very high specification. Read more
The Dixon, Autograph Collection by Marriott
An addition to Marriott’s upscale Autograph Collection, this time in an impressively renovated magistrates’ court building near London Bridge. The design is a great example of what can be achieved within the strict rules imposed by the heritage authorities and also with some imagination, with lots of mementos of the court’s previous life. Rooms, meeting spaces and food and drink are all of a very high standard. Read more
The Chronicle by Supercity Aparthotels
The Chancery Lane location will suit plenty of nearby office workers. The surrounding area is busy, but the aparthotel feels tucked away and private. The kitchen/living space is well equipped and the property has two floors of meeting space and a gym. There is also a cafe/bar/restaurant called 26 Furnival Street in the same building. Read more
Treehouse London
Yes, it’s a bizarre brand, but this complete refurbishment of the St George’s Hotel just north of Oxford Circus is a really successful attempt to try something a little different from the cookie-cutter corporate hotel. It has the advantage of superb views, an excellent restaurant, an outstanding rooftop bar with terrace, and is very eco-friendly. Read more.
Out of London
Europa Belfast
Belfast’s best-known hotel, once known as the most-bombed hotel in the world. The Piano Lounge and Lobby Bar recently had a £500,000 refurb and are lovely places for a chilled midweek drink, or a more lively one at weekends. Staff are friendly and the location is ideal. Good for leisure or business. Read more
Native Glasgow
A very reasonably priced aparthotel with generous-sized apartments, a convenient location in the city centre and restaurants on your doorstep. Rooms feature vintage-style posters which pay homage to the building’s past as the Anchor Line Shipping Company’s headquarters. Read more
The University Arms, Cambridge
This is such a lovely hotel and so well executed and designed. It’s a new hotel behind a historic façade; a pleasure to experience from the inside and to look at from the outside. The contemporary elements fit perfectly with the historic associations of the property, and the warmth and professionalism of the staff make it a welcome addition to the Cambridge hotel scene. Read more
Staybridge Suites Manchester – Oxford Road
A memorable extended-stay property thanks to its gorgeous views, stylish design and welcoming staff. The rooms are lovely and well-equipped, and the lounge space is somewhere you’d actually enjoy hanging out on a longer trip. Next year the new-build is set to be taken over by Hyatt and converted to a Hyatt House – hopefully the charm will remain. Read more
Boulevard Hotel, Blackpool
The £12 million Boulevard Hotel opened in June this year on the edge of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, joining an existing hotel on the park, Big Blue. Staff are friendly and warm, rooms are luxurious and comfortable and the restaurant is excellent. Everything has been carefully considered and the business facilities are top-notch. Fun, practical and stylish in one package.
