Top Ten English Hotels and Spas

Zagat's England Choice from World's Best Hotels, Resorts and Spas

Jun 28, 2008

There are 66 of the best English hotels in the 2008/9 Zagat Guide to the World's Top Hotels, Resorts and Spas, rating 1400 great places to stay. Here's the Top Ten.

England's top hotels are spread across the country from Bedfordshire to York, from Cornwall to Cumbria, and of course lots in London. This is Zagat's list of the Top Ten out of the 66 best, judged by their overall ratings on Rooms, Service, Dining, and Facilities.

Gidleigh Park

The best overall rating of them all, well ahead of its nearest rivals. It has superb food and just 23 rooms, set in woodland on the banks of the North Teign River and surrounded by the wilds of the Dartmoor National Park.

Chewton Glen

Luxury hotel and spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, Chewton Glen also scores highly for its food, its spa, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course and its afternoon tea!

The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough in London's exclusive Knightsbridge district is a St Regis Hotel and scores best in Zagat's eyes for its impeccable service which one reviewer describes as "beyond belief". The rooms are filled with antiques but also have cutting-edge technology – a winning combination.

Cliveden House

Everyone from Queen Victoria to Christine Keeler, from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill have stayed in this historic country house hotel, hidden away in the Berkshire countryside.

Thornbury Castle

Yes, this is a real English castle, almost 500 years old, where Kings and Queens have stayed over the centuries. You can even book the Duke's Bedchamber, which Henry VIII shared with Anne Boleyn. Today there are holistic therapies and beauty treatments, extensive grounds and just 21 rooms and 4 deluxe suites.

Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

Luxury manor owned and run by superchef Raymond Blanc, which naturally scores well with Zagat for its food. It's had two Michelin stars for the last 22 years, amazing consistency.

Claridge's

In Mayfair you'll find one of London's best-known hotels, whose Zagat ratings show that it doesn't rest on its laurels. The opportunity to dine in the Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's Restaurant is reason enough to stay here by itself.

Sharrow Bay

The intimate Sharrow Bay (17 rooms, 7 suites) has been setting the standards in the English Lake District for years. In fact it claims to be the very first to use the words 'country house hotel'. Another claim to fame is that sticky toffee pudding was invented here, but the menu today earns it a Michelin star. No children under-13 allowed.

Gravetye Manor

This Elizabethan stone mansion has just 18 rooms, enabling guests to be pampered. There are lovely English gardens to walk in – not surprising as it was once owned by William Robinson, regarded as one of the greatest English gardeners of all time. Zagat rate it highly as one of the most romantic places to stay in England.

Four Seasons Canary Wharf

The Four Seasons in Park Lane rates highly too, but the Four Seasons Canary Wharf just has the edge if you want to stay out here in the new financial centre of London. It rates for its gym, its infinity pool that overlooks the Thames, and huge rooms with terrific views.

Practical Information

To find out Zagat's very personal ratings of the World's Top Hotels, Resorts and Spas, buy the 414-page book, which costs $15.95 in the USA, $17.95 in Canada, and £9.99 in the UK. More details on the Zagat website.

The copyright of the article Top Ten English Hotels and Spas in England Travel is owned by Mike Gerrard. Permission to republish Top Ten English Hotels and Spas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.