With all the talk of pent-up travel demand, Great Britain is getting ready to welcome those vacation-hungry travelers with an array of recent openings and soon-to-debut properties (keep in mind, many of the properties that recently opened have had to temporarily close due to COVID restrictions). We’ve handpicked a sprinkling of hotels that pique our interest, and which we think are ideal recommendations for your clients for when borders open and travelers are ready to travel again.
This past December saw the opening of the 249-room Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. This ultra-stylish brand has opened its newest property in the heart of Marylebone, and it comes with a Nobu restaurant, because what’s a Nobu property without their flagship restaurant, as well as palatial suites—of course—and cozy modern rooms. Each accommodation is inspired by the elegant English garden within Portman Square and features an abundance of natural materials. london-portman.nobuhotels.com
Also seeing its debut in London this past December was the Mayfair Townhouse, the latest property from the Iconic Luxury Hotels group (which also runs Chewton Glen, The Lygon Arms, Cliveden). Situated near London’s Green Park, this new hotel in Britain offers 172 rooms and suites (including two Penthouse Suites and Garden Suites), The Dandy Bar, and a private gym. themayfairtownhouse.com
Take a detour over to Cornwall to feast your eyes on one of the destination’s most historic houses dating back to the 15th century—it’s been converted into the newly opened The PIG at Harlyn Bay. As with the other PIGS properties throughout Britain, the kitchen garden and restaurant are at its heart, and anything that can’t be home-grown will be sourced from the best producers within a 25-mile radius. The coastal views can’t be beat, and the location is perfect for those who plan to enjoy the soon-to-be complete England Coast Path—the longest continuous walking path in the world. The accommodations are an eclectic bunch—from Extremely Small Room to Lookout Rooms and even four romantic Garden Wagons tucked away around the gardens with views out across the fields. thepighotel.com/at-harlyn-bay
Also in Cornwall, the Bodmin Jail Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel that has retained and enhanced the unique atmosphere and sense of history that exists in the jail ruins. Holdings that date back to the 18th century were used to create 70 spacious bedrooms with three cells to a room in the original civil, naval and women’s wings. There are two onsite restaurants—The Chapel Restaurant located in the jail’s old chapel; and the Jolly Hangman Tavern. The best part of staying at this property is the quick access to the adjoining attraction, Bodmin Jail, an immersive visitor experience that includes a Dark Walk experience through the historic buildings. bodminjailhotel.com
Your clients can now make the famous walls of England’s Bamburgh Castle their home with a stay at The Clock Tower, an apartment built into the 13th century tower. Offering striking views over some of Northumberland’s most resplendent coastal landscape and exclusive access to the castle grounds, as well as the state rooms when the castle is open, the quirky 3-bedroom accommodation features a delightful mix of antique furniture, stylish heritage decor and the latest modern appliances. crabtreeandcrabtree.com/properties/the-clock-tower-at-bamburgh-castle
In Derbyshire, meanwhile, Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel—a Grade I-listed architectural masterpiece in Buxton, England—has reopened as a luxury five-star 80-room hotel and spa. Buxton has been a spa destination since Roman times, and in this historic setting Buxton Crescent offers traditional hydrotherapy, luxury spa treatments, lifestyle programs and healthy cuisine. ensanahotels.com/buxton/en
This spring will mark the opening of The Harper in North Norfolk, England. Featuring 32 rooms, a spa, and top-notch cuisine using the best local ingredients from land and sea, The Harper offers and a contemporary country escape in one of England’s most evocative yet undiscovered corners. theharper.co.uk
School-house chic is coming to Great Britain with new Graduate Hotels openings in the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge. Inspired by the culture and creativity of Cambridge University and its world-renowned former alumni, the 148-room Graduate Cambridge will be nestled on the banks of the tranquil River Cam and will feature a stylish restaurant in addition to Poindexter, the hotel group’s cozy cafe and dining chain. The 151-room Graduate Oxford will incorporate bold colors and textures inspired by Oxford’s rich history and artistry, and will provide an ideal base from which to discover the City of Dreaming Spires. graduatehotels.com
In Scotland, there are two soon-to-open hotels that caught our eye. The 214-room W Edinburgh will feature a rooftop bar and terrace for 360-degree views of the historic skyline. The Red Carnation Hotel Group, meanwhile, will open its first property in Scotland—the 30-room 100 Princess Street, on one of the destination’s most renowned streets and with uninterrupted views of stunning Edinburgh Castle. The hotel is set to open this September after being renovated with meticulous care and attention to the listed building’s interior, embracing the property’s history and heritage, and using the finest local artisans and suppliers. redcarnationhotels.com/our-hotels/edinburgh/100-princes-street
