10 of Britain's best-value hotels
An indulgent night away in a hotel need not cost a fortune
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It's possible to spend a night in a decent hotel without losing sleep over the cost. Here, the Good Hotel Guide recommends a selection of Britain’s best hotels for value, from urban cool to rural warmth.
BROOKS, BRISTOL
A brilliant conversion of a 1960s office block, this contemporary B&B has the novel option of a stay in one of four sleek Airstream trailers on the AstroTurfed roof. A 20ft model proved perfect for a family of four. Down below, the bedrooms are compact, shipshape and Bristol fashion. The quietest overlook a Mediterranean-style courtyard. Breakfast is cooked for you in the open-plan kitchen while you help yourself from the buffet. B&B from £99 (01179 300 066, brooksguesthousebristol.com).
OLD RECTORY, BOSCASTLE, CORNWALL
The Victorian rectory where Thomas Hardy first met his future wife, Emma Gifford, has a lovely, cared-for air, with fresh flowers, comfy sofas, bedrooms decorated in cottage style. Outside there is an organic kitchen garden, ducks, hens, rare-breed pigs. The owners will cook dinner by arrangements, perhaps locally caught fish, with home-grown vegetables, served in the restored greenhouse. B&B £70–£110 (01840 250225, stjuliot.com).
CASTLEMAN, CHETTLE, DORSET
A former dower house in a beautiful, unspoilt setting, this restaurant-with-rooms has a homey, lived-in feel. The three biggest rooms have roll-top baths and substantial antique furniture. At dinner there are home-grown vegetables and herbs; fruit from the orchard, served in a delightful dining room. For breakfast there is fresh orange juice, home-baked bread, perfectly judged scrambled eggs. B&B £100–£115 (01258 830096, castlemanhotel.co.uk).
THE NOBODY INN, DODDISCOMBLEIGH, DEVON
To reach your bedroom at this beamed 17th-century pub, you pass through the characterful bar, which is comfy , old-fashioned, full of interest, with prints, clocks, guns, brasses, and, not least, a choice of 240 whiskies. The rooms are prettily decorated, with a welcoming decanter of sherry. The restaurant is smart, with changing seasonal menu of meat and fish dishes, pasta, risotto. Or eat in the large garden. B&B £75–£105 (01647 252394, nobodyinn.co.uk).
THISTLEYHAUGH FARM, LONGHORSLEY, NORTHUMBERLAND
This creeper-smothered Georgian farmhouse on the banks of the River Coquet, is at the heart of a working organic livestock farm. The pretty bedrooms have such thoughtful touches as fresh milk and home-made biscuits. All have paintings and antique pieces. Guests dine together at 7pm, after a glass of sherry in the lounge. Perhaps roast organic lamb. At breakfast there are Craster kippers as well as a full English. B&B from £100 (01665 570629, thistleyhaugh.co.uk).
THE NAG’S HEAD, PICKHILL, NORTH YORKSHIRE
An old favourite, this former coaching inn has been in the same ownership for more than 40 years. The atmosphere is homey, the welcome warm, the pub interior classic, bedrooms simple and quiet. You can eat in the restaurant or lounge bar, choosing seasonal dishes from a blackboard menu – perhaps a Barnsley chop or slow-cooked, rare-breed pork belly. Moors, dales and the A1(M) are within easy reach. B&B from £80 (01845 567391, nagsheadpickhill.co.uk).
THE BLACK SWAN, RAVENSTONEDALE, CUMBRIA
There are local ales and a warm welcome at this country pub in the Eden Valley. The characterful bedrooms – two on the ground floor, some in an annexe – are individually styled. Chickens roam the garden, which runs down to a stream. Walkers will love the countryside and do justice to the hearty cooking – maybe topside of Cumbrian lamb with Puy lentils; pan-fried sea bream with clams. B&B from £85 (015396 23204, blackswanhotel.com).
BEALACH HOUSE, DUROR, ARGYLL AND BUTE
A forestry track leads you to this remote and lovely guesthouse, a whitewashed former croft in a pretty garden where you might spot pine martens. Our readers report being greeted with tea and home-made flapjacks. Bedrooms are tasteful and immaculate. You can dine family style, and wake to a good cooked breakfast. B&B £90–£110, minimum two-night bookings July and Aug. No children under 14 (01631 740298, bealachhouse.co.uk).
GRASSHOPPERS, GLASGOW
From the street it looks unpromising, but take the lift to the top of former rail company offices, and you find a hip hotel with a bird’s eye view of the city and the glass roof of Central Station. On arrival you’re offered tea and cake. The bedrooms are individually styled, high ceiling, oak floor bathroom pod with power shower, nice extras such as fresh milk and mineral water. The kitchen is the hub of the place, where you can relax, eat a breakfast – and, from Monday to Thursday have supper based on produce from local delis. B&B £85–£125 (0141 222 2666, grasshoppersglasgow.com).
AEL Y BRYN, EGLWYSWRW, PEMBROKESHIRE
Robert Smith and Arwel Hughes are perfect hosts at this rural B&B with mature gardens and mountain views. Guests are made welcome with tea and home-baked cakes in the conservatory or lounge/music room. The great attention to detail impresses our readers, from the travel guides and information binder and tea things in the bedroom, to fresh flowers on the table at breakfast. Dinner can be served by arrangement in the beamed dining room. B&B £100–£130 (01239 891411, aelybrynpembrokeshire.co.uk).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments