The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Five Best: UK Townhouse Hotels
Be at the heart of the action in these elegant buildings, says Rhiannon Batten
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.Lace Market Hotel, Nottingham
Lace Market Hotel, Nottingham
Nottingham was once home to a booming lace industry, but don't expect fussy filigree-edged furnishings inside the Lace Market Hotel. Set within a row of Georgian buildings opposite the city's old courthouse, the Lace Market is strictly contemporary, with dramatically styled rooms (plum and moss-coloured furnishings are offset with clean modern furniture and free-standing baths), well thought-out service and Posturepedic beds. Guests also have the use of the local Holmes Place health club, which was cleverly converted from an old railway station. More hedonistically minded guests can instead head straight to the bar or restaurant.
Lace Market Hotel, 29-31 High Pavement, Nottingham (0115 852 3232; www.lacemarkethotel.co.uk). Double rooms from £110, without breakfast
Hotel du Vin, Harrogate
The sexiest hotel in town, the Harrogate branch of the Hotel du Vin chain, is also one of the best. Taking up one of the majestic old buildings that overlook the town's central "stray", or park, there are no surprises here for fans of the concept. The softly lit rooms, each sponsored by a different wine producer, are comfortable, chic and understated, with luxurious but functional bathrooms and subtle sand and aubergine colour schemes. Downstairs is the sociable part, with a purple-hued billiard table and a grand metal-topped bar leading into a busy brasserie. The big question is whether standards will start to slip now that the chain has been sold.
Hotel du Vin, Prospect Place, Harrogate (01423 856800; www.hotelduvin.com). Double rooms start at £95, without breakfast
Jolyons, Cardiff
Only just opened but already featured in Condé Nast Traveller magazine, Jolyons is set to blossom following the opening of the city's Wales Millennium Centre. The six-room Georgian townhouse hotel is only a few paces away from the new arts venue, and is in the oldest terrace on Cardiff Bay. Unusually, all the rooms are non-smoking. Each boasts opulent furnishings, king-sized beds, wi-fi internet access and some also have views of the bay. Breakfasts are a speciality here, with a nice local twist on the standard fare. There's also a cosy bar, complete with a wood-burning stove.
Jolyons, 5 Bute Crescent, Cardiff Bay (02920 488775: www.jolyons.com). Double rooms from £85, with breakfast
Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden
In effect a country-house hotel masquerading as a townhouse, the aim behind Cotswold House is to provide relaxed, reassuring luxury. Rooms are decked out in stylish but not overly fashionable furnishings in muted shades of heather, green and taupe. All have huge beds, comforting cashmere blankets, "mounds" of pillows and satellite TVs, DVD and CD players. For entertainment there's a choice of two restaurants, sitting rooms stuffed with log fires and a well-stocked cocktail bar. And, if the weather's good, the garden boasts plenty of sunny terraces, or there's the pretty Cotswold town itself to wander around.
Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire (01386 840330; www.cotswoldhouse.com). Double rooms start at £175, including breakfast
The Cadogan, London
Recently revamped by hotel supremo Grace Leo-Andrieu (the artistic power behind the Hotels Lancaster and Montalembert in Paris), the Cadogan is back on the insider's map again. It once played host to the intrigues of both Lillie Langtry and Oscar Wilde (the former used to own the building, while the latter was arrested while staying there). These days, however, you're more likely to spot Hollywood film types and well-heeled authors discreetly disappearing into this late-Edwardian townhouse in the heart of Knightsbridge. Although Leo-Andrieu's trademark style, a kind of sophisticated East-West mix, has been put to good effect in the renovated bedrooms, more traditionally-minded guests can opt for one of the top floor's more country-house-style rooms.
The Cadogan, 75 Sloane Street, London SW1 (020-7235 7141; www.cadogan.com). Doubles start at £245 without breakfast
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments