10 hottest hotel launches for 2023
My pick of the best new hotels opening this year around the UK
What credit crunch? There’s another bumper year of hotels opening around Britain. Here’s my top 10 to put on your wish-list:
1. Raffles London at the OWO
There are so many super-luxury hotels opening in London, I’ll write about more, soon. One of the most anticipated, is Raffles London at the Old War Office, where everyone from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming worked. The heritage building is being transformed into 120 bedrooms, spa, wellness centre and multiple restaurants, overseen by Michelin starred chef, Mauro Colagreco. It will have a rooftop restaurant and bar with spectacular views of Buckingham Palace, making it the place to be for the coronation. Opening in spring, visit Raffles.com
2. W Hotel, Edinburgh
One hotel which is going to change the Edinburgh skyline is the W. This amazing circular building by Jestico + Whiles will have 12 storeys, an Extreme Wow Suite, rooftop restaurant and bar, as well as a spa. Opening in winter, I can’t wait. For more, visit stjamesquarter.com
3. The Hobson, Cambridge
I’ve been meaning to take my daughters to Cambridge, the university city near my home town and The Hobson will be top of my accommodation list. Housed in a former Victorian police station, the 56 suites come with mini-kitchens and luxury bathrooms, but an emphasis on going out for meals. Opening in the summer, visit thehobsonhotel.com
4. The Peninsula London
Another of London’s imminent luxe hotel launches comes in the form of The Peninsula, which overlooks Hyde Park Corner. The first British hotel for the luxury chain will have 190 rooms, rooftop restaurant, Peninsula Spa and designer shopping arcade. For more, visit peninsula.com
5. 100 Princes St, Edinburgh
Another exciting hotel coming to Edinburgh, is 100 Princes St. This Red Carnation hotel is turning the former Overseas League HQ into a must-stay location. Inspired by Alexander McQueen, the interiors reference local tartan and crafts and the 30-room hotel has great views of Edinburgh Castle, an “Explorers’ Club” and whiskey wall. Opening in August, for more, visit 100princes-street.com.
6. Art O’tel, Battersea
Stay tuned for a review of this hot new hotel, part of the dazzling redevelopment of Battersea Power Station. Launching next month, this fabulous 164-bedroom hotel is within the new Battersea Roof Gardens, designed by Foster + Partners, with art-inspired vibrant interiors by Jaime Hayon. Its rooftop bar and infinity pool will make it the place to be seen. For more, visit artotellondonbattersea.com
7. Mollie’s, Manchester
Manchester is continuing its evolution, with the iconic former Granada studios turning into a hip new entertainment hub containing a branch of Soho House and Mollie’s diner-hotel. The 130-room motel will have Conran furniture, wooden-panelled walls and luxury bathrooms with Cowshed products. Opening later this year, visit mollies.com/manchester
8. The Mole Resort, Devon
June sees 125-acre resort The Mole open in Devon. Consisting of luxury eco-lodges, cottages and heritage hotel, it promising something for everyone, with swimming, fitness classes, golf, tennis and fishing. From the group behind Chewton Glen and Cliveden, I have high expectations. For more information visit, themoleresort.co.uk
9. Boys Hall, Kent
Just around the corner from me, comes the new country manor getaway, Boys Hall, near Ashford, Kent. A top pick from Conde Nast Traveller, the 17th-century Jacobean manor house has 10 bedrooms, restaurant, pub and terrace, with sumptuous interiors. Wine buffs will appreciate the enormous wine cellar. I’ll have to head over and check it out soon. Visit boys-hall.com
10. Municipal, Liverpool
The city-centre heritage Municipal Buildings in Liverpool are currently being transformed into a luxury hotel from Accor. The 179-room hotel will also have a spa and pool, restaurant and beautiful atrium. Scheduled for later this year, I wonder if it will open in time for the Eurovision Song Contest in May. Visit russellwbho.co.uk
The British Travel List is the sister newsletter to The Royal List. It is a weekly guide to my favourite places to visit and stay around the country. I am an experienced travel and lifestyle journalist and am passionate about British travel. For more of my work, visit kerryparnell.com