Discover Britain’s new Michelin-starred hotels
14 properties have received the three-key accolade
We all know the Michelin-starred rankings for restaurants, but now there’s a new hotel rating system, as the renowned guide relaunches its hotel offerings. On October 1, The Michelin Guide revealed its brand new One, Two and Three Key ratings for the best hotels in the UK and Ireland.
They’ve judged them on five categories: architecture and interior design; service; personality and character; value for price, plus guest experience. To that end, they’ve awarded 14 three-key ratings, the highest approval they can give. Read on for the hotels they chose…
The Newt in Somerset
Close to Glastonbury in Somerset, The Newt has been winning awards as one of the UK’s best country retreats, since it launched in 2019. The popular boutique hotel is spread over the original house and farm buildings and has a beautiful spa with indoor pool.
Visit thenewtinsomerset.com
Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Another gorgeous country hotel with spa, is Lucknam Park in the Cotswolds. I visited it many years ago, sadly before its £15 million spa upgrade. Just outside of Bath, the 18th century manor house boutique hotel offers exquisite service and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Visit lucknampark.co.uk
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
The brainchild of Raymond Blanc, this exquisite country house hotel is all about its food, in its Michelin-starred restaurant, using ingredients grown in its huge kitchen gardens. I had the great fortune to stay here years ago, too, and have never forgotten it.
Visit belmond.com
Bvlgari Hotel London
Sadly, I have never had the great fortune, or bank account, to check into this uber-luxury hotel in Knightsbridge, with its sleek Italian interiors, spa and New York-style restaurant, but you never know…
Visit bulgarihotels.com
Claridge’s Hotel, London
From a gleaming new hotel, to a grand dame which regularly appears on the best hotels in the world lists – Claridge’s is still up there with the top destinations, thanks to its beautiful art deco interiors and famous afternoon tea, of which I have happily partaken.
Visit claridges.co.uk
Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, London
Another London hotel awarded three keys, is the Four Seasons at Park Lane. With its tasteful, sleek interiors, skyline spa and Michelin-restaurant, the Four Seasons always delivers.
Visit fourseasons.com
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Around the corner from Four Seasons, is Mandarin Oriental – a grand hotel with divine interiors, fantastic service and Michelin-starred restaurant. Don’t miss its stand-out spa – I spent a very enjoyable day there.
Visit mandarinoriental.com
Raffles London at the OWO, London
Another luxury London hotel I’ve had the pleasure of staying in – I’m realising my job’s not bad, as I write this – is Raffles. This enormous hotel is full of heritage and has a phenomenal spa. Check out my review, here.
Visit raffles.com
The Connaught, London
Claridge’s sister hotel, The Connaught, also always appears on the top hotels lists and this is no exception. With its more modern interiors, The Connaught, in Mayfair, is renowned for its service and has very loyal customers.
Visit the-connaught.co.uk
The Peninsula London
I was pleased to see The Peninsula on this list, as I rank it the best London hotel I have stayed in. The service and attention to detail were second to none and its fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant one everyone should visit if they can. See my review, here.
Visit peninsula.com
The Savoy, London
I was also delighted to see another grande dame of London make the list – The Savoy. The original London luxury hotel is still going strong, with its multiple restaurants, famous Savoy Grill and afternoon tea. If you’ve never been, pop into the bar.
Visit fairmont.com
Adare Manor, Ireland
Another hotel which tops the world’s best lists is the elegant manor house Adare Manor and Golf Club in Adare, Ireland. Surrounded by 840 acres of gardens and parklands, it has a magnificent spa and fine-dining restaurant.
Visit adaremanor.com
Ballyfin Demesne, Ireland
A second Irish gong goes to Ballyfin Demesne, a Regency hotel in the most spectacular location in 614 acres of parklands and woodlands, in Ballyfin. This boutique hotel is as close to living in a period drama, you can get.
Visit ballyfin.com
Gleneagles, Scotland
Last, but by no means least, is Gleneagles, which was always going to make this list. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the Riviera in the Highlands is the last word in luxury and service and whether you golf or spa, it’s an unforgettable stay.
Visit gleneagles.com