Looking for a place to stay in the United Kingdom? Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge, finding the right accommodation can make or break your trip. The UK has a wide variety of options for every type of traveler, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice.
Budget Stays: Hostels and Budget Hotels
If you’re a budget traveler, the UK has plenty of affordable choices. Hostels are a popular option and many have significantly improved over the years, offering private rooms, family rooms, and even female-only dorms.
Hostels
Many hostels in the UK are modern, clean, and well-located. Popular hostel chains like YHA (Youth Hostel Association) and Generator Hostels are a great start. YHA has properties across the country in cities and rural areas, with prices starting from around £20-30 per night.
In London, stay at St. Christopher’s Inn which has branches in popular boroughs like Camden and London Bridge. These hostels offer not only dorms but private rooms, usually with an active bar or hangout spaces. Prices for dorms in London typically start at £25 per night.
For something quieter and more remote, check out SYHA Hostels in Scotland. These hostels offer accommodations in beautiful countryside locations like Glencoe or the Isle of Skye.
Budget Hotels
If you’re looking for private rooms on a budget but aren’t keen on a hostel, look into budget hotel chains like Travelodge and Premier Inn. Both are found in almost every major UK town and city. Rooms typically start around £40-50 per night, offering good value with no frills but a comfortable stay. Try booking in advance for the best prices, especially in popular tourist spots like Bath or York.
Mid-Range Accommodation: Boutique Hotels and Independent B&Bs
If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable but don’t want to splurge on a luxury hotel, the UK has some fantastic mid-range options. This is where you’ll find charming boutique hotels and cozy B&Bs (bed and breakfasts).
Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels in the UK offer a blend of comfort and style without the sky-high prices. You’ll find many of these in cities like Edinburgh, London, and Manchester. Most offer personalized service, bespoke rooms, and fantastic locations.
For example, The Z Hotels chain is a popular choice in many cities like Liverpool, Glasgow, and London. Rooms are small but cleverly designed, starting from around £60-80 per night. They’re typically located in central city spots, perfect for exploring.
Another great option is The Hoxton chain, offering stylish rooms in London, Glasgow, and other cities from around £100 per night. This chain is known for its chic, minimalist decor and good nightlife advice from the staff.
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
B&Bs are a very British way to experience the country. They offer not just a cozy place to sleep but a home-cooked breakfast each morning, and the chance to chat with friendly hosts. Prices typically range from £50-100 per night depending on location and season.
In the Lake District, check out Lynwood Guest House for rooms starting around £75, or The Grey Walls Hotel, both offering stunning views and hearty English breakfasts. In rural areas, B&Bs often provide a more personal, local touch to your stay that you won’t find in large hotels.
Luxury Stays: High-End Hotels
If you’re ready to splurge, the UK is home to some of the world’s top luxury hotels. From historic castles to ultra-modern experiences, you’ll find high-end stays across the country. These hotels are known for their attention to detail, world-class dining, and luxurious amenities.
Iconic Hotels
The big-name hotels in the UK’s major cities are legendary. In London, Claridge’s in Mayfair is one of the finest hotels in the world, with rooms starting from around £700 per night. It’s a favorite for those seeking luxury, celebrity spotting, and exceptional service.
The Savoy and The Ritz are also top-tier hotel experiences in London; both offer beautiful rooms from around £600 per night and top-notch services, including world-class dining and elegant interiors.
Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel is another iconic property. Located at the end of Princes Street, it’s known for its luxurious rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant. Prices start around £400 per night.
Luxury Country Escapes
If you’d rather escape the city, the UK boasts many luxurious country estates and castles. You can rent a 16th-century manor house or stay in an estate-turned-hotel.
In the Cotswolds, The Dormy House Hotel offers a serene experience with spa facilities and rooms starting from £300 per night. Or consider the exclusive Cliveden House in Berkshire, where rooms start at £500 per night, and the property is set in 376 acres of National Trust gardens.
Unique Stays: Quirky and Alternative Accommodations
For something a bit different, the UK also offers plenty of quirky places to stay, whether it’s a converted lighthouse, a treehouse, or a penthouse in a city center.
Treehouses and Glamping
For nature lovers, why not stay in a treehouse? Treehouses are becoming more popular in places like the New Forest and mid-Wales. Check out Living Room Treehouses in Snowdonia, where a night under the stars will cost you around £150-200 per night.
Glamping (glamorous camping) is also a rising trend, and you can find everything from yurts to eco-pods across the UK. Canopy & Stars is a great website to find these options. Prices can range from £70 for a cozy pod to £200 for a luxury yurt with all the mod-cons.
Converted Lighthouses and Castles
For a truly memorable experience, consider staying at a converted lighthouse or castle. Several lighthouses available for private bookings are scattered along the UK’s rugged coastlines. In the Scottish Highlands, you could book Rua Reidh Lighthouse from around £120 per night.
If you’ve dreamed of staying in a castle, you can live out your fantasy in places like Edinburgh. Stay at Dalhousie Castle for around £150 per night, and enjoy the charm of a historic building with modern comforts.
Where to Stay in Major UK Cities
Here’s a quick guide on where to stay in some of the UK’s main cities and tourist hotspots to help you find the best location.
London
London is massive and has an area for every type of traveler. If you want to be right in the middle of things, stay in Covent Garden or Soho for easy access to attractions, shops, and bars. Airbnb is also popular in these areas if you want an apartment to feel more like a local.
If you’re on a budget, look for accommodation in Camden or East London, where trendy hostels and cheaper hotels abound. For a more authentic feel away from the tourist areas, try areas like Notting Hill and Richmond.
Edinburgh
The Royal Mile is central to most of Edinburgh’s main attractions. It’s home to both luxury hotels and budget hostels like Castle Rock Hostel (from £20 per night). Leith is another great area but less touristy, known for its great restaurants and harbor views.
Manchester
Head to the Northern Quarter if you’re into indie shops, bars, and a laid-back vibe. The area is packed with trendy boutique hotels like The Cow Hollow Hotel (from £90 per night). Alternatively, stay in the city center near Piccadilly for more classic hotel choices or hostels like Hatters for budget accommodations.
Bath
Bath is small, so you don’t have to worry too much about being right ‘in the center.’ However, staying near the Roman Baths or Pulteney Bridge puts you within walking distance of pretty much everything. For luxury, try The Gainsborough Bath Spa. Backpackers can opt for Bath YMCA Hostel from around £20 per night.
Final Tips
The earlier you book, the better the rates you’ll find. Large cities book up quickly, especially in summer, so don’t wait too long. Always check reviews on multiple platforms before booking.
If you’re seeking unique experiences or countryside stays, plan ahead as these tend to be smaller properties. For big-name hotels, loyalty programs can help reduce costs. Happy travels!
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