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Booking a hotel in the UK comes with a certain amount of pressure. Sure, you want the beds to be comfy and the baths to be squeaky clean – but, crucially, you want it all to be worth the cash. The UK isn’t a particularly cheap place to travel, to put it lightly.
Of course, Time Out’s handy guide to the best hotels in the UK right now is all-encompassing. But if you want a second opinion, the AA – yes, the company which also rescues you in a breakdown – has its own guide to the best in the biz.
The AA has been running its hospitality prize scheme, called AA Rosette awards, for 70 years. The awards celebrate ‘high standards of quality, hospitality and service’ at hotels and restaurants. This month the AA crowned a best hotel in each nation that makes up the UK (plus a separate winner for London). You can find the restaurants list here.
The 5 best hotels in the UK right now, according to the AA
The Emory, London
This 60-suite (and yes, they’re all suites, not rooms) hotel thought up by the owners of Claridge’s comes with memorable views and a cocktail menu created in collaboration with Tato Giovannoni – a globally renowned mixologist based in Buenos Aires. The Emory has been critically-lauded since it opened in 2024: it holds one Michelin key and its rooftop bar is in the Pinnacle Guide.
Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Set in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, among the most picturesque countryside escapes in England, Calcot & Spa was praised by the AA’s inspector for its ‘unique luxury with award-winning spa and wellness facilities’. And, well, they do sound state of the art. There’s a fireside hot tub, sauna, steam room and an indoor pool, plus cutting-edge treatments including hydro glow facials and a cryo massage. Plus, there’s plenty to do outside on this country estate that will help you to de-stress, like walking trails, biking, tennis and disc golf.
Crossbasket Castle, High Blantyre, South Lanarkshire
Up in Scotland, you can live like a royal with a stay at the five-star, historic estate of Crossbasket Castle. There are 50 bedrooms, plus communal lounges with breathtaking views of the manicured gardens out the window. In the restaurant, you’ll find fine dining, craft cocktails and even live cabaret. Plus, there are now brand-new luxe cabins at Crossbasket.
Porth Tocyn Hotel, Abersoch, Gwynedd
On a hill above Abersoch, Porth Tocyn overlooks sweeping vistas of Cardigan Bay – one of Time Out’s top seaside destinations in 2026 – from its private grounds. The AA named Porth Tocyn the best in Wales for its ‘welcoming hospitality’ and elegance. There’s plenty to do in this stunning country manor, including (and weather permitting) tennis courts, a swimming pool and admiring stunning sea views.
Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood, County Down
In Northern Ireland, the AA judged Culloden Estate & Spa near Belfast as the top place to stay. This slick estate has been one of the area’s most celebrated landmarks for 150 years. Set in 12 acres of secluded gardens, the estate offers top-tier wellness facilities including a eucalyptus steam room and heated swimming pool, plus fine dining at its Vespers Restaurant.
The best hotels in the UK.
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