THE award-winning Sun Travel team have stayed in hundreds, if not thousands of hotels.
So when it comes to recognising what makes a hotel great, we may just know a thing or two.
We’ve revealed 12 of our UK must-visit hotels for 2026 – and there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for brand new trendy spots, or themed rooms to wow the kids – we’ve got you covered.
Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Hertfordshire
I’m a sucker for a rustic countryside property where welly boots are essential – and Tewinbury Farm, buried in rural Hertfordshire, is one of the best out there.
Comprising renovated barns and cosy lakeside shepherd’s huts spread across a sprawling family-run farm estate, this hotel has an air of members club about it thanks to the endless list of monthly activities and country-chic decor.
Huts feature copper bath tubs and private decking areas that jut out over a wildlife-rich lake.
Rooms in the main building house fancy four-poster beds sat beneath dark timber beams.
What really makes this place shine is its strong connection to the farm’s heritage.
Make sure to book onto the summertime Roots Dining Experience, where visitors dine outdoors in the hotel’s allotment.
Guests can tuck into a sharing menu of freshly-plucked vegetables from the surrounding beds and meat from the farm – all of which is rustled up in an outdoor kitchen right in front of you.
There’s a farm shop on site and maps that encourage guests to stroll the surrounding farmland, with some of Hertfordshire’s most scenic walking trails on the doorstep.
Rooms cost from £175 per night (tewinbury.co.uk).
– Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Safari Hotel, Chessington World Of Adventures
Chessington has one of the biggest openings among UK theme parks in 2026, with the launch of their new Paw Patrol Land.
As the mother of a primary school kid who only just graduated from Paw Patrol mania a couple of years ago, I’m aware that this is BIG news to hundreds of thousands of families across the country.
The Safari Hotel has also launched Paw Patrol-themed rooms, ahead of the opening.
While certain areas of the hotel haven’t had an upgrade in several years, props have to go to Chessington for constantly adding new themed rooms to their repertoire – and they also make a massive effort with each one.
Being able to flop on the bed with a G&T post-theme park, while your child plays on the Pup Squad Patroller bunk bed is 15 minutes of well-earned relaxation.
Rooms start from £93 per night (Chessington.com).
– Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire
Smith’s Townhouse, Broadstairs
One of my new favourite seaside town hotels is Smith’s Townhouse, in Broadstairs.
Previously just a coffee shop, they reopened just around the corner as a boutique hotel.
Despite just six rooms, each one feels like a trendy London hotel with mid century interiors, dark painted walls and stylish blankets and cushions.
The furniture is certainly unique – some of it was even said to have been owned by Elton John previously
Expect freshly baked slices of cake and fresh tea in your room when you arrive too.
Make sure to stay for breakfast, with their downstairs cafe serving their own coffee as well as amazing baked goods.
They even recently opened their bar, as well as plans for a Pilates studio and DJ nights.
Even better? It’s a short walk to the beautiful beach.
Rooms start from £160 a night (smithstownhouse.co.uk).
– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
The Copthorne, Newcastle
This homely hotel sits on Newcastle’s Quayside overlooking the River Tyne.
It’s the ideal spot for a peaceful stay just a short stroll from the city centre’s pubs, shops and nightlife.
There’s no frills here – just large, comfy beds, a warm Geordie welcome, and a friendly quayside bar showing all the live sport – so you won’t miss a match during your stay.
Most of the Copthorne’s 156 rooms come with a Quayside view of calm river waters, glowing city lights and the impressive High Level Bridge.
All rooms, from standard doubles to suites, are incredibly spacious – often with extra seating by the window to watch the world go by.
Beds are so huge they’re near impossible to roll out of. Rooms here feel less stuffy hotel room, and more cosy getaway where you can seriously relax.
The hotel’s Quay 7 restaurant serves up traditional pub classics alongside a few surprises.
Take your pick from curry, scampi, steak – or the “Mexican cheeseburger burrito”, an unusual fusion that somehow works.
End your meal with a treacle tart and a cocktail shaken by the cheerful bar team to round off the night perfectly.
Staff here welcome you in like an old friend. Nothing is too much trouble, even crafting off-menu cocktails from a keen mixologist who loves a challenge.
Rooms start from £90 a night (millenniumhotels.com).
– Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens
The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge
When it comes to taking a city break, I always think the closer the hotel is to the hustle and bustle, the better.
The University Arms Hotel in Cambridge is in the perfect spot, being within walking distance to bars, shops and tourist hotspots like the famous colleges and Parker’s Piece.
But don’t worry, you won’t hear any noise from them within the hotel walls.
The University Arms Hotel itself couldn’t be prettier with huge stained glass windows and grand chandeliers.
I was a big fan of the colour scheme too. There’s nothing worse than going into the hotel room for a relaxing weekend and being blinded by garish designs or bright yellow walls.
The University Arms Hotel keeps it simple with calming tones of blue and a splash of burnt orange.
Not to mention the beds are super comfy, and you won’t be able to resist taking a dip in the enormous clawfoot bath tubs.
Rooms start from £158 per night (universityarms.com).
– Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Margate House, Kent
I love a home-away-from-home retreat and Margate House ticks all the boxes.
This stylish boutique hotel is set across a seaside townhouse, just a short walk from some of Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants.
The beautifully converted townhouse is on a residential road along from the beach, in the ever-trendy Cliftonville area.
The vibrant interiors manage to be effortlessly hip, yet also homely and comfortable.
Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering in the corner and striking independent art, stepping inside is like a warm welcome home.
The nine rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.
Every room has a supremely comfortable king size bed, in which you can request a picnic breakfast each morning.
A short walk will take you along the seafront to the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and Margate’s golden sandy beach.
Rooms start from £120 per night, including breakfast (margatehouse.co.uk).
– Travel Writer, Helen Wright
The Alan, Manchester
Even from the outside, The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building.
Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine.
From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.
The mod cons are just as exciting – gone are the dated telephones and instead with a personal assistant tablet where you can do everything from contact reception to get local tips and guides.
Even the bathroom was an inspiration, with copper fixtures and Haeckels toiletries hailing from Margate.
Make sure to pop into the downstairs restaurant as well.
Along with a co-working space (which for £20 includes lunch and unlimited tea and coffee) but it also houses a fantastic restaurant.
I recommend the cheesy garlic pinsa, a Roman-style flatbread, before heading into town for a night out.
Rooms start from £62 per night (thealanhotel.com).
– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Z Hotels Gloucester Place, London
Finding an affordable hotel in the capital can often feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.
But what if I told you that there is a super central spot that costs just £55 per person, per night?
Oh, and it’s all inclusive.
Z Hotels Gloucester Place is a real gem amongst the £200+ per night hotels in London.
Located a short walk from Oxford Street and the city’s main attractions, its ideal location is just part of the fab deal you get when staying at the hotel.
The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable.
But it is the all-inclusive element of this hotel that is its real selling point.
I stayed for just one night, but had endless glasses of wine, afternoon tea, cups and cups of hot drinks, a sandwich, cans of pop, a delicious cheese board and an extensive breakfast with pastries, fresh fruit and flatbread.
Honestly, if you need somewhere to stay in the Big Smoke on a budget, then this is the place.
Rooms start from £55 per person, per night (thezhotels.com).
– Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
The Queen at Chester Hotel
This grand old dame of a hotel has had a sparkling £5 million refurbishment that has breathed new life into a historic building.
The brick and stucco Italianate edifice sits right opposite the train station in Chester and was originally built to serve first class rail passengers.
Built in 1860, the building was said to be the first skyscraper of its time.
It has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors.
The recent refurbishment has resulted in stunning new interiors with some fabulous modern art and furniture sitting seamlessly alongside the grand period features.
Rooms feature warm, earthy tones and richly patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom.
Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.
And with prices from just £68 a night, it’s the perfect place to lay your head after a day at the Chester racecourse or zoo.
Rooms start from £68 per night (thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk).
– Head of Travel, Lisa Minot
The Zetter, Bloomsbury
The Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell is my favourite hotel in London.
The hotel bar feels so chic and homely, it’s like you’ve been invited to a drinks party at the home of some eccentric millionaire.
So the news that Zetter is opening a new hotel in Bloomsbury – my favourite area of central London – is very welcome.
The 68-bedroom townhouse hotel will span six interconnecting Georgian buildings on Montague Street, opposite the British Museum.
Bloomsbury is unique in that, despite being so close to the likes of Covent Garden and Oxford Street, it still retains plenty of character from ye olden days.
Plus, you can walk to the West End‘s theatres and restaurants, as well as the achingly cool Kings Cross.
See thezetter.com.
– Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire
The Grand Central, Belfast
Belfast’s city centre is home to one hotel that always makes passers-by stop in their tracks to peek inside – and that’s the Grand Central.
This glamorous high-rise hotel lives true to its name, sitting smack-bang in the middle of the city.
After a warm greeting from hotel porters, guests step inside to glossy marble interiors in the lobby – and elevators with a whole load of buttons.
Rooms are modestly sized yet pristine, with bouncy cloud beds and roomy walk-in showers.
They also come with panoramic views of the glittering skyline and iconic city hall – as does the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, The Observatory.
The Seahorse Restaurant serves everything from a delicious Irish breakfast through to quirky evening cocktails, whilst The Observatory’s Afternoon Tea beats any I’ve had in England.
At £45 per person for cakes that look like works of art, 360° rooftop city views, and plenty of generously-stuffed sandwiches, the experience is well worth looking into for special occasions.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy weekend away in the UK, you’ll feel extremely well taken care of at this swanky city hotel.
Rooms start at £160 per night – with a hefty discount if you book in advance (grandcentralhotelbelfast.com).
Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens
Artist Residence, Bristol
The Artist Residence hotels lives up to its name, feeling like you’ve stepped into a bohemian home of an art curator.
I’ve been to their London hotel although it’s their own in Bristol that I adore.
Built into a Georgian townhouse, the hotel was once an old boot factory.
I love the options of rooms, such as their Crash Pad which is cosy and compact if you just need a base to explore the city.
Otherwise I love the Boot Room, still with a king size bed and Smeg fridge, or splash out on the massive Artist Suite, with views over Portland Square, a living area bigger than my first flat and a roll top bath.
You’ll be bumping into locals at the restaurant downstairs too, from families visiting for a hearty breakfast to groups of mates having a big night out for dinner.
I’m still dreaming of some of the small plates, from the salty hispi cabbage to the rich harissa roast chicken.
Don’t forget to grab a picture in the downstairs photobooth too.
Rooms start from £140 a night (artistresidence.co.uk/bristol).
– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey