The Hotel Inspector has named Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire as their favorite hotel in Britain, detailing its transformation into a luxury resort offering extensive amenities. The neo-Jacobean estate, built in 1908, was acquired in 2018 by Sharan and Eiesha Pasricha and reopened to guests three years later. It now features a Romanesque spa complex, padel courts, a gym, axe throwing, archery, falconry, and electric Land Rovers for children.

Estelle Manor, set on 3,000 acres of Cotswolds parkland, offers 108 rooms in the main house, surrounding the kitchen garden, and in converted stables. The property also includes a members' area with a Japanese restaurant and bar. The Inspector described their room overlooking the terrace and heated swimming pool as one of the nicest they had ever stayed in, noting the colonial-style decor, antique furnishings, and marble bathroom.

Despite the extensive facilities, the property is described as a "layered triumph" with no expense spared. A 'thermal journey' in the Romanesque Eynsham Baths, which includes a large tepidarium and hot and cold pools, costs £95 for non-members. Doubles at Estelle Manor start from £450 per night with breakfast.

Other Notable UK Hotels

The guide also highlights several other hotels and inns that have received the Inspector's approval:

  • The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire: A family-run hotel with parts dating back to the 14th century, set amidst ancient woodland. It features a Michelin-starred restaurant. Doubles start from £201.
  • The Nici, Bournemouth: This chic hotel underwent a £25 million refurbishment and offers an Art Deco-style lobby, sea-view rooms, and a basement spa. Its outdoor pool area is described as swanky. Doubles start from £155.
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire: Located on the edge of the Peak District, this 1850s house is noted for its on-trend decor and a bar and restaurant housed in a glass structure. Doubles start from £224.
  • The Olive Branch, Clipsham, Rutland: This former pub, acquired in 1999, now offers six bedrooms and is praised for its inviting atmosphere and delicious food. Doubles start from £175.
  • The Bell, Charlbury, Oxfordshire: A revamped pub with 12 rooms, featuring open fires, wood panelling, and artwork. It is noted for its friendly staff and fabulous food. Doubles start from £176.
  • Lime Tree Hotel, London: An updated 27-room B&B in Belgravia, offering a private country house feel with plush furnishings and a walled garden. Doubles start from £220.
  • Grantley Hall, Ripon, Yorkshire: A lavish property reportedly costing £100 million, featuring five restaurants, a Michelin-starred outlet, a nightclub, a high-tech gym, and a spa. Doubles start from £500.
  • The Village Pub, Barnsley, Gloucestershire: A venture from The Pig group with six rooms, antique furniture, and outdoor dining space. Doubles start from £215 B&B.
  • Locanda On The Weir, Porlock Weir, Somerset: Offering four rooms, three with sea views, this establishment is known for its fresh, creative dinner menu. Doubles start from £225.
  • Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, Scotland: Resembling Balmoral, this hotel has undergone significant investment, featuring elegant rooms, antique furniture, and two restaurants. Doubles start from £194.
  • The Bottle & Glass Inn, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire: A thatched pub in the Chiltern Hills with expanded dining areas and three rooms, recognized for its atmosphere, food, and value. Doubles start from £120.
  • Middleton Lodge, Richmond, North Yorkshire: A Georgian house with rooms in converted stables and other garden buildings, offering locally sourced food and a Provence-like atmosphere. Doubles start from £245 B&B.
  • The Lamb Inn, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire: This inn provides five understated rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and a noted menu. Doubles start from £99.
  • Boys Hall, Ashford, Kent: A Jacobean house with tasteful rooms, some featuring freestanding baths, and a restaurant in a converted barn. Doubles start from £180.
  • Trewornan Manor, Wadebridge, Cornwall: A Grade II-listed manor near the North Cornish coast, offering a B&B with complimentary afternoon cakes and extensive grounds. Doubles start from £180.