Travel notes: My fave affordable UK boutique hotels
It’s no secret that I love a staycation - they’re my fave for a quickie escape to rest and recharge, with minimal fuss and maximum convenience.
But with the UK’s “staycation economy” booming, as breaks within our shores grow increasingly popular, the price of a night’s stay is becoming absolutely eye watering. Since the pandemic two of my favourite luxury hotels (Heckfield Place and the Newt) have actually increased their entry-level rates nearly twofold. We all know I’m partial to a bouji stay and favour quality over quantity, but I’m frankly aghast at some of the prices these days.
The good news is that in and amongst this madness, there are still some bargains to be had - particularly at smaller properties.
So I thought it might be useful to round up my selection of the best design hotels in the UK, that won’t have you crying over your credit card statement. Because we all deserve a stylish staycation now and again…
I’ve stayed at all of the below properties for around £200ish* - I’ll include details of the rates I paid and when I booked.
Caveat: I’m aware £200 a night is not ‘affordable’ by anyone’s standards, really, but this list is pitched at those (very lucky ones) of you who do have some disposable income to go towards travel. I appreciate this is very much not the case for everyone in current times and denotes massive privilege in and of itself. <3
Artist Residence Bristol
The beautiful boutique hotel that Bristol so desperately needed.
Artist Residence properties are always fantastic, offering value for money with no compromise on great design. At the time of booking their Bristol outpost, I found it was also SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than the city centre Premier Lodge, etc. Can you believe that?!
A cool, central location and the group’s signature ‘undone’ interiors make this a no-brainer for your Bristol base, to my mind. Easily the most stylish hotel in Bristol.
What I paid: £245 for a night in a ‘Workshop’ room on a Saturday night, in June 2022.
You can also read my detailed previous review here.
The Bradley Hare
The Bradley Hare has garnered a lot of attention for its supremely affordable price tag and top-tier design credentials. Couple those with its Wiltshire/Somerset positioning, ideal for exploring nearby trendy hotspots like Bruton and Frome, and you’ve got yourself the perfect West Country base.
This bedroom design scheme is still one of my all time faves - that scene-stealing tub is evvvverything!
What I paid: £400 for 2 nights in a ‘Coach House Upper’ room, mid-week, in March 2022.
You can also read my previous review here.
The Farm At Avebury
The newest of my additions to this list, I recently took my sisters and baby niece away for a few days here during this September’s heatwave and was bowled away at the value for money.
Each stable is beautifully appointed, with all the touches you’d expect from a boutique hotel, as well as seriously chic interiors. The farm itself is fully functioning - read, adorable animals EVERYWHERE (we spotted Highland cows, lots of baby piglets, and ponies) and there’s heaps to explore without even needing to leave the site.
Full review coming soon!
What I paid: £436 for 4 people for 2 nights in ‘Long Barrow’, in September 2023.
Redchurch Street Townhouse
I’m going to let you into a wee secret… Soho House operate some seriously dynamic pricing models. So while this might not go in our favour most of the time, sometimes you can snag some real bargains.
I booked a very last-minute room at Redchurch Townhouse on Booking.com and was staggered at the price!
Redchurch Townhouse is up there with one of the best design hotels in London, and certainly the best affordable one in my opinion. For mid-century chic interiors, those signature Soho House perks, and immediate access to one of the coolest parts of London, this is your spot.
What I paid: £265 for a night in a ‘Small’ room, mid-week, in March 2022.
You can also read my previous review here.