Standout Hotels To Book from The Hotel Guru

Standout Hotels To Book

If your diary has been looking a little too blank for your liking, these hotels from The Hotel Guru will fix that fast. Think city hideouts with attitude, country places where the sheets feel better than your own and sun-soaked escapes that make you wonder why you ever agreed to stay home. I sifted through the newest and most interesting openings and picked the stays worth getting dressed for, from Suffolk to the Cotswolds, Marrakech and the Maldives.

Why go?
Because life is too short for average hotels. This edit evolves throughout the year and focuses on places with personality. Expect design that feels intentional, service with a pulse and a sense of place strong enough to stay with you long after check-out.

Why we love it
It’s useful. No fluff. Quick, clear write-ups that help you decide in minutes, all backed by real visits from writers who know what matters. If something makes the list, it earns its spot.

Best for
Anyone who loves a hotel that feels current. City weekends, countryside exiles, island time, style-led adventures. If it is good now, it is here.

Fresh picks to bookmark

Thyme, Southrop, Cotswolds The 150-acre Southrop Estate brings together 31 rooms and cottages, farm-to-fork dining at the Ox Barn, the Meadow Spa with botanically inspired treatments and The Swan village pub. In warmer months the spring-fed pool at the Orchid House becomes the place to be. There is a cookery school, gardens to explore and Bertioli homewares to take home. Why go? A countryside escape built around food, nature and quiet comfort. Why we love it: Produce-led menus, nurturing spa rituals and serene interiors across the estate. Best for: Food lovers, intimate celebrations and design fans.

Five Acre Barn, Suffolk A modern barn conversion near Aldeburgh with five stylish rooms and mezzanines for stargazing. Hiring the whole place works well for a gathering. Why go? Coast, culture and countryside in one. Why we love it: Clean lines, clever design and vast roof windows. Best for: Creative couples or relaxed group stays.

The Egerton House Hotel, Knightsbridge, London A 28-room five-star known for personal service, marble bathrooms and an intimate martini bar. The V&A is around the corner. Why go? Quiet SW3 streets and world-class museums close by. Why we love it: The small scale keeps everything human and the bar is a ritual in itself. Best for: Culture-packed weekends and spoiling city breaks.

Riad de Tarabel, Marrakech Adults-only calm in Dar el Bacha with three courtyards, ten refined rooms, a heated courtyard pool and a petite rooftop plunge pool. Les Bains de Tarabel offers traditional hammam rituals and massage in a scented courtyard. Why go? A peaceful hideaway moments from the medina. Why we love it: Elegant salons, serene pools and a proper hammam experience. Best for: Couples and style seekers.

Riad Kbour & Chou, Marrakech Seven bedrooms, leafy courtyards and home-style cooking in the north west of the medina. Belgian owners bring charm and an eye for detail. Why go? Colourful souks by day and lantern-lit quiet by night. Why we love it: Market wanderings, relaxed cooking classes and an easy walk to the Majorelle Garden. Best for: Solo travellers and couples.

Archipelagos All Suites, Mykonos Spacious suites with Aegean views, a contemporary restaurant and a gentle spa scene away from the island’s louder corners. Why go? Space, sun and a slower side of Mykonos. Why we love it: Sea-facing pool days and the village feel of neighbouring Ano Mera. Best for: Style-focused couples and friends.

Kuda Vilingili Resort, Maldives A private island with overwater villas, a generous spa, infinity pools and several restaurants. Beachfront residences work well for families and groups. Why go? White sand, warm water and time that expands. Why we love it: Choice, privacy and excellent surf at Chicken’s Break. Best for: Big trips and multi-generational escapes.

The Mountain Courtyard, Thekkady, Kerala - A hillside retreat in 4.5 acres with leafy views, a pool, two restaurants and a small spa. Rooms suit families and nature lovers. Why go? The gateway to Periyar and spice country. Why we love it: Breezy rooms, easy-going staff and outdoorsy days from bamboo rafting to guided walks. Best for: Families who like nature with comfort.

Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) A palace estate above the Ganges and one of India’s most respected wellness destinations. Daily yoga, meditation and pranayama sit alongside Ayurvedic programmes and an award-winning spa. Why go? A full reset in a calm Himalayan setting. Why we love it: Skilled therapists, thoughtful programmes and balconies made for sunrise tea. Best for: Solo wellness time, deep rest and meaningful breaks for two.

Saltmoore, Whitby (Yorkshire) A contemporary country house tucked into woodland near the coast. Quiet bedrooms, a small spa for slow treatments and easy access to beach and moorland. Why go? A gentler kind of coastal escape. Why we love it: The peaceful setting, soothing treatments and proximity to Whitby and the North York Moors. Best for: Low-key family trips and couples who prefer sea air without crowds.

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