25 Chic UK Hotels Under £250 A Night
There’s no denying that the UK can be an expensive place for a weekend staycation. Finding an affordable hotel in the UK that also has stylish interiors and excellent food can sometimes feel like an impossible task, but we promise you, they do exist. If you’re conscious of splashing the cash, you can still experience beautiful boutique hotel stays for under £250 a night – if you know where to look.
Whether you want city chic or countryside calm, these are the loveliest, chic yet affordable hotels in the UK.
The Merry Harriers, Hambledon
Rooms from £160/night
Set in the sleepy Surrey town of Hambledon, The Merry Harriers is a special project. Launched in 2024 by old friends Sam Fiddian-Green and Alex Winch, the humble haunt offers brilliant pub food, landing it a spot in the Top 50 Gastropubs and third place in the Good Food Guide‘s 100 Best Pubs. Now, the founders have turned their attention to on-site accommodation, transforming the pub into a charming overnight destination for foodies. With the help of Sam’s cousin, one-half of Hutley & Humm design company, the property’s inn rooms, garden rooms, and shepherd’s huts make the interiors almost as strong as the gastronomic ones. Plus, if you visit on a Saturday afternoon, you can opt into the meat raffle, with proceeds going to a nearby charity of your choice.
If you want to get out of London on a Friday night, arriving to a brilliant dinner, cosy room, and welcoming staff, this is the place.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Website: www.merryharriers.com
The Bildeston Crown
Rooms from £169/night
The Crown is a beautifully restored country pub in Suffolk that blends rustic charm with contemporary comfort, making it an ideal destination for both dining and overnight stays. The estate-to-plate philosophy shines through in every dish, with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients crafted into thoughtful, flavourful menus by chef Greig Young. From treacle-cured salmon to Braised venison raviolo and Pan roast duck breast, their menu offered an indulgent dining experience with an emphasis on quality produce. The warm hospitality from the team, stylish interiors, and a genuine sense of care from its family owners create an inviting atmosphere that feels both special and authentically rooted in its surroundings.
Website: www.thebildestoncrown.com
The Gunton Arms, North Norfolk
Rooms from £160/night
Tucked inside a 1,000-acre deer park in North Norfolk, The Gunton Arms is a 16-bedroom country pub with the kind of flair that makes you forget you ever liked city breaks. Awarded a Michelin and featuring in the Top 50 Gastropubs, this is the ultimate staycation for foodies. In the Elk Room, venison from the estate and beef from nearby Blickling are cooked over a roaring open fire, while mussels and Cromer crab come straight from the local catch. Not cheap cheap but for the coastal location, the food, and the vibe? A countryside steal. For the ultimate culinary experience, make sure you check out their sister restaurant, The Suffield Arms, serving up the best Mediterranean food and tapas in the area.
Website: www.theguntonarms.co.uk
Stanwell House, Lymington
Rooms from £170/night
Nestled in the heart of Lymington, a historic seaside town, Stanwell House is a charming boutique hotel that seamlessly blends elegance and tranquillity. Situated between the awe-inspiring New Forest and the scenic Solent, this elegant Georgian property has recently undergone a delightful transformation under the expert eye of renowned interior designer JoJo McNamara, offering guests a stylish and relaxing retreat.
Offering three distinct dining experiences in its Orangery, Salt Bar and Samphire restaurant, their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients makes it a true highlight of any stay. Including their al fresco garden, with cascading wisteria and botanically inspired cocktails.
Beyond its culinary delights, Stanwell House offers a warm and inviting ambience that envelops guests in a sense of luxurious comfort. Its prime location within the heart of Lymington provides easy access to the picturesque wilderness of the New Forest, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty, as well as the captivating charm of the South Coast, with its breathtaking seascapes.
Website: stanwellhouse.com
No. 124 Brighton
Rooms from £172/night
Perched right by the sea, this boutique escape blends breezy coastal charm with a quiet kind of romance. Inside, the brand-new Field Trip Spa is a little world of calm, with the Copper Cove couple’s experience made for just-wed serenity. By evening, it’s all about golden-hour dinners on the terrace, strolls along the promenade, and nightcaps at the bar. The Terrace by Pearly Cow is a glorious summer space, perfect for al-fresco open-air dining with views of the sea.
Where: 124 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FA
Website: www.guesthousehotels.co.UK
The Bradley Hare, Wiltshire
Rooms from £150/night
Set within the historic grounds of the Duke of Somerset’s estate, The Bradley Hare’s charming exterior could easily be plucked straight from a fairytale. Inside, high ceilings, bay windows and 19th-century furnishings set the mood for a cosy stay at a traditional village pub. Cosy rooms ooze comfort, with Egyptian cotton sheets, organic bath products, locally sourced antique furniture and freestanding baths; it’s no surprise that James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director for Soho House, is at the helm of the interiors.
A menu of fresh, local and seasonal produce is served downstairs, alongside an extensive list of eclectic wines and local beers.
Website: www.thebradleyhare.co.uk
The Mitre, London
Rooms from £235/night
Indulge in a truly unique and memorable bank holiday escape at The Mitre, a refined boutique hotel nestled on the banks of the River Thames, just moments away from the regal splendour of Hampton Court Palace. This hidden gem offers a harmonious blend of quirky British charm and elegant luxury, seamlessly merging the old with the new, the refined with the comfortable, and the local with the worldly.
Step into one of the 36 exquisitely appointed bedrooms and suites, where comfort and romance reign supreme. Playful pops of colour and carefully curated antiques lend a soulful ambience, ensuring each room exudes its own distinctive character.
Food and drink are the heartbeat of the hotel. Enjoy lunch or dinner in 1665, a sophisticated Riverside Brasserie with lively central bar, the sunny Orangery or the beautiful riverside terrace. Mitre guests can charter Em – a delightful vintage boat – for up to 12 passengers, embarking and disembarking from their very own Lion Terrace, or Henry VIII’s famous palace is just across the road from The Mitre, and guests who book direct may receive special packages, including tickets to this magnificent royal residence.
The Pilgrm, London
Rooms from £156/night
This beautiful independent hotel has cool décor, a chic lounge and terrace, and a prime location next to Paddington station – perfect for anyone looking for a quick London getaway. Each room has a different vibe, and has been decorated with leafy green plants and dark mahoganies. All feature luxury essentials, like Marshall speakers, books and magazines, original artwork, cast iron radiators, Egyptian cotton towels and 100% natural toiletries.
The ethos of The Pilgrm is rooted in sustainability, and you’ll receive a recycled water bottle on arrival that can be topped up each time you pass through the café on the ground floor. They also partner with like-minded businesses, chefs, artists and brands through exciting collaborations such as Bar Termini, Tapas Brindisa and Monmouth Coffee, to create a new hotel experience as well as a hub for locals. A prime location next to Paddington’s many transport links allows guests an easy way to explore the city, and a convenient base for Heathrow Airport.
Website: www.thepilgrm.com
Port Hotel, Eastbourne
Rooms from £140/night
With far-reaching sea views, modern bedrooms and an excellent brunch menu, it’s unsurprising that this charming seaside bolthole has made our list of the loveliest affordable hotels in the UK. The hotel has 19 bedrooms, six of which overlook the beach and Eastbourne pier, while ten offer views towards the town and the South Downs.
The brunch menu is served seven days a week, with regional producers and artisans taking centre stage, while dinner is served in the restaurant Thursday through Saturday. Think seasonal menus, sharing plates and sea views.
Website: www.porthotel.co.uk
Artist Residence, Bristol
Rooms from £119/night
A dusty broom cupboard may not be your idea of luxury, but that won’t be the case at the lovely Artist Residence in Bristol, who have the most inviting one in the UK. The ‘Broom Cupboard’ room is the hotel’s most petite at 11sqm, though still large enough to come with all the little luxuries, like a Roberts radio, TV, rain shower, Bramley bath products, robes, a Nespresso machine and Grind coffee pods.
Elsewhere in the hotel, interiors are eclectic, with pastel pink furnishings, antiques, and an art piece reading ‘party like it’s 1999’ in the bar, which is the perfect place for a late-night cocktail or lazy brunch.
Website: www.artistresidence.co.uk
The Swan at Streatley, Berkshire
Rooms from £102/night
Set on the banks of the River Thames in the historic, picture-perfect village of Streatley, The Swan is a relaxed 47-bedroom hotel and clubhouse wrapped in rolling countryside. The boutique bedrooms effortlessly balance tranquillity with style, offering scenic waterfront views and thoughtfully curated details.
The real draw here is the signature Coppa Club energy, blending a slower pace of life with just enough social buzz when you want it. Guests can spend their mornings making use of the hotel’s extensive wellness programme (think paddleboarding, boating, and wild swimming right from the lawn, alongside a sauna, steam room, and gym) before settling in for a long, lazy lunch. Food options are aplenty: enjoy seafood and summer grills at the alfresco Lawn Bar & Grill, a superb Sunday roast overlooking the water, or a cosy nightcap cocktail at the Boathouse Pub. It is the ultimate Berkshire escape for exploring the nearby Chiltern Hills without breaking the bank.
Website: www.theswanatstreatley.com
Barnsdale House, Oakham
Rooms from £112/night
At the heart of England’s smallest county, on the edge of the breathtaking Rutland Water, you will find The Barnsdale, the latest fabulous addition to The Signet Collection. The former hunting lodge has been lovingly reimagined into a 45-bedroom hotel, paying tribute to its history and distinctive local area.
There is a welcoming brasserie, 1760 – named after the year the original lodge was built, a collection of two and three-bed self-catering accommodations called Rutland Retreats, numerous private dining rooms, a beautiful conservatory, a sun-filled courtyard garden with Whispering Angel bar and boule pit, croquet lawn and kitchen garden. The new Signet Spa is open, offering even more relaxation this summer.
Overlooking Rutland Water, Rutland’s most picturesque attraction, The Barnsdale is the perfect place to explore England’s smallest and most undiscovered county. Rutland Water offers a multitude of country pursuits, including watersports, cycling, fishing, rambling and bird watching. There are also beautiful stately homes to explore such as Rockingham Castle and Burghley House, and many villages and traditional country pubs to discover.
Website: BARNSDALERUTLAND.COM
The George In Rye, East Sussex
Rooms from £125/night
Achieving just the right balance of old and new is tricky, but this hotel pulls it off perfectly. A sixteenth-century coaching inn thoughtfully renovated and reimagined as a luxurious retreat in the centre of Medieval Rye, this hotel’s design celebrates its past while bringing it up to date.
Rooms each have distinct characteristics, with big baths or showers, bespoke furniture and comfy beds to unwind in before refuelling at the charcoal-fired George Grill, where food and drink showcase local produce and seasonal flavours.
Website: www.thegeorgeinrye.com
Mama Shelter London Shoreditch
Rooms from £170/night
Affordable hotels in London are practically unheard of, which makes Mama Shelter’s vibrant Shoreditch location even better value for money. The buzzy hotel is the spot for all occasions – from lively Sunday brunches to locals working with their laptops.
The foliage-filled garden bar is the place for expertly shaken late-night cocktails – order a Mama’s Bouquet or a Pink Negroni – before tucking into pulled beef bao and Mama’s Fish n’ Chips in the restaurant.
Website: www.mamashelter.com
Richmond Hill Hotel
Rooms from £144/night
Perched elegantly atop Richmond Hill with elevated, sweeping views over the River Thames, this independent 4-star gem effortlessly blends characterful Georgian heritage with sleek, contemporary luxury. At this property, 144 isn’t just a number, but rather, it’s the entire story. It is the hotel’s iconic street address, the exact tally of their beautifully refurbished, character-packed bedrooms (featuring hand-stitched Heal’s mattresses and walk-in showers), and the name of their fabulous destination bar and restaurant, 144 On The Hill.
Stepping inside feels like a peaceful countryside retreat, despite being just a short train ride from central London. Spend your afternoon wandering through the wild expanses of nearby Richmond Park or exploring the historic lanes, then head back to the hotel’s 2-Rosette restaurant for a seasonally inspired dinner or a decadent afternoon tea. It is a stylish, elevated London staycation that feels incredibly premium while keeping its entry rate strictly affordable.
Website: www.richmondhillhotel.com
The Fig, East Sussex
Rooms from £190/night
The Fig in Rye offers four unique lodgings, each with its own specific design theme. ‘Indo’ evokes an Indonesian retreat with a freestanding bath, glass partition wall and plants dotted around the room, while ‘Deco’ is sultry, moody and art deco-inspired, with dark green walls, patterned wallpaper and velvet furnishings.
Rooms live above the independent café below – pull up a seat for fresh, vibrant, healthy food and cocktails daily.
Website: www.thefigrye.com
The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush, London
Rooms from £143/night
This hipster hotel brand quickly established itself as a destination for characterful interiors and a relaxed atmosphere, where creative freelancers flock for a day of work and flat whites. And the Shepherd’s Bush addition doesn’t disappoint. Located in a neighbourhood known for its vintage fashion and independent shops, the hotel fits right in.
Comfortable rooms come in various sizes – from Snug to Roomy – and interiors feature rich textures, warm tones, and geometric patterns. Downstairs, Chet’s diner excels in Thai-Americana comfort food: think American pancake stacks, grilled king prawn rice bowls with satay sauce, and coconut and lemongrass fish curry.
Website: www.thehoxton.com
Double Red Duke, Cotswolds
Rooms from £200/night
Double Red Duke owners Sam and Georgie Pearman took a 17th-century coaching inn in the Cotswolds and updated it with a playful country-chic look. Rooms have patterned headboards, feature wallpaper, and walk-in showers – some with roll top baths – and Roberts radios are found in every room.
Downstairs, the food showcases the very best suppliers, menus change with the seasons, and dishes are cooked over fire. Think woodfired aubergine and miso dip with sesame to start, and woodfired cod loin or a 1kg prime rib for mains. Read our full review of the coveted Cotswold’s hotel here.
This is one of the Cotswolds’ most Insta-famous spots, and with good reason. I have to say though, the food offering is particularly strong here too.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Website: www.countrycreatures.com
The Rectory, Cotswolds
Rooms from £220/night
First impressions of The Rectory are of a countryside members’ clubs – complete with picturesque exterior, roomy lounge spaces and outdoor pool – but surprisingly, a night here is rather affordable. 18 bedrooms feature classy interiors, king-size beds, and Bramley bath products. Some also offer gorgeous views across the gardens.
Downstairs, the restaurant serves up classic food with a contemporary edge, and the sun-filled glasshouse is the perfect spot for breakfast.
Website: www.therectoryhotel.com
The Yard In Bath, Bath
Rooms from £170/night
A former coaching inn, this newly restored hotel continues to offer refuge to guests across 14 king-size bedrooms. Home to a central courtyard, and a wine bar that doubles as a coffee house by day, a charm like The Yard’s is hard to beat.
The rooms have been lovingly restored, with period features and locally-designed fabrics. However they’re not without their modern luxuries. Think REN toiletries, Roberts Radios, Netflix and Nespresso coffee machines. In the morning, you’ll rise to a fresh continental breakfast hung on your door.
Website: www.theyardinbath.co.uk
The Culpeper, London
Rooms from £185/night
For the longest time, visiting London meant either roughing it at a basic hostel or forking out an eye-watering amount of money for a one-night hotel stay. The Culpeper, however, falls somewhere in between – a cosy hideaway above a bustling pub and restaurant that’s actually affordable. Think exposed plaster walls, sheepskin rugs, and crisp white bed linen.
The rooftop, of course, is part of The Culpeper’s appeal. Climb to the top floor in summer to take in sweeping views of the city skyline from an urban garden oasis, and settle in with a cocktail as the sun goes down. Hungry? The regenerative menu focuses on showcasing the work of farmers and suppliers who put soil health front and centre, producing truly exceptional tasting ingredients.
Website: www.theculpeper.com
Boys Hall, Kent
Rooms from £216/night
Here is a foodie spot that not only looks good, but is steeped in history too. Once rumoured to have hosted Charles I while he was fleeing Oliver Cromwell’s forces, nowadays Boys Hall is home to garden-to-plate dining, roll top baths and original beamed ceilings.
It’s a great value base for a day trip to one of Kent’s esteemed wineries, or a winter weekend trip complete with Sunday roast.
Website: www.boys-hall.com
Native, Manchester
Rooms from £90/night
Manchester is full of converted warehouse buildings, and the loft-style Native is no exception. Don’t be fooled by its prime location next to Piccadilly station – this apartment hotel keeps things affordable, whether you choose to use the self-catering kitchen or tuck into brunch, sandwiches or sharing plates from the many food options that share the same building.
Quirky rooms include exposed red brick and parquet flooring, along with a luxe bathroom and king-sized bed. It’s a great base from which to explore the city, and the building also has a cinema and an outdoor terrace if you don’t want to stray too far.
Website: www.nativeplaces.com
Strand Palace, London
Rooms from £212/night
Right in the heart of London’s West End, Strand Palace offers excellent value for money without compromising on comfort or location. This historic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1909 and continues to provide a perfect base for exploring the capital’s theatres, shops, and attractions.
What sets Strand Palace apart is its thoughtful approach to modern travel. Every room comes with complimentary eco-friendly water bottles made from sugar cane, high-speed Wi-Fi, and the rather clever Strand Palace App that puts a digital concierge right at your fingertips.
Website: www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Barnett Hill Alexander Hotels, Guildford
Rooms from £120/night
Tucked away in the Surrey hills, Barnett Hill feels like stumbling upon a well-kept secret. This Queen Anne-style country house was built in 1905 by Frank Cook, grandson of the Thomas Cook travel dynasty, and retains all the grandeur you’d expect from such heritage.
The Oak Hall Restaurant serves up seasonal British fare, whilst the 1905 Bar is perfect for a pre-dinner tipple. With its hillside location offering sweeping views across the Surrey hills, it’s the ideal escape from London’s hustle and bustle, yet still easily accessible for a weekend retreat.
Website: https://alexanderhotels.co.uk
