The great British staycation really has come of age. Not since the jet age began have so many of us opted to holiday in the UK. And while the reason may be a bleak reality of living in the midst of a global pandemic, the upshot is nevertheless a pleasant reminder that Britain has some of the best hotels in the world. And maybe we didn’t need to cross the planet in search of luxury.
And, Omicron and new variants allowing, 2022 looks set to be packed with fabulous hotel openings both abroad and at home. Here are some of Britain’s most exciting openings coming up…
Artist Residence, Bristol
Originally planned for opening this year (and, come to think of it, 2020 and 2019 as well) this former boot factory turned upmarket hotel, Artist Residence Bristol, will finally arrive in 2022. Though maybe don’t bet on it.
This former boot factory turned upmarket hotel, Artist Residence Bristol, will finally arrive in 2022...
But if the 23 room boutique hotel does finally get off the ground then this should be a brilliant addition to Bristol’s already vibrant scene. Everyone who visits Brighton’s Artist Residence completely raves about the place, so expect more of the same in the West Country.
Where: 28 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol, BS2 8SA
Website: www.artistresidence.co.uk
Raffles London at the OWO
Not only one of the UK’s most anticipated openings of 2022 but one of the world’s, everyone is looking forward to Raffles London at the OWO finally coming to life in the coming year.
Seeped in history, and now clothed in luxury...
Operated by Raffles, one of the world’s most iconic hotel brands, the 120 rooms and suites hotel is at the very heart of the capital, standing in the Old War Office (hence OWO) on Westminster’s Whitehall.
Seeped in history, and now clothed in luxury, this is the opening of 2022.
Where: Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2EU
Website: www.theowo.london
Wild Thyme & Honey, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds have had a relatively good pandemic, being Londoners’ favourite relocation destination when Fulham life gets too cramped and a great place to weekend for the rest of us (if only to visit our departed former neighbours!)
And into this crowded market comes Wild Thyme & Honey, near Cirencester.
A favourite destination for anyone visiting the this fashionable neck of the woods...
The boutique country inn soft launched in December 2021 (so perhaps not a true 2022 opening) and promises to be a favourite destination for anyone visiting the this fashionable neck of the woods.
Where: Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, GL7 5RS
Website: www.wildthymeandhoney.co.uk
Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh
Gleneagles may be one of the best known names in Scottish hospitality, famed for its country house estate in Perthshire. But now you don’t need to venture into the countryside to experience the luxury of Gleneagles, it’s coming right into Edinburgh.
The historic townhouse has been given a boutique hotel makeover...
Headed to St Andrew Square, the historic townhouse has been given a boutique hotel makeover, with 33 rooms and suites, an all-day restaurant, roof terrace and private members’ club.
Where: 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1GF
Website: www.gleneagles.com
Art’otel, Battersea Power Station, Battersea
Imagine swimming up to the edge of a rooftop infinity pool and looking down… at Battersea Power Station!
Set to become a reality in 2022, the opening of Art’otel Battersea Power Station promises to be a showstopper.
Art'otel Battersea Power Station promises to be a showstopper...
The building has been deigned by Foster + Partners and is set around the historic power station and guarantees panoramic views, luxury and a roof garden designed by the New York High Line team, James Corner Field Operations.
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, Battersea, SW11 8BJ
Website: www.artotellondonbattersea.com
Chateau Denmark, Soho
Unleash your inner Jonny Rotten and check into Chateau Denmark in 2022.
The rock-and-roll hotel comes equipped with 55 “session rooms"...
The rock-and-roll hotel comes equipped with 55 “session rooms” on Soho’s Denmark Street and spread across 16 separate buildings. The rooms celebrate different moments in pop history and also tells the stories of the music that was made on this iconic street (think Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Bowie and so on).
Where: Denmark Street, Soho, WC2H 8NJ
Website: www.chateaudenmark.com
The Albion, Cardigan
Having made a name as Wales’ leading glampers, Fforest are now trying their hand at hotels.
Sat beside the river Teifi, the Granary lofts have been converted into five self-catered boutique apartments.
The ideal Welsh holiday destination...
The Ceredigion hotel comes alongside Pizzatipi, a woodfired pizza restaurant. It’s the ideal Welsh holiday destination.
Where: Bridge Warehouse, Teifi Wharf, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 3AA
Website: www.coldatnight.co.uk
