For many travellers, accommodation can be the most memorable part of a holiday – and our readers have revealed their top British hotel to spend the night in.
The Independent held its first-ever Travel Awards on 8 September, celebrating the destinations, travel companies and days out that make our getaways special.
More than 17,000 of you shared your favourite hotel as part of our survey, with London’s luxurious Hotel Café Royal crowned king of UK stays.
Independent readers think that the five-star hotel on Regent Street is more than just a basecamp and a bedroom for city breaks in the capital.
The original Café Royal opened in 1865 and counted Oscar Wilde and David Bowie in its guestbook – it reopened as the modern Hotel Café Royal in 2012.
With 159 guest rooms and suites, including six signature suites, an intimate two-Michelin-starred restaurant and the Akasha Spa, featuring an 18m pool, sauna, two marble Hammams and a gym, this is one of London’s leading luxury hotels.
Assistant travel editor and hotels expert Emilee Tombs said: “With its landmark location, elegant style and notable past guests, it’s unsurprising that Hotel Café Royal has secured the top spot for our readers.
“The hotel has hosted guests for over 160 years and is clearly still doing things right. They have one of the world’s best pastry chefs, Albert Adrià, an award-winning subterranean spa and family facilities that go above and beyond.”
While the London hotspot took first place, about 125 miles to the north-east, Norfolk’s Blakeney Hotel was ranked as a deserving runner-up by our readers.
The Blakeney Hotel, set on the city’s quay, has individually decorated rooms, a bar, restaurant and relaxing leisure area with an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and mini gym overlooking its sun terrace.
Emilee said: “How nice to see a family-run hotel on our list too – and of course, it would be Blakeney Hotel in Norfolk.
“Set overlooking the atmospheric salt marshes in a National Landscape, the hotel has just 60 snug rooms, a restaurant that utilises the best of the region’s seasonal produce and is family and dog-friendly.”
To see who else took top place at The Independent Travel Awards, check out all the winners from our inaugural celebrations .
Read more: All the winners of the Independent Travel Awards 2026
Where is the new Soho House location opening in 2027?
EU delays post-Brexit border checks in nine countries for UK travellers
This reimagined traditional townhouse hotel is perfect for a city break in Kyoto
Ryanair refuses grieving mother refund after teen son dies just days before flight
