Here in the UK, it’s safe to say that this year, more of us than ever are looking at holidaying a bit closer to home. From the sandy shores of Cornwall to the dramatic mountainscapes of Scotland, the UK is set to see record numbers of holidaymakers exploring their own local surroundings this summer thanks to the restrictions on travel. 

After the turbulent year we’ve all had, it’s perhaps no surprise that more and more of us are looking for a quiet weekend away to reconnect with friends, family and loved ones. With the rise in staycationing this summer, we here at Odd have put our heads together to come up with our best, most peaceful and most comfortable hotel staycation recommendations here in the UK for a good night’s rest in London, its surrounding cities, and the South of England.

 

London and Surrounding Regions 

First, we turn our attention to the UK’s bustling capital city. Not everyone’s first thought for a quiet weekend away, perhaps, but truly tranquil havens exist even in the City (if you know where to look). Home to internationally-recognised beauty spots, landmarks and tourist destinations like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and the Tower of London, visitors will also enjoy some lesser-known but equally-charming spots in the capital. Our first stop is leafy Notting Hill, a truly cosmopolitan paradise and home to the wonderfully eclectic and truly charming Portobello Hotel.

Portobello Hotel, Notting Hill 

The Portobello Hotel prides itself on its eccentricity – and well it might, given the legacy and quirky history of Notting Hill and Portobello Road. Standing since the swinging sixties, it’s perhaps no surprise that the hotel offers guests a glimpse of what it calls ‘the Bohemian spirit’ of the region and the epoch it hails from. 

The Portobello Hotel takes pride in being ‘one of a kind’ – and that’s just the experience it offers guests. With an exclusive ‘Insider’s Guide’ to the local area offering entrances and discounts to local bars, restaurants and boutiques, this Portobello paradise is not one to miss. With room sizes ranging from ‘Cosy’ to a ‘Jolly Good’ and a ‘Splendid’, guests are in for truly unmissable comfort, and a city break to remember. 

Gilbeys Restaurant & Town House, Windsor, Berkshire

Located between Eton and Windsor Castle – which should give you an idea of its prestige – Gilbey’s Eton (as it is known) offers its guests a true respite from the bustle of the local area. Just a stone’s throw from the Thames, this scenic spot shines as both a long weekender’s paradise and a holiday destination in its own right, with the beauty and history of Windsor at your doorstep.

The true feather in the cap of Gilbey’s Eton is its reputation as a gastronomic sensation! Recipient of the Diner’s Choice Awards and with connections to global food and wine market leaders, it’s no surprise that the hotel welcomes guests from both overseas and right here at home. For the ultimate in plush, elegant comfort, with suites and rooms offering sumptuous comfort, Gilbey’s Eton is a can’t-miss UK staycation spot. 

Stoke Place, Slough

Though you might think of Slough as an unassuming place, Stoke Place is situated in some truly memorable, beautiful and iconic parkland. Settled in a 26-acre green haven, this 17th-century Queen Anne mansion lets guests enjoy a true taste of luxury, with state rooms including lakeside rooms and ballrooms a popular spot for weddings and celebrations.

Stoke Place provides its guests with the last word in classic English style. From the bespoke mahogany headboards to a sprinkling of quilted, gilded wing chairs, Stoke Place is the perfect blend of a charming country house and modern class. Of course, no country home would be complete without the perfect place to lay one’s head: Stoke Place’s deluxe bedroom suites offer the perfect place for UK holidaymakers to enjoy a tranquil night’s slumber.

The South East and South West (Part 1)

 Now we’ll move a little further outside of the hustle and bustle to sharing our top hotel picks in the UK’s South East and South West – in Part 1. A broader span of a region than the Big Smoke, the South East and South West of Englnd both offer quirky individual charms to tourists and locals alike. Ranging from the lush green hills of Somerset to the bustle of Buckinghamshire, these regions offer residents and visitors the chance to sit back and take in the UK’s dynamic landscape. 

 

The Chapel at Bruton, Somerset

Described in one review as ‘ecclesiastical elegance meets boutique verve’, this 12th-century chapel brings a touch of unique legacy and culture to the hotel scene in Somerset. A truly iconic renovated chapel boasting just eight bedrooms, the Chapel is at the heart of the countryside splendour of Bruton in Somerset, located just moments away from local art galleries and scenic spots.

The Chapel’s thoughtful and innovative renovation pairs original features of the chapel with modern aspects like its renowned brasserie and bar and private clubroom, so guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in their summer UK staycation. With check-out at 12pm, guests can relax to their heart’s content in these sumptuous and decadent rooms.  

 

Number 1 Bruton, Bruton, Somerset

Staying in Somerset for our next contender, the Number 1 Bruton certainly makes an effort to live up to its name. This beautiful hotel caters to guests in a cosy 12-bedroom set-up – but make no mistake, this boutique staycation destination impresses just as much as it comforts! With admiring reviews being drawn from the likes of Tatler, guests lavish praise on Number 1’s unique composition: formed of bedrooms situated in a Georgian townhouse, a medieval forge and cottages set around a beautiful stone courtyard.

The perfect place to hide away with a special someone, this hotel’s delights are a treat for more senses than one. Its gastronomic excellence has seen Osip, Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson’s restaurant, awarded a Michelin star earlier this year, and makes it a true treat as a UK-based staycation spot. 

 

The Crown Hotel, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Our final entrant into Part 1 of our guide to summer hotel staycations in the South of England, Amersham’s Crown Hotel offers guests the comforts of the country, just moments from the beating heart of the capital. This modern coaching inn is just 45 minutes from the capital, while benefiting from the idyllic surroundings of the Chiltern hills’ rural landscape, for the perfect compromise between busy and blissful. 

Fans of gastronomic excellence will find themselves well catered-for (pardon the pun) with two Michelin spots nearby: the Artichoke restaurant and The Crown’s own Indian spot Hawkyns from chef Atul Kochhar. Surrounding boutiques and museums give a flavour of local enterprises, for those seeking activities to fill their visit. For those simply seeking a rest, however, The Crown also serves top-of-the-range comfort with cosy rooms, luxury mattresses and pure cotton sheets – ideal for relaxation. 

 

 Hotel-Quality Mattresses – Away or At Home! 

Looking for a good night’s rest a lot closer to home? Enjoy hotel-quality mattresses in your own bedroom, with a bespoke luxury mattress from The Odd Company. With both our standard range of mattresses and our popular made-to-measure options available, you can also rest easy from the comfort of your own house. Learn more about our standard and bespoke ranges here.