Here at The Independent Traveller, our experts and journalists travel the world trying the best hotels in all the top travel locations including the UK, Paris and New York.

We have slept in all the beds, tried all the breakfasts and explored all the nooks and crannies of these beautiful locations to bring you our comprehensive guide to the best hotels, tours and short break offers around.

From the bustling streets of London to the remote Isles of Scilly and from the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds across to Wales, we have stayed in tiny cottages, luxury hotels and everything in between. We’ve even brought the pooch along to some of the best dog-friendly hotels.

If you’re wondering where to go on your next city break, walking holiday or want to try one of the best spa hotels, we have covered all bases around the country, over the Channel and across the Atlantic (and beyond).

See below to explore our regional guides to the best hotels and holidays by location.

About The Independent Traveller

The Independent Traveller is a partnership between The Independent and Tripsmiths to bring expert insights and unique travel experiences to our readers. Tripsmiths was founded in 2016 and since then has been offering one of a kind experiences travellers won’t find elsewhere.

From exclusive events with famous faces to unique tours in iconic places, The Independent Traveller strives to create holidays that are unrivalled in their cultural richnes. The team handpicks exclusive hotel offers and makes bookings at the best available price. The experienced team of reviewers handpick the best hotels across the UK, Paris and New York.

Tripsmiths provides peace of mind for travellers with a reservations team on hand every step of the booking process, from your first enquiry to your safe arrival home. Money is safely protected by schemes such as TTA, ABTA, AITO, ABTOT, and ATOL for flight-inclusive trips.

UK hotels, tours & offers

The Independent Traveller tours

Sensational staycations

Revisit old favourites and explore new ones on these great trips exploring the best of the stunning British Isles.

‘No Fly’ Holidays

Holidaymakers are increasingly turning to train travel as an alternative to flying. It can often be a more relaxing way to travel with the benefit of minimising the environmental impact of a holiday. On a rail holiday, the journey can become part of the overall experience, rather than a simple hassle to get out of the way. There are awe-inspiring views to be enjoyed as you steam through Europe’s many lovely landscapes and, in some cases, luxury dining and supremely stylish to be enjoyed on board.

Expert-led holidays

Trips are often accompanied by an expert guests who can share their unique perspectives or special skill. You could find yourself sampling local treats with a celebrity chef or exploring the blooms of Holland with a TV gardener.

Foodie trips

If you really want to get to know the culture of a region, one of the best things you can do is discover its food and drink. From the flavoursome produce of south-west France to the hidden gems to be found in the UK’s countryside, we love savouring the delightful flavours of each country and county we visit.

Garden trips

For any keen gardener, a holiday always brings opportunities to explore beautiful gardens and get inspired for your own projects. Whether you’re travelling abroad or closer to home, a garden holiday can introduce you to new ideas and show a world of diverse styles.

We packed in so much and yet everything was just perfect. Wonderful accommodation, delightful staff, great food. It couldn’t have been bettered.

The Isles of Scilly with Michael Morpurgo

The Independent Traveller hotel reviews

Best hotels in the South West

Whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of St Ives, getting pampered at one of the best spa hotels in Cornwall, looking for a great hotel in Dorset to explore the mind-blowing Jurassic Coast or exploring the resplendent beauty of Somerset, the South West offers so much for an intrepid coastal or town explorer.

Best hotels in the South East

The South East of England has equally attractive locations to visit from the rambling South Downs in East Sussex to the perfect seaside destination in the luscious Isle of Wight and the royal county of Berkshire with its regal hotel offerings. Or why not try a stay in the cool coastal town of Margate in Kent or book a hunting-lodge style hotel for an adventurous stay in the New Forest?

Best hotels in the East

The East of England has some of the best hidden gems in the UK, whether you’re travelling a short way for an escape in Essex or further afield. Book a place on the Norfolk coast with its wide open landscapes and pretty rural villages or head to its county city of Norwich. Even more rural but no less charming is Suffolk, the perfect place for a sleepy hotel stay in the countryside or pay a visit to its bigger towns of Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds.

Best hotels in the North

The vast and varied landscapes to choose for a holiday in Yorkshire and the north of England are innumerable. Book a pretty hotel to explore the romantic castle ruins of Northumberland, put your feet up in one of Derbyshire’s best hotels after hiking in the Peak District, gasp at the rolling views afforded with a visit to County Durham or take in some unparalleled scenery with a stay in one of the best hotels in the Lake District.

The Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, New York City. Whatever you call it, New York is one of the most popular travel destinations, and for good reason. It is a hub of culture, music, art, food and style that is a must-visit destination. We’ve gathered our favourite affordable hotels in New York and boutique offerings to make the most of your stay.

Visiting Paris is on the bucket list of people from all over the world, and it’s one of the Brits’ favourite places for a city break. Take your time with a long weekend in the City of Love with a stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Paris or try one of our favourite affordable Paris hotels.

Read More