The Independent: Review: November 2003

The Ten Best Weekend Hotels

From cosy cliff-top hideaways to luxurious city-centre retreats, James Lohan, author of the acclaimed Mr & Mrs Smith hotel guide, recommends the most stylish places to stay in the UK

Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
Le Manoir sits regally among beautiful lawns and gardens.  The rooms are spectacularly sexy, and the atmosphere of the hotel makes your stay an occasion to remember.  Its aim is to provide a gastronomic heaven in an atmosphere of unabashed luxury, and it succeeds effortlessly.
Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford
(01844 278881;  www.manoir.com).
Doubles from £265.


Barnsley House
An imposing, Grade II-listed manor house within 11 acres of grounds, Barnsley House is ultra-cool and super-luxurious.  With a pub and restaurant, this is one hotel where serious overindulgence is most definitely the order of the day.
Barnsley, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
(01285 740 000;  www.barnsleyhouse.com).
Doubles from £250.



Blakes
Tucked away in London’s South Kensington, Blakes is the epitome of modern decadence.  So cocooned will you be, it’s impossible to tell what time of day it is – perfect for the wickedest of weekends away.
33 Roland Gardens, London SW7
(020 7370 6701;  www.blakeshotels.com).
Doubles from £255.


The Witchery by the Castle
A sumptuous, opulent extravaganza of a hotel – giant Victorian roll-top baths big enough for two, scented candles galore, and a heated limestone floor all add to the theatricality of The Witchery, brilliantly located for exploring Edinburgh – if you can make it out of bed.
Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
(0131-225 5613;  www.thewitchery.com).
Doubles from £250.


The Drunken Duck Inn
A cream-coloured 19th-century inn tucked in rolling countryside, The Drunken Duck’s contemporary styled rooms have unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside.  The rest of the Duck is small and wonderfully traditional, and even has its own brewery – it doesn’t come more romantic than this.
Barngates, Ambleside, Cumbria.
(01539 436347;  www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk).
Doubles from £85.


The Lugger
Set in its own tiny fishing bay the Lugger is simple and elegant, and the perfect place to contemplate the past and future undisturbed.  Oversized beds give rooms a cosy feeling, and minimalist elements sit happily within the relaxed atmosphere of this cosy Cornish hideaways.
Portloe, Truro, Cornwall.
(01872 501322;  www.luggerhotel.co.uk).
Doubles from £200.


Cotswold House
A dream designer pad in a breathtaking rural setting, this hotel offers style and luxury.  Its 17th-century façade tempts you inside, where each room is different.  Look out for the annexe room with private garden, complete with hot tub.
The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.
(01386 840330;  www.cotswoldhouse.com).
Doubles from £175.



Kilgraney House
The approach, through beautiful scenery, prepares you for this elegant hotel, which has the feel of a particularly stylish private home, and is decorated with items sourced from the owners’ travels in the Philippines.  Super-relaxing, a stay here is perfect in every detail.
Bagenalstown, County Carlow, Ireland.
(353 0 59 977 5283;  www.kilgraneyhouse.com).
Doubles from €90.


Driftwood
Driftwood is set high on a cliff, with spectacular views over the bay and its own private beach.  The Cabin, a secluded house partway down the cliff, is the suite to ask for.
Rosevine, near Portscatho, Cornwall.
(01872 580644;  www.driftwoodhotel.co.uk).
Doubles from £140.


Pool House
Enormous suites, open log fires, and four-poster beds are all features of this family-run hotel, which exudes the owners’ passion for food, wine and comfort.  Get up early to watch the otters, and while away the evening with one of the hotel’s 400 malt whiskies.
By Inverewe Garden, Poolewe, Wester Ross.
(01445 781272;  www.poolhousehotel.com).
Doubles from £190.