Good Hotel Guide Editor Adam Raphael talks about the principles of the Good Hotel Guide that have remained true since its launch, in time for the arrival of the 2017 Guide.

The 2017 edition of the Good Hotel Guide will be published on October 10th. We remain committed as we have from our first edition in 1978 to select only the very best hotels, inns and B&Bs in Great Britain and Ireland. Not a penny is paid for an entry so we are free to choose without fear or favour on the basis of reports from readers and our inspectors.

This year we have 414 full list places which have a full page and photos for each in the front section of the book and 414 shortlist entries which are listed at the back. Just under 100 hotels have omitted from this edition.

If you would like to buy a priority copy of the new edition at a 25% discount CLICK HERE.

Zetter Townhouse

New hotel discoveries

Our range of entries is deliberately eclectic. Our new editor, Astella Saw, has made many new discoveries. Sassy city hotels and exciting boutique boltholes such as Artist Residence, Brighton; Chapel House, Penzance; Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone; Brocco on the Park, Sheffield, and the Padstow Townhouse, Cornwall.

Gracious country houses with their fires lit–Greenhills in Jersey; Forest Side, Grasmere, and Penally Abbey, Pembrokeshire. We have jovial inns and pubs-with-rooms:The Plough, Kelmscott; The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe, and The Bell at Skenfrith. All brilliantly carry on the age-old job of welcoming travellers.

The Guide is not just for big spenders. Some of our favourites are budget options including Tebay Services Hotel, near Carlisle; the Manor Coach House, Worcester, and Ard na Breatha, Co. Donegal, that don’t skimp on a genuine feeling of hospitality.

The Bell at Skenfrith

Editor’s choice selections

To help you find your perfect hotel, there are editor’s choice selections in 16 categories ranging from romantic, value, gardens and weddings to gastropubs, seaside, walking and dog-friendly. The choice of these selections is made by the Guide’s small editorial team after keen discussion.

“We are pleased to announce that this year, the Guide will have two new sponsors – Sky TV & WiFi and Bramley Products. Developing new revenue streams helps to fund the production of the Guide and invest in its future. As established partners to many of the hotels in the Guide but with important services to offer to many more, Sky and Bramley will benefit from being able to reach our audience of discerning independent travellers and top independent hoteliers.

Sky In-Room

We know from our own surveys that a big TV screen and the quality and range of programmes made available are highly valued by guests. Having Sky In-Room with the option of powerful WiFi enables guests to have connectivity and high quality entertainment at the touch of a button.

We also know from the thousands of letters that our readers write to us that they want to feel pampered when they stay away. Bramley Products offers this with a range of toiletries designed to reflect the English countryside and its scents. The products contain 100% natural essential oils and rich cocoa and shea butters.