These hotels give you value for money without compromising on standards. Our editors have selected cheap boutique hotels and B&Bs across the UK that ooze luxury, but don’t cost the earth. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when the bill comes.
Best Value Hotels
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Little Sark
Arriving at this pretty 17th-century farmhouse with roses round the door ‘is part of its enormous charm’: guests are met at the ferry from Guernsey in horse-drawn carriage and clip-clop over La Coupée, a dramatic, narrow isthmus 80 metres above the sea.
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Kirkby Stephen
Between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, with views to the Howgill fells, this large village inn offers classy food and bright bedrooms for walkers and gentle explorers alike.
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New Romney
Amid the evocative, sheep-grazed wetlands of Romney Marsh, between golf course and shingle beach, an Edwardian house built by Clough Williams-Ellis is now ‘a lovely, secluded hotel’.
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Pitlochry
In lawned gardens lapped by Loch Faskally, the McMenemie family’s Victorian country house hotel caters especially to evergreen guests who enjoy a gentler pace of life.
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Austwick
The refined yet homely atmosphere of this elegant country house hotel, amid the Yorkshire Dales national park, ensures guests keep returning for its generous comforts.
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Malvern Wells
‘The location can hardly be bettered’: high in the Malvern hills, this refurbished Georgian dower house has ‘fabulous, far-reaching’ views over the Severn valley.
Aynsome Manor
Grange-over-Sands
With views over farmland to pretty Cartmel village, and sheltered by wooded grounds, this 400-year-old manor house, run by the Varley family for 40 years, offers ‘an oasis of peace and tranquillity’.
Lake Isle
Uppingham
There is neither lake nor isle at Richard and Janine Burton’s listed 18th-century whitewashed restaurant-with-rooms, behind a shopfront in the oldest part of town.
Cnapan
Newport
Second-generation hosts, Judith and Michael Cooper with their son Oliver, welcome new arrivals with tea and Welsh cakes in the lounge or in the ‘lovely’ garden at their pink-washed Georgian house on the bustling main street of this small town on the Nevern estuary.
Argyll Hotel
Isle of Iona
You can take a cream tea on the grass in front of this homely hotel on a small, rugged island, and spot dolphins in the Sound of Iona.
The Ceilidh Place
Ullapool
Whether you want a ceilidh, a hooley or a quiet read, a drink or bistro meal, a bed or bunk, the Urquhart family’s hotel, in a fishing village set amid rugged mountains on the east shore of Loch Broom, can accommodate you.
The Lynch Country House
Somerton
Guests can ascend to the belvedere atop jazz musician Roy Copeland’s classical late Georgian mansion B&B for views across the countryside and grounds, the lake and specimen trees.
Biggin Hall
Buxton
In a beautiful setting in the Peak District, this historic country house offers a homely atmosphere and excellent value for money, which draw guests back year after year.
Ees Wyke Country House
Ambleside
Richard Lee often greets guests in his chef’s uniform, which sets the tone for this personally run country house with views over Esthwaite Water and fells.
Penbontbren
Llandysul
Guests enjoy the warmth and friendliness of a traditional guest house combined with all the space and privacy they could wish for at this unusual rural B&B which 'couldn't be better'.
Eddrachilles Hotel
Scourie
The breathtakingly scenic North Coast 500 road passes the driveway to this 18th-century manse, now a small, friendly hotel, gazing over Badcall Bay.
Castleman
Blandford Forum
In an idyllic village owned by the Bourke family and run in a spirit of benevolent feudalism, this former 18th-century dower house is a one-off hotel and restaurant.
The Pierhouse
Port Appin
There are glorious views to Lismore and Mull across Loch Linnhe from the dining room and sun terraces of this hotel in a 'magic, peaceful place', once a drop-off point for steamships.
Underleigh House
Hope
With views to the sheep-dotted fields and hills across the Peak District's Hope valley, a peaceful garden, breakfast feasts and large, pretty bedrooms, it’s no surprise Underleigh wins so much praise.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham
Come for a whodunnit night at Emma and Hugh Asher’s ivy-smothered hotel, ‘well placed for touring North Norfolk’, and murder by chocolate could be on the menu.
The Howard Arms
Stratford-upon-Avon
This ticks all the boxes for a village inn: overlooking the green, large beer garden, beams and flagstones, armchairs by the fire, country-chic bedrooms, and modern classics on the menu.
The Old Rectory
Boscastle
Fruit and cut flowers from the organic garden, eggs from the hens, honey from the hives, and romantic associations with Thomas Hardy are among the many charms of Sally and Chris Searle's Victorian rectory B&B.
The Sun Inn
Colchester
An ancient, rambling coaching inn in a village of wonky painted houses, The Sun glows with praise for its 'genuine welcome', 'quick and affable service' and 'convivial' atmosphere.
Britannia House
Lymington
In a coastal town on the edge of the New Forest, with cosy pubs, cobbled back streets and fine Georgian architecture, this Victorian red brick house overlooking the marina is a much-loved B&B that half imagines it’s a stately home.
Y Goeden Eirin
Caernarfon
Views of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait are on offer at Eluned Rowlands' rustic but comfortable B&B, as well as books, artwork and some true Welsh hospitality.
The Old Vicarage
Newtown
The red brick exterior of this former Victorian vicarage set back from the A483 in the Welsh marches might look ‘somewhat gaunt’ but inside are light-filled rooms, a ‘very pleasant lounge’ and a warm welcome.
The Beckford Arms
Tisbury
A hubbub of happy drinkers and diners, house ale on tap, and laid-back casual-chic style greet visitors at this Georgian dining pub-with-rooms on the edge of the Fonthill Estate.
Brooks Guesthouse
Bristol
In the centre of Bristol, a stroll from the harbour, Brooks Guesthouse surprises with its quirky courtyard garden, shiny rooftop caravans and excellent value.
Dolffanog Fawr
Tywyn
Against the backdrop of Cader Idris, with views across sheep-grazed pastures to Tal-y-llyn lake and the Dyfi and Tarren hills, this 18th-century farmhouse-turned-B&B is beautifully situated, even by Snowdonia's standards.
Grasshoppers
Glasgow
An Edwardian railway office building seems an unlikely place for a hotel – but buzz an intercom and take the lift to the sixth floor, where a warm reception, cupcakes and affordable Scandi-style comfort await.
Ael y Bryn
Crymych
One of Wales’s best-loved B&Bs stands in beautiful gardens, with a wildlife pond, a courtyard with a fountain, and glorious views to the Preseli hills.
The Talbot Inn
Frome
There’s plenty of history in this 15th-century coaching inn with its old arched carriageway, but it’s been brought bang up to date by a shabby-chic make-over at no cost to its charm.
Coll Hotel
Isle of Coll
‘Run by generations of the Oliphant family since 1963’, Coll’s welcoming social hub and only hotel sits at the head of Loch Eatharna, close to the ferry terminal.
The Royal Oak
Tetbury
Give Django Reinhardt a spin on the vintage jukebox and drop in for a quiz night or for a Sunday-night session on the 1920s Art Deco piano at this fun local hang-out handy for the chic boutiques of Tetbury.
Dunkery Beacon Country House
Wootton Courtenay
Built at the dawn of the Edwardian era as a men-only hunting lodge, and with views to the eponymous beacon, this smart but unstuffy hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor.
The 25 Boutique B&B
Torquay
Hosts Andy and Julian Banner-Price love to make their guests smile, and there is much to smile about at their award-winning boutique B&B, stylish yet infused with wit and warmth.
The Coach House
Brecon
In a market town home to an August Jazz Festival and October Baroque Music Festival, Kayt and Hugh Cooper run their former 19th-century coaching inn as a smart and welcoming, fully licensed B&B.
Brocco on the Park
Sheffield
This Edwardian suburban villa, on the Peak District side of the city, surprises with Scandi-chic rooms, a buzzing restaurant and relaxed vibe.
The Royal Oak
Salisbury
‘Rescued from dilapidation’, by locals, this ‘charming, white-painted, part-thatched’ former 18th-century tannery-turned-inn stands ‘on a quiet country lane, in a village buried in the Nadder valley’.
No. 33
Hunstanton
On a quiet street in the Victorian bathing resort of ‘sunny Hunny’, with west-facing views across the Wash, Jeanne Whittome’s smart but relaxed B&B is an ideal base from which to explore North Norfolk.
Hotels not in the Guide that you may want to consider
Best Value Hotels
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Tunbridge Wells
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Close to the station, a hotel and restaurant inside a Grade II-listed 18th-century sandstone mansion. Intimate and clubby, there is an open fire in the bar, and Gallic-influenced dishes in the informal restaurant; alfresco dining on the terrace. Modern bedrooms (some overlooking Calverley Park) have plenty of perks: a capsule coffee machine, fluffy bathrobes, chic toiletries for indulgent bathing. Within walking distance of the Pantiles.
Chatford House
Shrewsbury
Christine and Rupert Farmer offer guests a slice of the good life at their B&B on a small organic farm – and greet them with a piece of home-baked cake. Close to the Shropshire Way, the 18th-century farmhouse has cottage-style bedrooms full of spoiling touches: fresh flowers, magazines, and a regularly topped-up hospitality tray. In each, views of the pretty garden or towards the Wrekin.
The Bull and Swan at Burghley
Stamford
In the late 17th century, the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam (an aristocratic drinking club) rampaged through this coaching inn – today an altogether more upstanding crowd come for the modern pub grub, cinema nights and the garden’s ‘pizza potting shed’ (open on warm-weather weekends). Characterful bedrooms mix vintage furnishings and modern conveniences. Some have exposed stones or feature wallpaper, perhaps an original fireplace, mullioned window.
The Belmont
LEICESTER
On leafy New Walk, this welcoming family-owned town hotel is formed from a row of Victorian residences. It is within easy reach of the city and station, the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the University.
Grendon
BUXTON
Wonderful views, luxury extras and home-baked treats – on a quiet road within walking distance of the town centre, this B&B in an Edwardian property has an immaculate modern interior and welcoming hosts.
The Bijou
HARROGATE
Within easy walking distance of the town centre and railway station, this small B&B in a Victorian villa tempts with an honesty bar, pleasant front garden; private parking is an added bonus.
Victorian House
Grasmere
Pairc an t-Srath
Isle of Harris
On the west coast of Harris, Lena and Richard MacLennan’s small guest house overlooks Borve’s golden sand beach, and has views over the sound of Taransay. Simply and unfussily done, without compromising comfort. Harris tweed blankets drape the bed in the neat, wood-floored bedrooms; fresh flowers and shelves of books bring interest to a sitting room warmed by a peat fire. A surprising touch: a sauna in which to ease tired muscles after a day exploring the island.
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