Are these the best hotels in Britain? Step inside and find out!

Celebrating the Good Hotel Guide 2016 Cesar Award winners, we delve into this elite collection of boutique hotels, country lodges and regal castles for a closer look

The Good Hotel Guide has released its annual, eagerly anticipated 2016 guide. The César Awards celebrate the 10 finest hotels in the collection, which dons an array of luxury boutiques, unique houses and regal castles. These independent establishments offer unparalleled services and experiences that can be enjoyed by all the family.

We take a closer look past reception...

London Hotel of the Year: Artist Residence, Pimlico

hotel exterior with grey wall glass window and door with red and white roof

(Image credit: TBC)

A stone's throw from Victoria Station, this Plush Pimlico townhouse can be found nestled in a fashionable London neighbourhood. Bringing a distinctly quirky feel to London's street, the Artist Residence celebrates individuality and vibrancy by offering rooms adorned with unique flea market finds, plus, it can be enjoyed on a budget.

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Country House Hotel of the Year: Hotel Endsleigh, Milton Abbot, Devon

villa with green lawn and trees

(Image credit: TBC)

This Gothic cottage, set in acres of bucolic forestry, was once used as a Duke's hunting lodge, and it is easy to see why! This country abode is perfect for weekends away with family and friends, admiring views of the River Tamar and beyond whilst hunting, fishing, relaxing and rejuvenating.

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Inn of the Year: The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, County Durham

stone wall building with white window and roof

(Image credit: TBC)

This country Inn sits in an intimate, cobbled village in County Durham. Celebrating it's 900-year-old history, the hotel retains an original characteristics such as the priest hole and medieval hand-stained glass. Ran with a community ethos, this Inn features buildings dotted across the village square for an opportunity to admire the surrounding moors.

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Newcomer of the Year: The Coach House at Middleton Lodge, Richmond, North Yorkshire

hotels bedroom with white wall grey headboard and white blue cushion

(Image credit: TBC)

Set in a magnificent estate, this modern conversion is able to offer guests the grandeur of a Georgian retreat coupled with the earthy tones of a coach house. The house boasts the feel of a boutique hotel in the country; stylish amenities and fine dining amalgamate amongst a rural setting.

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Walking Hotel of the Year: Hazel Bank, Rosthwaite, Cumbria

stone villa with white window and garden

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This small, slate cottage sits beneath the rolling, rugged mountains of the Lake District. Surrounded by ribbon lakes and swirling scenery, guests can hike the hills before being welcomed back into the arms of Hazel Bank, or simply spend days enjoying the views from the rolling lawns.

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Eccentric Hotel of the Year: Zanzibar International Hotel, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

hotels bedroom with white wall bed and white window

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This quirky retreat has the dual appearance of a tropical escape whilst maintaining it's quintessentially English ethos. Each room is designed with a different continent in mind, offering guests sweeping views of the British sea-front, in the comfort of a swanky New York apartment, African Lodge or Balinese hut.

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Family Hotel of the Year: Augill Castle, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

stone castle with white window garden and tree

(Image credit: TBC)

Promoting activities from cave diving to cooking, rambling to relaxing, this castle can accommodate all the family's needs. The family-run home welcomes guests to experience a full-rounded stay by spending days in the Eden Valley before kicking their wellies off and enjoying some food by the fire.

Book your break to Augill Castle with LastMinute.com

Romantic Hotel of the Year: The Pig on the Beach, Studland, Dorset

cream wall hotel exterior white window and coated roof

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Spend the weekend with your loved one at this country house adorned with princess towers and life size dovecotes for lovebirds. This hotel offers a homely feel in a luxurious setting. Enjoy rustic spa retreats in the shepherds huts before tucking into your personal larder's goodies.

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Scottish Hotel of the Year: Kilmichael Country House, Brodick, Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire

hotel exterior with white wall white window grey roof and garden

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Located on the Isle of Arran, this abode boasts a repertoire of royal inhabitants and a colourful history. Enjoying the fruit of the land by delving into the bread, jams, marmalades and ice creams made by the house and the birds eye views of sky scraping Goatfell.

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Welsh Hotel of the Year: The Grove, Narberth, Pembrokeshire

hotels exterior with white wall white window and garden

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Welcomed down a tree-studded drive, guests are met by an imposing white mansion and acres of manicured gardens and woodland.
This recently refurbished home affords the Preseli Hills a deluxe restaurant offering a range of locally sourced, tantalising ingredients in an intimate venue, plus, an in-room spa experience.

Book your break to The Grove with LastMinute.com

Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.