With tensions around the globe causing major travel chaos that is having a ripple effect across all corners of the world, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to jet off right at this very moment. Or you might be like me and had plans to travel overseas in the coming months, only to have flights cancelled and suddenly find yourself with no holiday on the horizon. In those moments, a last-minute trip closer to home can feel like exactly what you need. Of course, you don’t need much of an excuse to enjoy a trip here in the UK – there are so many beautiful places to explore. But if you’re in the mood to make it feel a little more special, a five-star stay with a hint of luxury could be just the thing.

Granted, five-star stays can come with five-star prices, but that’s not always the case. If you plan ahead and do your research, you can find stays from as little as £149 a night, according to data from Booking.com. The platform regularly rounds up its best hotels and rental properties based on customer reviews, and I personally love using it when booking trips. There’s something reassuring about reading real, honest experiences from other holidaymakers – it makes the whole process feel a lot more confident.

And it turns out not every top-rated, five-star luxury property in the UK is in the nation’s biggest cities, or reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Some of the most loved stays are smaller, more characterful places. In fact, they don’t even have to be massive hotel chains, as one boutique property in the Lake District proves. Alongside big-name brands, UK tourists have also voted The White House in the Lake District (with stays from £143 a night on Booking.com) among their favourites.

Of course, for the absolute best rates, you’re usually better off booking in advance, travelling mid-week and avoiding peak seasons like Christmas, New Year or school holidays. In my experience as a Shopping Editor and former travel reporter, hotel prices also tend to inch up in the summer – but a bit of forward planning can definitely help keep costs down.

Scroll to see the five top-rated “five-star” properties on Booking.com according to guest reviews.

With a 9.6-star rating on Booking.com, customers have rated one of Newcastle’s newest hotels as “exceptional”. Despite only opening its doors on the North East city’s quayside last year, Dakota Newcastle has already racked up over 1,200 reviews, with guests consistently praising the staff, food and ambience as standout features.

In a review, one person said: “Excellent staff, great food and outstanding ambience! Awesome hotel, would definitely come again with my wife!”

Part of the wider Dakota chain, the hotel feels like a sophisticated city escape, known for its dark, luxurious yet contemporary interiors. It’s the kind of place that makes an impression from the moment you walk in. Another guest, who stayed just this month, said: “A beautiful location, a very well presented hotel, and the decor was excellent.”

Rooms range from a classic double through to a two-bedroom deluxe suite, but even the more standard options don’t feel basic. Guests often mention how spacious they are, dressed in sumptuous fabrics and those signature moody grey tones that mirror the sleek feel of the lobby.

Guest rooms offer river views, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with free toiletries and bathrobes. The hotel also offers a range of five-star amenities, including a gym, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and in-room dining.

The communal areas are just as inviting, made up of a series of lounge spaces alongside a bar and restaurant that give the hotel a relaxed but polished feel.

Most reviews are positive, with only one one-star review on Booking.com at the time of writing. However, one person did mention a disappointing breakfast experience, saying: “Breakfast was a disaster. It was very expensive, and the order was taken, then forgotten. Took ages to come, and then it was cold! We had this refunded, but it still spoilt overall experience. Staff were very apologetic, though.”

Overall, though, most reviewers say they had nothing to complain about. And the location might be one of its biggest draws. Located in the city centre, it’s just across the river from the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art – around a six-minute walk. It’s also well placed for Newcastle’s bars and restaurants, with the Theatre Royal just a 13-minute walk away. Newcastle’s central train station is about 20 minutes on foot, and Newcastle International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive.

art’otel London Hoxton is the newest addition from the art’otel family to arrive in London, following hot on the heels of art’otel Battersea. While I haven’t personally stayed at the Hoxton location, the Battersea hotel is one of my absolute favourites in London (you can read my full review here). The location, the views, the bold interiors, and that rooftop pool all really stay with you. So it’s not surprising that the Hoxton spot has quickly made its way onto Booking.com’s list of top-rated five-star stays.

The hotel has scored a rating of 9.2 and been awarded a “superb” title. It also couldn’t be better placed, right in the middle of Shoreditch – one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods, known for its galleries, boutique shops, nightlife and ever-changing street art. It feels like a natural fit for a hotel that leans so heavily into creativity.

Like others in the art’otel group, it describes itself as a hotel combined with an art space, and that’s clear throughout. There are works from street artist D*Face, alongside large murals, sculptures and installations dotted around the interiors. There’s even a dedicated gallery space with rotating exhibitions, plus a few original artworks by Banksy to spot if you look closely.

Guests have really responded to that atmosphere. One person said: “One of the best stays I’ve had in a while. The hotel was amazing and the staff extraordinary!”

Another added: “The arty vibe and the location. It’s close to Shoreditch, which has a lot of good restaurants, coffee shops and shops.”

There are around 350 rooms and suites, many with skyline views of the capital. The rooms feel playful and creative, with bold colours, artistic touches and thoughtful extras like record players, adding to the overall experience.

Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and spa, a gym (with those skyline views again), and event and creative spaces. There’s also an all-day dining and cocktail spot called The Brush Grand Cafe, as well as a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views.

In the Scottish capital, nestled in the Old Town near the famous castle, you’ll find Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Set within the historic India Buildings, the hotel blends classic Victorian architecture with modern design, creating a space that feels both characterful and contemporary. It’s also one of the most central luxury hotels in the city, just steps from key attractions like the Royal Mile.

The concept is designed to feel more like a social hub than a traditional hotel, so the atmosphere leans lively, stylish and just a little bit edgy rather than overly formal. That’s exactly what gives it its personality – and why so many guests are drawn to it.

The hotel has scored a rating of 9.1 on Booking.com, described as “superb”. In a review, one previous guest described the stay as “welcoming and quirky”. Another added: “The hotel is quirky with lots of levels. It’s a really interesting building and sits in a great spot in the old town.

“The bedroom (Chamber King Room) was spacious and comfortable with a fairly decent view of the Castle. The rooftop garden has great views of the city. “

There are around 220 rooms and suites, complete with thoughtful extras like SMEG mini-fridges stocked with local treats and controls that let you set the mood lighting or adjust the temperature just how you like it. Despite its modern feel, there are subtle nods to the location woven throughout.

The main restaurant is the Commons Club, serving Scottish cuisine across brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Breakfast includes continental, buffet, à la carte, full English/Irish, and vegetarian options. However, some guests pointed out they were disappointed to find breakfast wasn’t included in their rate, so it’s always worth double-checking in advance. There is the option to add it to your stay.

There’s also a rooftop bar serving cocktails against a stylish city backdrop.

Unlike the other hotels in this round-up so far, The White House Windermere is a boutique retreat in the Lake District rather than a big chain. While it has contemporary design elements, they are carefully balanced with the building’s historic heritage (it’s a Grade II-listed property). Throughout the space, you’ll notice preserved period features alongside locally sourced materials, rustic townhouse-inspired finishes, bold colours and modern fixtures.

Guests who booked a stay via Booking.com have rated it a 9.1 overall. One previous guest said: “Great location! Such a warm feeling to it. Love it all”.

Its location is a major highlight, and something that comes up time and time again in reviews. It’s set right in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, just a few minutes’ walk from Lake Windermere. Another guest wrote: “Property within walking distance of all the pubs and shops in Bowness.” The property is also a short walk from the World of Beatrix Potter.

The hotel itself is small, with just 12 rooms, though each one is individually designed with its own layout and en-suite. There’s also a cottage. Guest rooms come with a refrigerator, free toiletries, a TV and an electric kettle.

Dining is fairly low-key, as the hotel operates primarily on a room-only basis and has no in-house restaurant. But that simply encourages guests to explore the local eateries, pubs and bars – all of which are within easy walking distance.

Facilities are still a strong point, with off-site spa access exclusive to guests just a two-minute walk away. You can make use of state-of-the-art fitness facilities or unwind with a range of wellness treatments for an additional charge.

If you want a bit of a home-away-from-home experience, The Hotel Chester is a boutique aparthotel set within a Grade II–listed building in the heart of the city. It’s been rated 9.1 by guests and awarded a “superb” title.

The hotel combines historic architecture with modern, design-led comfort. While the rooms retain original features, they’re balanced with cosy, contemporary styling across all twelve individually designed apartments. Each one offers plush beds, self-contained living spaces and a relaxed, home-like feel that makes it easy to settle in. One recent guest said: “The room itself was lovely. Loved the quirkiness of the showers behind the bed. The room itself was very clean. Appreciated the toiletries and sweets.”

Rather than a traditional hotel restaurant, it focuses on independent stays, encouraging guests to explore the surrounding city’s vibrant dining scene just steps away. There’s also a peaceful shared beer garden, which feels like a quiet bonus for unwinding.

Located centrally on Newgate Street, it offers easy access to Chester’s historic attractions, shops and nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring. Guests have also been complimentary of its location, with one saying: “Amazing location, perfect for my partner’s birthday, the bed was so comfy”.

Facilities are intentionally boutique and minimal, prioritising comfort and character over large-scale amenities. As a result, it leans more towards a cosy, homely feel than that of a big hotel chain, with features such as Wi-Fi, stylish interiors and a sociable outdoor space.