There are several elements that contribute to a great hotel experience. While location is significant, travelers also need good accommodation regardless of where they are. A truly excellent hotel makes you feel luxurious no matter your destination. Exceptional amenities, such as top-notch hotel TV systems, high-quality catering with courteous and efficient service, a delicious and varied menu, and clean, attractive rooms, are essential. Here are five British hotels that meet these criteria and more:

**Gleneagles, Perthshire, Scotland:** Recently named the best rural hotel in the UK by Travel magazine, this five-star hotel near Auchterarder features Scotland’s only two-Michelin star restaurant, headed by master chef Andrew Fairlie. It’s also adjacent to the world-famous Gleneagles golf course, which was set to host the Ryder Cup in 2014. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, staying at this luxurious hotel is an experience in itself, even if you don’t leave the premises.

**Holm House, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales:** This is one of the most elegant hotels in the UK and arguably the most enticing in Wales. Located near Penarth, Holm House is known for its Art Deco fixtures and fittings, providing guests with a taste of the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and 1930s. Despite its historical charm, the hotel was renovated recently, combining the best of the old with modern comforts. The rooms now feature the latest designer soft furnishings and amenities, including Frette linens and Jo Malone toiletries.

**St Pancras Renaissance, London:** Dubbed the best city hotel in the UK by Travel, this hotel opened in 2011 but integrates the grand designs of the Midland Grand Hotel, originally opened in 1873. The building exudes Victorian luxury, while the amenities and comfort levels are distinctly 21st century. Despite its central location in London, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

**Feversham Arms, Helmsley, North Yorkshire:** This former coaching inn, dating back to 1855, is an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire coast and countryside. It masterfully blends old and new with a décor that is both bright and cheerful yet harmoniously fits alongside the beautiful country house interiors influenced by neo-Classical design. Enjoy delectable meals in its conservatory restaurant and unwind with a fine ale in the snug bar.

**The Glasshouse, Edinburgh, Scotland:** Named the runner-up in Travel’s best UK city hotel category, this hotel was praised for its “retro 70s vibe, behind the gothic facade of this bijou boutique.”