To mark the end of what has been a highly unusual (to say the least) year, hotels up and down the country are celebrating with packages, special dinners, music, and lots and lots of Champagne. Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Tiers 1 and 2 that still have availabilty for ringing in the new year.
We will keep this page updated as news comes in, but it is always best to check the status of the hotel directly. Note that while some hotels advertise “midnight fireworks”, nationwide 11pm curfews remain in place. Travel from Tier 3 areas is advised against; for more details of how the tier system affects hotel stays see here.
Tier 1
Cornwall
The Scarlet
This adults-only, eco-friendly retreat is ideal for a restorative coastal escape with lashings of style and breathtaking sea vistas. From December 30 to January 2, The Scarlet will be offering three-night stays for guests looking to ring in the new year with spa treatments, Cornish cuisine, leisurely breakfasts, canapes, fizz and fireworks. Gifts include a food hamper to take home with you as well as a welcome and departure present.
Packages from £1,950 based on two people sharing (scarlethotel.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Scarlet
The Idle Rocks
The Idle Rocks New Year’s Eve party kicks off with a Cornish gin masterclass before an evening of canapés, music and a three-course gala dinner by executive head chef Dorian Janmaat. Guests looking to blow the cobwebs out are spoilt for choice with Roseland walks, coastal paths, cycle trails, beachy strolls from the door and wanders into pretty St Mawes. Foodies are well catered for with brunch, a seafood supper of Cornish fish and shellfish, and a full Cornish breakfast on the last day.
Packages from £870 per person based on two people sharing (idlerocks.com).
Read the full review: The Idle Rocks
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
Carbis Bay is the only British hotel with its own Blue Flag beach. As well as that long strip of butter-coloured sand, its estate extends up a wooded valley and includes the passing Coast Path. The handsome 125-acre estate includes fine dining, a superb spa, watersports, a pool and myriad accommodation options – all stylish, and some decidedly luxurious. The spa’s three treatment rooms abut a barrel sauna and sea-view terrace, with a heated pool below.
Packages from £505 per person, half board (carbis bay hotel.co.uk).
Read the full review: Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
The Headland
A grand, hulking Victorian pile on a headland in Newquay – famed for its starring role in the film of Roald Dahl’s The Witches – offering good food, cosy cottages and stellar views of Fistral Beach. Activities include everything from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to a spectacular new spa. New Year’s Eve promises to be magical at The Headland; expect glamorous decoration and plenty of champers.
Rooms from £310 (headlandhotel.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Headland
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The Headland Hotel
The Nare
This homely country house hotel by the sea is beloved by its loyal guests who come back year-in, year-out for its supreme location and superb staff. It boasts a private boat, 36 homely bedrooms and an indoor and outdoor heated pool, steam room, sauna and sea-view hot tub. The New Year’s Eve party treats guests to goodies such as Cornish cream teas, champagne receptions, candlelit dinners, fireworks, and coastal walks to Portloe with the hotel hounds. A great hotel for multigenerational family holidays.
Package from £1,240 based on two sharing (narehotel.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Nare
Credit:
Bob Berry
Watergate Bay
A traditional bucket-and-spade holiday hotel since the 1970s. It’s home to 71 bedrooms: doubles, twins, family and dog-friendly rooms, plus suites, all designed in a coastal contemporary theme. Over the three days, guests can look forward to festive feasts, body board lessons, spa treatments, activities for the children, a New Year’s Day swim, beach bonfires and hangover-busting breakfasts.
Package from £774 based on two people sharing (watergatebay.co.uk).
Read the full review: Watergate Bay
Isle of Wight
The Union Inn
Rooms are going fast at this characterful pub in the centre of West Cowes, so be quick to book if you want to stay in a stylish room a jump from the seafront. The pub itself has a good atmosphere and is normally frequented by a good mix of locals and seasonal yacht enthusiasts. Above the log fire a trophy celebrates the hotel’s win on the Channel 4 series, Four in a Bed. The traditional pub fare is well executed and guests can order room service or packed lunches. Dogs are allowed in all the rooms.
Rooms from £71 (unioninncowes.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Union Inn
The Wheatsheaf Hotel
On pretty St Thomas’s Square, the place oozes rustic charm with comfortable leather chesterfields, velvet sofas, flagstone tiles and exposed brickwork. An impressive collection of pewter tankards hang from the beams and two large fireplaces radiate warmth on a chilly day. Rooms have a Scandinavian minimalism to them. Nomad restaurant at the back of the property serves delicious and affordable fusion-style street food, there’s a French brasserie on the first floor, and the bar serves pub grub.
Rooms from £79 (thewheatsheafhotel.com).
Read the full review: The Wheatsheaf Hotel
Tier 2
Hertfordshire
Sopwell House
This popular country house spa hotel just south of St Albans is offering guests a choice this NYE: “traditional” or “indulgent” stays. Those opting for a traditonal experience can enjoy accommodation in a Deluxe bedroom, a seven-course dinner with wine pairings in the St Albans Suite, a live DJ (in accordance with government guidelines) and breakfast the next day. Indulgent stays add a Covid-secure duet singing performance and use of the spa facilities.
Traditional package from £349 per person per night; Indulgent from £429 (sopwellhouse.co.uk).
Read the full review: Sopwell House
The Grove
The Grove’s celebrity clientele isn’t the only reason it’s earned a strong reputation. It ticks all the boxes of a luxury stay, from its championship golf course to the experiential spa. Quirks, such as the bold contemporary art and urban beach, add to the charm. This translates to its two-night New Year’s Eve offering with dinner at the estate’s Stables restaurant, access to the Sequoia spa, children’s arts and craft activities and accommodation.
Package from £1,560 based on two sharing (thegrove.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Grove
Somerset
The Newt
The Newt is one of the most exceptional country house hotels Britain has seen, boasting beautiful interiors, a farm, cyder press, gardens and a spa. New Year’s Eve kicks off with Somerset canapés and champagne, a five-course tasting menu with paired wines and cyders in The Botanical Rooms, and fireworks. The next day, guests can sign up for a morning garden tour with one of the horticulturists, while the foodie offering continues with brunch, afternoon tea and more courses at dinner. The break lasts for three days.
Package from £2,825 based on two sharing (thenewtinsomerset.com).
Read the full review: The Newt
Credit:
© Jake Eastham/Jake Eastham
The Gainsborough
The Gainsborough’s unique selling point is its substantial Romanesque spa – the only hotel spa in Bath with access to the city’s natural thermal waters (don’t miss an opportunity to book a treatment or just lounge about). The 98 bedrooms have an understated neo-Georgian look, with grey-blue colour schemes, period-style black furniture, while other enticements include excellent, creative food by head chef Dan Moon and first-rate service. The hotel is open for New Year’s Eve.
Rooms from £247 (thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk).
Read the full review: The Gainsborough
London
The Rubens at The Palace
The Rubens makes the most of its location opposite the Royal Mews, with monarch-themed rooms and even a Harry and Megan-embossed whisky on display in its Leopard Bar. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel will host an exclusive performance by The Royal Philharmonic String Quartet, which guests can enjoy as they tuck into canapés and champagne before an indulgent eight-course dinner with wine pairings.
Package from £225 per person; minumum booking of two people (rubenshotel.com).
Read the full review: The Rubens at The Palace
The Marylebone Hotel
In Marylebone Village, one London’s most charming areas, this Irish-owned hotel combines smartness and modernity with pizzazz, and does what it does extremely well. There is still availability to stay overnight on New Year’s Eve, when 108 Brasserie is offering three courses (£75 per person) of culinary delights including a crispy duck and spiced plum salad, celeriac lasagne, and spiced banana tarte tatin. Those who book the dinner will be treated to a complimentary bottle of champagne at 11pm.
Rooms from £243 (doylecollection.com).
Read the full review: The Marylebone Hotel
The Kensington
The Kensington’s special three-course New Year’s Eve menu (from £95 per person) features tastebud-tingling goods such as Orkney scallops and beef carpaccio, Miso blackened Atlantic cod and Black Forest chocolate fondant. Similarly to The Marylebone Hotel, guests who book dinner will be treated to a bottle of champagne brought up to their room at 11pm.
Rooms from £375 (doylecollection.com)
Read the full review: The Kensington
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
This elegant, Churchill-inspired, five-star hotel offers a central London location, with convenient access to shopping on Oxford Street, Hyde Park and transport links, as well as a retro, Art Deco-style cocktail bar. The New Year’s Eve degustation menu at The Montagu Kitchen entices with Whitstable oysters, Cornish turbot and 35 day-aged beef from Kent, enjoyed as a live trio band plays. It’s priced at £130 per adult and £65 per child; a vegan menu is also available. The hotel has also just launched its Montagu Winter Terrace festive pop-up, which will be running throughout winter.
Rooms from £310 (hyatt.com).
Read the full review: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
