Tripadvisor's best UK hotels revealed – including a huge ship, old train station, safari park and a prison
THE best hotels in the world as well as the weird and wonderful have been revealed by Tripadvisor.
There are lots of quirky stays around the country including one on a boat, a converted train station and a wildlife park that will make you feel like you're on safari in the UK.
10
10
Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals and a beautiful hotel
Credit: Port Lympne
Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh topped the list when it came to Tripadvisor's 'One of a Kind' category.
The ship that's permanently docked in Edinburgh's Leith neighbourhood has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel.
It's described as being in the style of a superyacht, but with an old-world elegance.
Guests can choose to stay in the classic cabin, luxurious suites, a penthouse, or a duplex cabin which is spread out across two floors.
Read More on Hotels
Onboard is The Lighthouse Restaurants & Bar that's been awards 2 AA Rosettes.
Over in Kent is the Port Lympne Hotel where you're likely to spot lions, tigers and rhinos.
The hotel doubles as a wildlife reserve so you'll be on safari - but in the middle of the English countryside.
The park has over 900 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, as well as gorillas, giraffes, leopards and bears.
Most read in News Travel
The hotel itself is four-stars and rooms vary from the Tiger Lodge - where you can wake up with a tiger at your window.
You will also get your own golf buggy and can race off to the safari park at your leisure.
New English hotel named among best in the world despite being open less than a year - with incredible secret spy bar
10
The former station turned hotel is in Petworth
Credit: The Old Railway Station
10
There are 11 rooms to choose from in The Old Railway Station - and all are en suite
Credit: The Old Railway Station
Guests can also choose from the Treehouses to Forest Hideaway cabins and Leopard Creek - where you can sleep metres away from the rare cats.
One reviewer wrote: "We stayed in Leopard Creek and were lucky enough to see the leopards up close on the first evening.
"The bottle of Prosecco and range of teas and Nespresso coffees meant that we were looked after as well as the animals."
Another unique stay in the UK is The Old Railway Station in Petworth.
Petworth Railway Station was originally built in 1892 and closed to passengers in 1955 and has been open as a guest house since 1995.
There are 11 rooms to choose from, all of which are en-suite
You can enjoy breakfast in the former train station's original waiting room which has a 20ft high vaulted ceiling.
In the summer, you can eat out on the platform in front of the exotic garden.
10
St. Ermin's is Tripadvisor's sixth best hotel in the world
Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel
10
St. Ermin's Hotel in St James is the sixth best hotel in the world according to Tripadvisor
Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel
Meanwhile, St. Ermin's Hotel in
Tripadvisor has put together a list of the 'Best of the Best Hotels' all based on customer reviews and ratings.
St. Ermin's Hotel was revealed to be the sixth best in the world, and the second best hotel in Europe.
It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and is found in the heart of St. James.
What travellers love the most about the hotel is the butler service, restaurant and bar.
What visitors might be most surprised to find at St. Ermin's Hotel is that it's home to 35,000 bees.
They are up on the third floor in what they call the 'bee hotel' where they go about their business of making honey - which is used in the hotel kitchen.
Guests can observe them safely from behind glass.
The hotel also has a Kids Concierge service which is dedicated to keeping children entertained.
This includes activities like being a spy for the day and using codes to crack clues around the hotel - at the end they get a mocktail in Caxton Bar.
St. Ermin's is also dog friendly and has some hotel rooms that allow them.
10
The worker bees are found on the rooftop on the third floor
Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel
10
You can enjoy lots of drinks up on The Terrace
Credit: St. Ermin's Hotel
In the hotel are is a restaurant called the Caxton Grill where you can enjoy the buffet breakfast or in the evening, enjoy a three course meal for £45.
The Terrace offers small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards along with a huge selection of champagne, wine, beer and cocktails.
As well as the Caxton Bar, there's also a Tea Lounge where afternoon tea is served daily between 12 noon and 5.30pm.
The rooms vary from a superior double to suites which have separate sitting areas and a marble bathroom.
Lots of the reviews on Tripadvisor say the concierge gives 'first-class' service, from getting theatre tickets to giving local recommendations and travel tips.
Another wrote: "Truly one of the best hotels we ever stayed in London."
10
At the top of the best hotels in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Credit: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
The hotel that topped the list and is Tripadvisor's
'Best of the Best Hotels'
in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
in Tulum, Mexico.
The hotel also secured the number one spot in two other categories: All-Inclusive and Treat Yourself.
The resort is perched on the edge of the Caribbean sea, and has earned complimented by reviewers for its impressive spa and wellness centre and selection of pools.
Here Are The Top 10 Hotels In The World According To Tipadvisor
The hotels have been chosen by reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor...
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico
Grandvrio Ocean Resort Danang, Vietnam
Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach, India
Romance Istanbul Hotel, Turkey
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, Caribbean
St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection, UK
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Caribbean
French Quarter Inn, USA
Chandys Windy Woods, India
Siyam World Maldives, Maldives
10
Port Lympne Hotel is surrounded by a wildlife park
Credit: Port Lympne Hotel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gates of Hell crater burning non-stop for 40 years and no one knows why
A fiery pit that has been ablaze for four decades in central Asia continues to mystify scientists as the nearly 200-foot-wide crater fuels its own fiery frenzy. While most fires burn out their fuel within hours, days or weeks, when underground fossil fuel deposits catch light, the flames can endure for decades. The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the 'Gates of Hell', is one such example. This 196-foot-wide pit situated in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert has been aflame for at least 40 years. The origin of the crater is a hot topic of debate. Some suggest it was formed in the 1970s when a Soviet gas drilling rig accidentally punctured an underground natural gas pocket, while others argue it naturally occurred in the 1960s. Regardless of how it came into being, geologists set the leaking methane from the crater on fire to avert an environmental disaster. They expected it would burn out in a few weeks but the pit continues to blaze even after decades, reports the Mirror US. The crater is positioned above a vast oil and gas field that stretches through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, likely connecting it to enormous underground reserves of methane, thus providing the fire with virtually limitless fuel. In 2013, Canadian explorer George Kourounis embarked on a mission to probe the crater. Wearing a heat-resistant suit, he descended to the bottom of the crater to collect soil samples. He discovered simple life forms capable of surviving the extreme conditions at the base of the crater. While the Gates of Hell may be the most famous burning fire, it's not the oldest one still alight. Deep underground coal layers, known as coal seams, can keep fires burning for centuries. The coal-seam fire beneath Mount Wingen in Australia has been smouldering for over 5,000 years. These fires are likely to continue indefinitely, fuelled by their vast subterranean reserves. The site has turned into a tourist hotspot, with a Tripadvisor review describing it as a "spectacular and surreal" experience that is "worth the journey" adding "despite the tough journey, it's absolutely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime." A local resident expressed that even for someone from the area, the sight is a must-see. He said: "I'm from Turkmenistan, and even as a local, I was truly excited and amazed by my visit to Darvaza (the Gates of Hell). It's one of the most unique and breathtaking places in the world. Watching the burning gas crater at night is unforgettable!". "The atmosphere, the stars above, and the warmth of the fire create a magical experience. I highly recommend this destination to both locals and international travellers. Don't miss it when you're in Turkmenistan!".
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach. One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Advertisement Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist. Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK. Advertisement Read more on beaches This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks. The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire Stone Bay, Broadstairs While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive But With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes. Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream Credit: Alamy Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Advertisement But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music. Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Advertisement 9 You can tell why it is called Mermaid Beach Credit: Alamy Whitstable Beach, Whitstable Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'. I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it. Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint. Advertisement Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 The Old Neptune Pub is right on the beach Credit: Alamy Palm Bay, Margate One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Advertisement Having Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Advertisement 9 Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido Credit: Alamy Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. Advertisement Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Kingsgate Bay is hidden thanks to having steep steps and limited car parking Credit: Alamy Deal Beach, Deal While the broad sweep of pebbles on Advertisement With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops. The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors. For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length. Trying to Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England Credit: Alamy Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Advertisement Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk. After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Camber is so large that you can always find a spot Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island
IF you're looking for the UK's most beautiful beachfront walks, you're in luck. 4 Here are the best seaside walks across the UK Credit: Alamy 4 Studland Beach was named one of the best in the UK Credit: Alamy One of the best named is Rihanna , Daniel Radcliffe have all been spotted there, although the public can stay by booking a night at one of the hotels or cottages. They said: "In the middle of the Blackwater Estuary, with faint echoes of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, sits 380-acre Osea, reachable only around low tide along an ancient Roman causeway." The island has been owned by Nigel Frieda for more than 20 years, a music producer behind The Rolling Stones and Sugababes. Read more on walks Earlier this year, the island went on the market for £25million which includes the entire island as well as all of the hotels on it. Also dubbed the English Necker Island, it is great for nature lovers due to the abundance of wildlife and fauna. Prices for the hotels start from £300, or you can splash out £35,000 to rent the whole island. Osea Island is not the only beautiful walking route that was praised by the experts. Most read in News Travel In regard to Lythe, Sandsend, they wrote: "There's something a bit magical about the place. "In these parts, it's possible to beach hang, fossil hunt, forage, rock pool , and explore more of the North York Moors . " Scotland's West Highland Way: A Global Hiking Gem Ravenscar in Studland Bay, in Dorset also made the list, with walks alongside the Jurassic Coast cliffs. They also listed Ynys Gifftan in Wales, praising the "lush uninhabited isle". You can only visit for a few hours a day, due to the ide, but the walk has views of the huge Snowdonia. 4 St Ninian's Isle was a top spot Credit: Getty And in Scotland, St Ninian's Isle was listed for its "fine sand that slowly disappears as the tide rises," along with the "romantic" Erraid, also in Scotland. Last year, a 2,700-mile walking route was finally complete, making it the The King Charles III England Coast Path stretches from the Scottish border to the Cornish coast. There is even a Here are some other And we spoke to a man who has walked thousands of miles across the UK - 4 Osea Island is loved by celebs but you can stay the night if you book a hotel stay Credit: fineandcountry
