A county filled with beautiful gardens, rich history and extensive beaches, Kent has a lot to offer. While staying at any of the hotels listed below, you can visit castles, see the white cliffs of Dover, or catch a tan on the beach in the summer.
A holiday in Kent will ensure relaxation as you spend time in one of the many luxury hotels the county offers. Explore England's southeast coast by taking a trip to the nearest beach or exploring a picturesque village along the coast.
Also known as The Garden of England, this English county boasts outstanding natural beauty and rich political history.
1. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge - Canterbury
If you want to explore one of the oldest buildings in England, a stay at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge will suit you perfectly. This 1400-year-old cathedral hosts a luxury lodge on its premises with 34 bedrooms, most of which boast a cathedral view from the window.
Free entry to the cathedral is included with your stay at the Lodge, as is a full English breakfast in the Refractory Restaurant. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a flat-screen television, a small fridge, and an electric kettle with tea and coffee-making facilities.
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is recommended for its great location, as it is just a short walk from Canterbury West railway station and close to the city centre.
Canterbury has a lot to offer, from various museums and art galleries to fine-dining restaurants. River and walking tours will allow you to view the city's architectural and natural beauty.
After a full day of exploring this historical city, you can unwind in the Library Lounge with a glass of wine and a book before retiring to your cosy room for a good night's sleep!
2. Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa - Wilmington
Situated in Wilmington, Mick Jagger's hometown, the Rowhill Grange Hotel provides a lovely countryside escape with all the necessary luxuries to make it special.
The unique and abundant flora of the Kentish countryside has inspired the names of their 38 rooms, each with its own bathroom and all the basic amenities. You can expect fast, free wifi, a television, a small hospitality area with tea and coffee, and some books and magazines to enjoy during your stay.
£20 gives you unlimited access to the spa - highly recommended, as the Utopia Spa has so much to offer. From saunas to split-level Roman baths to relaxation rooms and a hydrotherapy pool, the spa gives you no option but to relax and unwind.
While there is plenty to do on the property, there are also delightful spots to explore nearby, such as Lullingstone Castle, the National Maritime Museum, Chatham's Copper Rivet Distillery and Penshurst Place.
3. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve - Hythe
Situated on England's South East Coast, this unique hotel is situated in the Port Lympne Safari Park. While staying at the Port Lympne Hotel, you'll have exclusive access to explore the Safari Park outside of visiting hours with the golf cart provided for your stay.
Port Lympne Hotel is one of Kent's best-rated boutique hotels and has eight rooms, each with a special theme. Free wifi, a smart TV, coffee and tea facilities, a private bathroom, and high-quality toiletries are included in all rooms. If you stay in a suite, bathrobes will be provided.
A cooked breakfast is included with your stay, and if you're staying in a suite, you'll have an espresso machine. Also included with your stay at the hotel is a safari experience, where you'll see exotic animals from Africa, Asia, and South America.
Guests can enjoy lunches and evening meals at the various cafes and restaurants within the reserve. All meals are made with local fresh produce, some of which is grown on the property.
4. The Marquis of Granby - Dover
This interesting combination of a boutique hotel and pub occupies a building that has existed for over 200 years and has been utilised as either an inn or a pub for most of its life. In 2008, The Marquis was renovated, with the owners aiming to combine timeless rural England with the luxury expected at a boutique-style hotel.
The Marquis of Granby has ten unique luxury rooms, each with an en suite bathroom and tea and coffee-making facilities. Bookings are available on a bed and breakfast or dinner basis.
You can explore the surrounding countryside and landmarks like Dover Castle, the Kent Vineyards, or one of the many beaches. The nearby Dover Ferry Port gives you the option of a day trip to France if that tickles your fancy.
5. The Pig At Bridge Place - Canterbury
Less than an hour away from London by train, the great location of this hotel makes it the perfect spot for a luxury weekend away.
A stay in one of their comfy luxe, big comfy luxe, or hideaway rooms will make for a very relaxing weekend. With super-king-sized extra comfortable beds, monsoon showers, and all the other standard amenities, The Pig offers the perfect environment for those wanting to rest and unwind.
Spend Saturday visiting some of the local wine farms, or enjoy a river tour of Canterbury. If you enjoy cultural experiences, it's worth visiting in October to attend the Canterbury Festival. It's also good to check out what's on at the Canterbury Cathedral, as they have a variety of events throughout the year.
6. St. Leonard's - West Malling
This boutique hotel opened in 2021 and has received many impressive accolades from publications such as The Sunday Times. With four luxurious en-suite rooms above the restaurant run by Terry Brouet and Tom Genty, St. Leonard's is a unique stay.
All rooms at St Leonard's come with free wifi, a flat-screen tv and espresso machines. They also have a private bathroom with either a bath or a shower - complimentary toiletries included. The room rate includes breakfast.
While staying in West Malling, visit the Town Malling Cricket Club, where the first recorded cricket game was played in Kent in 1705. The club itself was founded more than a century later, in 1827.
If you want to explore some of England's ancient history, visiting the Coldrum Long Barrow is worth adding to your itinerary. This 4000-year-old burial chamber is one of the few remaining Medway Megaliths built during Britain's Neolithic period.
Manor Park Country Park is a great place to visit for a beautiful nature stroll or a relaxing picnic. With a variety of wildlife, beautiful meadows, a play area for the kids and a small cafe, you're guaranteed to have a relaxing time here.
7. The Wife Of Bath - Wye
This stylish Lodge has six beautifully decorated rooms named after characters in The Canterbury Tales. Three are in the main house above the restaurant, and the other three are in the Annex. Each room has a private bathroom with complimentary personal care products.
When staying at this quaint hotel, you'll be treated to a delicious breakfast in the morning, and your room will include free wifi access, flat-screen television and a Nespresso machine. The comfortable beds with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding will ensure a good night's sleep.
A visit to the Wye National Nature Reserve, located a mere 5 minutes drive from the hotel, is highly recommended, especially if you enjoy birdwatching or love orchids. There are more than 20 orchid species found in this small reserve.
The medieval town of Wye dates back to Roman times and has many historic buildings and churches to explore. It also hosts a mainline train station giving you quick access to the rest of the countryside and Europe.
8. Chilston Park Hotel - Maidstone
The luxury feature rooms at Chilston Park Hotel give you a timeless rural England feel with their regal decor and antique furniture, which includes a four-poster bed.
Each room comes with free wifi, complimentary slippers, a hospitality tray, a small fridge, and a flat-screen TV, amongst others. Breakfast is included with each booking and is made with the finest local produce.
Guests can explore the extensive Kentish parklands surrounding this beautiful hotel, as well as learn about the history of the building by wandering the halls and grounds. If you want to explore further afield, visiting the Chatham Historic Dockyard will make for a fun day out, especially if you include a stop at their distillery.
9. Hever Castle - Edenbridge
If you've wanted to live like a queen or king, visiting this stunning Castle should be on your list. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother to Queen Elizabeth I, and is more than 700 years old.
There are 28 luxury rooms in the Anne Boleyn and Astor Wings of the Castle, and bookings need to be made between 6 and 8 months in advance. Each room features an en suite bathroom with either a roll-top bath or a walk-in shower. Tea and coffee-making facilities are included as well as free wifi and a flat-screen tv.
Breakfast is included, and guests have free access to the Castle and its grounds during opening hours, with limited access to the gardens outside of opening hours.
10. Albion House - Ramsgate
Albion House in Ramsgate was built in 1792 and was home to Princess Victoria for a short period before she was crowned queen. The house fell into disrepair before being restored and refurbished in 2014 and has since become one of Kent's best boutique hotels.
The fourteen different rooms at Albion House offer something for everyone, from an accessible room on the lower ground floor to cosy suites under the eaves. Ideally located at the top of a hill, Albion House has a wonderful view of Ramsgate and the channel. Twelve of their fourteen rooms can appreciate a beautiful view of the sea.
Breakfast is included when booking directly with the hotel, and each room comes with fluffy robes, in-room tea and coffee, flat-screen tv and high-speed free wifi.
For more of the best luxury boutique hotels in the UK, discover this handy blog from Slingo.
11. Leeds Castle - Maidstone
There is a variety of stylish accommodation available at Leeds Castle, from luxury bed and breakfast rooms in the Maiden's Tower to unique camping options in striped pavilions at Knight's Glamping. Hotel guests can explore the grounds outside during visiting hours and have free entrance to the Castle during their stay (visiting hours only).
When staying at the Maiden's Tower, you'll be treated to spacious rooms decorated in period style, with stunning views of the Castle and its grounds. Each room has a private bathroom with free luxury toiletries. There is also free wifi and free parking, and a full English or continental breakfast, made using local produce, is included in your stay.
Established during the reign of King Alfred the Great (871-899 CE), this Castle first came under royal ownership in the 13th century, and it has been through many renovations over the centuries. The current version of the Castle was established in 1821 by Fiennes Wykeham Martin.
A section of the grounds has been turned into a golf course, which guests can use for a small fee.
12. One Warwick Park Hotel - Royal Tunbridge Wells
The One Warwick Park Hotel offers stylish bedrooms with fine furnishings, comfortable beds with luxurious bed linen, and boutique-style luxury bathrooms.
Most rooms can be booked on a room-only or bed-and-breakfast basis, depending on your preference. Free wifi is included with your stay, and each room has complimentary tea and coffee and a flat screen tv. Complimentary toiletries can be found in each room's en-suite bathroom.
When staying at One Warwick Park Hotel, visiting the famous Pantiles of Royal Tunbridge Wells is a must. Featuring art galleries, unique shops, cute restaurants and cafes, and the famed Chalybeate Natural Spring, this spot has been popular since the 17th century.
Overnighting at One Warwick Park Hotel would not be complete without taking a stroll in Dunorlan Park or the Calverley grounds. Both are open year-round, have a cafe, and showcase the natural beauty of the Garden of England.
FAQs
What are the best luxury hotels in Kent?
Some of the best luxury hotels in Kent include Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, The Marquis of Granby, The Pig At Bridge Place, St. Leonard's, The Wife Of Bath, Chilston Park Hotel and Albion House.
Some of the castles in the county also have hotel accommodation, such as Leeds Castle and Hever Castle.
Which hotels in Kent are romantic and luxurious?
If you're looking for a romantic getaway, staying at Hever Castle or Leeds Castle is recommended, as well as Albion House and Rowhill Grange Hotel. When staying at Rowhill Grange, including an access pass to the spa in your booking is a must.
Why should I visit Kent?
Kent is the oldest county in England and is rich in history. From ancient megaliths to majestic castles and medieval villages, there is a lot to learn about the country's early years in this fascinating county.
It is also known as the Garden of England, as it boasts many beautifully manicured gardens and outstanding natural beauty. If you are looking for a fun beach holiday, some of England's best beaches are in Kent, making it the perfect place to visit.
Whether you're looking for a modern hotel with a swimming pool or a classic luxury castle to spend the night in, Kent has no shortage of options.
Discover a Life of Luxury in Kent
When visiting Kent, you are spoiled for choice regarding luxury hotel options. With something appealing to almost anyone, this historic county has a lot to offer, from extensive beaches to majestic castles, historical monuments and buildings, to beautiful gardens.
Beach holidays, romantic getaways, immersive historical experiences - these can all be enjoyed with the reassurance of a gorgeous room waiting for you at the end of the day, fit for a king or queen!
If you want to know more about the best staycations in the UK, check out our lifestyle news for more travel inspiration or discover more luxury hotel inspiration below:
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