Ardbeg House on Islay Crowned UK’s Best Hotel 2026

Ardbeg House on Islay Crowned UK’s Best Hotel 2026

In a highly anticipated annual reveal, The Times and Sunday Times have named Ardbeg House on the remote Scottish island of Islay as the UK’s best hotel for 2026. The decision, reached after extensive reviews across the country, highlights the growing desire for secluded escapes and unique travel experiences.

A Journey to the Top: The Selection Process

Each year, a dedicated team of reviewers from The Times and Sunday Times travels the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, assessing hundreds of hotels. These establishments are evaluated on a rigorous set of criteria, including interior design, quality of food and drink, and, crucially, location. The compiled scores lead to a list of the top 50 hotels, from which a final winner is debated and chosen.

Associate Travel Editor at The Times and Sunday Times, Lizzie Frainier, shared insights into the selection process. “Every year we send our trusted team of reviewers to hundreds of hotels across the UK, from down in Cornwall up to the Scottish Islands,” Frainier explained. “They rate each hotel based on a number of things from the interiors to the food and drink, to the location. And then based on those scores, we can compile our list of the best 50. And then there’s fierce debate about which is going to come out as the winner.”

Ardbeg House: An Island Gem

This year, the consensus pointed overwhelmingly to Ardbeg House. “We were all agreed that Ardbeg House on the beautiful island of Islay was definitely the winner for a number of reasons,” Frainier stated. “One, the location, which is just so wonderfully remote, and especially in these times, there’s nothing you want to be than somewhere far from it all. Escape. Exactly.”

Reaching Ardbeg House is an adventure in itself, involving a journey to Glasgow, followed by a 25-minute flight on a Loganair twin-prop plane – complete with tartan headrests and Tunnock’s teacakes – to Islay. Upon arrival, guests discover a hotel that opened its doors in September last year, offering 12 “whimsical” rooms.

“It just looks absolutely fantastic. A sort of Alice in Wonderland down the rabbit hole type place with amazing interiors, crazy wallpapers, jangling keys.”

Frainier described the hotel’s aesthetic as “Alice in Wonderland down the rabbit hole type place with amazing interiors, crazy wallpapers, jangling keys.” A unique feature of each room is a hidden bottle of whisky, which guests are challenged to find. The hotel also boasts a bar with live music on select nights, excellent dining, and, naturally, a tour of the renowned Ardbeg distillery is included with every stay.

Value and Variety in the Top 50

Contrary to expectations for such a unique destination, Ardbeg House offers remarkable value, with prices starting from £225 per night. This aligns with the publication’s recognition that affordability remains a key consideration for travellers.

The list of the top 50 hotels features a significant number of options under £200 per night, with 22 hotels falling into this price bracket. The most expensive entry on the list is likely The Newman in London, particularly its penthouse suite which includes a private sauna with panoramic city views.

Regional and Category Winners

The Times and Sunday Times also celebrate nine regional winners and five category winners:

• Southwest Winner: Falscombe Farm – Based on a regenerative farm, this hotel offers an all-inclusive rate that includes a four-course seasonal dinner. Guests can also enjoy yoga classes and farm tours, including interactions with the resident sheep.
• Family-Friendly Winner: Chuton Glen – This hotel features treehouses in the forest that double as a children’s club, making it an ideal choice for families.
• Great Value Winner: The Hide – Located near the Chatsworth Estate, The Hide offers brilliant value for families, with rooms starting from £69 per night. While its interiors may be less fantastical, it provides an excellent option for a family break.

Accessing the Full List

Travellers seeking to explore the full list of the UK’s best hotels can find it on the homepage of The Times website. The online feature is interactive, allowing users to search by region, price, and specific categories such as ‘foodie’, ‘family-friendly’, or ‘grown-up getaway’. A detailed feature on the overall winner, Ardbeg House, is also available.

Beyond the Winner: The Importance of Detail

The discussion around the best hotels also touched upon the finer details that define a superior stay. Frainier’s colleague, Jenny Code, was responsible for reviewing Ardbeg House and noted the intricate details, like the hidden whisky bottles. The conversation also veered towards other subjective measures of hotel quality, such as the excellence of room service or the perfect club sandwich, highlighting the multifaceted nature of guest satisfaction.

Looking Ahead

As the UK’s hospitality sector continues to evolve, the focus on unique experiences, remote locations, and excellent value is set to remain paramount. The inclusion of a significant number of affordable options on The Times’ list suggests a market that is increasingly catering to a diverse range of budgets, while destinations like Ardbeg House demonstrate the enduring appeal of distinctive, memorable stays. Future lists will undoubtedly continue to reflect these trends, seeking out the next wave of exceptional hotels that capture the spirit of British travel.

Source: The Best Hotels In The UK 2026 | Lizzie Frainier (YouTube)