Chic Boutique City Breaks

Think of a UK city break, and many people automatically turn their thoughts to the rich sightseeing opportunities of the capital.

But away from the opulent architecture and bright lights of London, the country’s smaller cities have plenty to offer a weekend explorer. Post-industrial cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow may not be as classically beautiful, but what they lack in looks they more than make up for in personality; with world class museums and galleries, copious shopping opportunities, robust architecture and pulsing nightlives.

Here’s our guide to some of the country’s most luxurious boutique city centre hotels in some of our most exciting cities – ideal for a cosmopolitan mini break at a fraction of the cost of the capital.

Leeds:

42 The Calls (Boutique Townhouse)

This refreshingly different, townhouse hotel has a unique location, with the advantage overlooking the River Aire. 42 The Calls was converted in 1991 from a corn mill and many bedrooms still boast the original features. From the beamed ceilings with their original mill mechanism, to the handmade beds and the extensive collection of original paintings and drawings, each room is individually furnished to create a unique character. (Pictured)

Standard double rooms from £100.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at 42 The Calls

Manchester:

Velvet Hotel

Imagine a place where the boho chic of New York's East Village meets with the glitzy cosmopolitan self esteem of London's West End - and somewhere in the maelstrom, you will find Velvet Hotel. Located on Manchester's thriving and bustling Canal Street, Velvet has been instrumental in, and indeed integral to Canal Street's Cafe Society for more than a decade, maintaining its place as the Village's premiere venue to eat, drink, chill or party as the mood takes you. The bespoke 19 bedroom Velvet Hotel occupies the four floors above the Bar and Restaurant, offering individually designed luxury bedrooms, balcony king rooms, and penthouse suite. Careful detailing and distinctive design elements ooze from every crevice, creating a contemporary feel with a twist, and coupled with attentive yet understated service with a smile.

Luxury double rooms from £85.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at Velvet Hotel

Liverpool:

Radisson BLU Hotel

The Radisson BLU Hotel, Liverpool is located on the breathtaking waterfront of Liverpool's City Centre recently awarded European Capital of Culture 2008. Liverpool is a vibrant, exciting and progressive city proud of it's past with many historical tales to tell, from the tall ships sailing in to the famous Beatles Story. The City also has many outstanding public parks and impressive buildings including museums and art galleries, which are free to enter, all reflecting the city's rich heritage. Road, rail, sea and air transport is all very accessible with Liverpool John Lennon Airport only 7 miles away and Manchester Airport 35 miles away.

Luxury double rooms from £85.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at Radisson BLU Hotel

Edinburgh:

21212

 21212 is an exclusive fine dining restaurant with rooms located in the heart of Edinburgh. Sitauted in a Grade A Listed Georgian Townhouse, the building has recently undergone a multi million pound transformation.The four beautifully appointed large bedrooms, with dedicated lounge areas, are split over the two upper levels of the house, offering commanding views over the gardens and the historic Calton Hill to the rear and stunning views of the city of Edinburgh to the front. Each bedroom's decor is different in theme and style and facilities include ensuite bathrooms with either a free-standing bath and walk-in shower or a specially designed wet room. Guests also have their own flat screen plasma television, and extensive storage spaces.

Luxury double rooms from £225.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at 21212

Glasgow:

Hotel Du Vin At One Devonshire Gardens

Set in a tree-lined Victorian terrace in the fashionable West End of Glasgow, One Devonshire Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel; a Hotel du Vin with a little bit more. This luxury boutique hotel has been given the Hotel du Vin treatment, with trademark superb beds, luxurious Egyptian linen, serious showers and unique, relaxed style of hospitality. The 49 stunning bedrooms and suites have been enhanced by a new bar and bistro. 

Club double rooms from £115.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at One Devonshire Gardens

Birmingham:

Hotel du Vin and Bistro

The ornate, early Victorian building in the old city centre, now part of the newly revitalised Jewellery Quarter, was sympathetically converted to provide 66 bedrooms and suites around the central courtyard, retaining many orginal features including the magnificent sweeping staircase and granite pillars. A relaxing haven in the city, the hotel offers a Bistro, a spa and gym.

Standard double rooms from £120.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at Birmingham Hotel du Vin

Cardiff:

Jolyon's Boutique Hotel

 The Jolyons Boutique Hotel Cardiff has six individualy designed bedrooms, lavishly furnished, with king-sized beds, Wi-fi, beverages, some with views of Cardiff Bay. Sumptuous en-suite bathrooms, include one with a whirlpool bath and one with a wet room appointed to the highest standards, with extra large fluffy towels, bathrobes and toiletries.

Luxury double rooms from £85.00 per night.

Find out more and book your room at Jolyon's Boutique Hotel

See a great range of hotels in all major UK towns and cities in our Hotels Guide