The Times’ 2024 edition of The Best Places to Stay in the UK included 100 hotels from across the country, ranging from boutique hotels in the city to large estates in the countryside, rating them on a range of factors from style and design to hospitality.
Four hotels in Kent made the list this year, namely The Rose and Updown Farmhouse in Deal, Boys Hall in Ashford, and The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells.
Nicknamed ‘The Garden of England’, Kent is one of the UK’s popular home counties, comprising of long stretches of coast and vast areas of countryside, with pockets of quaint villages as well as larger cities like Canterbury.
Here’s why each of them won:
The Rose, Deal
Where? 91 HIgh Street, Deal, Kent, CT14 6ED
Rooms start from £110
The Rose Deal didn’t only make the list, it was also named winner of the ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ award this year.
Located in the quaint seaside town of Deal, this hotel opened in 2018, created by duo Alex Bagner and Chris Hicks, who converted a former pub into a “vibrant” eight-bedroomed boutique hotel with a vintage touch.
Guests can also grab a drink at the bar as well as the nearby restaurant – The Pelican – which serves a menu of freshly caught seafood with a vibrant and modern sea-inspired décor.
Boys Hall, Ashford
Where? Boys Hall Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0LA
Rooms start from £189
If you fancy staying somewhere that makes you feel like a character in a classic novel, Boys Hall in Ashford is a history lover’s dream.
Each of the hotel’s nine rooms are furnished with period details and you’ll find plenty of cosy spots to curl up – making this spot a great place to visit no matter what season.
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells
Where? Tea Garden Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9JH
Rooms start from £153
Tunbridge Wells has historically been an area of Kent synonymous with rest and regeneration, due to the spas that were built during the 18th century which made use of the water springs.
The Beacon is in some ways a homage to Tunbridge Wells’ former glory as a place of relaxation, with this quiet and secluded hilltop hotel and restaurant that offers scenic views of the Spa Valley and surrounding countryside.
The hotel dates back to the 1890s and played a vital role in hosting Basque survivors of the Guernica bombings.
Today guests can visit for its farm-to-table dining, countryside walks and tranquil surroundings for a spot of recharging, whilst being within easy reach of London by car or train.
Updown Farmhouse, Deal
Where? Updown Road, Betteshanger, Deal, CT14 OEF
Rooms start from £190
Another Deal hotel that made the list was Updown Farmhouse, which opened just three years ago in 2022.
Located five miles from the Deal coast, this renovated 17th century farmhouse offers countryside charm whilst still being within a short drive of the coast.
The restaurant has a strong foodie appeal created by owners Oli Brown and Ruth Leigh, both with prior food experience, who opened the restaurant in the former conservatory, which serves a seasonal menu with a slight Italian flair.
