A quirky night's sleep

October 14, 2005 6:26 AM

What are the quirkiest hotels/ B&Bs/ inns in the UK?

I would have thought there would be websites galore listing all the quirky, strange, unusual, unique, crazy hotels in Britain. But - probably due to the number of hotels and hotel sites fighting for Google ranking - a good hour of searching is yet to dig up much of value. Perhaps the human touch is required, which is why I'm turning to the denizens of AskMeFi.

I'm looking for lots of examples of weird and beautiful hotels in the UK. Hostelries like Miller's, Portmeirion, Stratton's, Hundred House and Cley Mill. Can be cheap or expensive. Romantic or not. The main thing is being memorably kooky or different.

Bonus points for them being near London, Buckinghamshire or Warwickshire - but that's not a pre-requisite.

posted by skylar to Travel & Transportation around United Kingdom (9 answers total)

I'm beginning to feel like a shill for these people, but they do offer a way to stay in some fantastic places that are very much in line with the adjectives you require. You'll have to join to get the full list, but I know for a fact they have some stuff in the three locations you name.

Just for the record, I am a paid-up member but have no connection with running or promoting the charity.
posted by biffa at 6:34 AM on October 14, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks so much Biffa... as it happens I just logged in again because I realised I'd forgotten to add a proviso, which is "Not the Landmark Trust please"! They are fantastic, you are right, but I'm looking for places more like hotels rather than apartment rentals. Thanks all the same, though.
posted by skylar at 6:43 AM on October 14, 2005

Wolsey Lodges? Upmarket but work on a B&B basis.
posted by biffa at 7:00 AM on October 14, 2005

Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay are always great. Some quirkier than others, not sure if they are kooky enough for you. Also Easy Hotel in London is different, if no windows, and a weird pod-like room appeals to you.
posted by cushie at 7:05 AM on October 14, 2005

definitely upmarket, but I'm fond of Oakley Court. It's on the road between Windsor and Maidenhead, which puts it 'near' Buckinghamshire.

It's the house used for Rocky Horror, now a nice hotel and conference center. My partner stayed there, I've just stopped in for coffee one fine afternoon. Not shown in the film is that the house is on the banks of the Thames.

I admit, on its own, it's not 'quirky'. But the history makes it so, at least a bit.
posted by Goofyy at 7:39 AM on October 14, 2005

I've always wanted to stay at Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton for a night or two.
posted by tomafro at 8:00 AM on October 14, 2005

The Black Tulip in Amsterdam seems "kooky."
posted by glibhamdreck at 8:26 AM on October 14, 2005

1. I've always wanted to go stay at the Headland Hotel in Newquay and watch the storms come in from the Atlantic.

2. Llangoed Hall (particularly the food and wine list) comes highly recommended by four separate family members and countless friends:

Llangoed Hall is designed to be a home away from home.

As such there is no reception. You simply walk in and a butler arrives to greet you.

...a magnificent Country House Hotel on the banks of the River Wye, is owned by Sir Bernard Ashley, founder of the Laura Ashley empire. It was always his dream to find a house in which to recreate the atmosphere of an Edwardian House Party, this he fulfilled with the Hall, each of the 23 bedrooms has been beautifully decorated and tastefully furnished many with antiques. Fishing is available on our own boat and guests can enjoy the magnificence of the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.

3. The Hempel Hotel in London caused quite a stir when it opened, seems to be all minimalist and designer-y but rather beautiful.
posted by ceri richard at 5:37 PM on October 14, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for these great suggestions! For the good of the archives, here are some more ideas:

Distinctly Different; Unique Home Stays
posted by skylar at 1:12 PM on October 17, 2005