From Art Deco to 1970s vibes, take your inspiration from these top hotel interiors.
Beaverbrook
A stay at the Beaverbrook will take you right back to the bygone era of English high society. The late-Victorian luxury house is located on a 470-acre woodlands estate in Surrey, which is just 18 miles from central London.
The house was originally owned by Max Aitken, 1st Baron Beaverbrook and well-known publisher and politician in the 20th century. Every corner of the house oozes old-world grandeur and opulence. Some of the house’s famous guests include Winston Churchill, H.G. Wells, Harold McMillan, Rebecca West, Jean Cocteau, Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor and Ian Fleming, to name a few.
The Swan Southwold
While the exterior of The Swan Southwold may look right at home in the charming town of Southwold, inside pops of jewel-tone colours give this cosy retreat a modern feel.
From the soft green velvet sofas in the drawing room (a theme throughout) to the bright pink chairs that peek through the window to greet you as you enter the building, The Swan Southwold’s décor never fails to impress.
Burgh Island Hotel
If you want to experience Art Deco at its best, a stay at the luxurious Burgh Island Hotel is a must. The hotel was built in 1929 and later restored to reflect its 1930s roots. You can still find some the most significant original art deco pieces of the era placed all around the hotel.
Famous for more than just being an Art Deco icon, Burgh Island Hotel is also where Agatha Christie wrote two of her novels. The island served as the location for “Evil Under the Sun” and “And Then There Were None”.
The Standard
The Standard opened its first UK hotel in London earlier this year. A distinct 1970s vibe echoes throughout the hotel, from the foyer to all 266 rooms. Standout features include textured walls and bold colours.
Seaham Hall
Seaham Hall is modern with subtle touches that stay true to the hotel’s long-standing history, dating back to the 18th century. The modern, glamourous and spacious rooms are mainly decorated in neutral tones with bright accents adding interest and sophistication.
Amberley Castle
What’s a visit to England without a stay in a 900-year-old castle? Picture a medieval wonderland with all the modern amenities you need to relax and unwind in comfort. Exposed beams, antique furnishings, original 14th century lancet windows and original granite fireplaces add to the charm of this historical castle.
Claridge’s
Loved by movie stars and global dignitaries of yesteryear and present day alike, there’s only one word that truly describes Claridge’s – luxury. In the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco pioneer Basil Ionides transformed Claridge’s restaurant and several suites, which made the hotel the talk of the town. Over the years, many influential designers have left their mark on the hotel, including Diane von Fürstenburg, Guy Oliver and David Linley.
Keen on heading to the UK for your vaccation?
If these dreamy hotels have you dreaming about hopping on a plane to the UK, here are a few tips that can help make prepping for your trip a lot easier:
Get the right UK visa
Whether your intention is to visit, work or study in the UK, there’s a visa for you. Make sure you apply for the one that’s right for your reason for going and circumstances.
Get your passport ready
To travel to the UK, your passport must be valid during your stay, and have at least two blank facing pages for your visa and stamps.
Make sure your documents are in order
Some visas require certain documents. Ensure you have the ones your visa needs before you apply.
Apply for your visa
Once you’ve decided on which visa you need and have all your personal documents in order, you’re ready to apply. You can do this yourself or get help from an immigration service.
What you need if you want to work in the UK
If you’re moving to the UK on a work visa, you’ll need to get a UK bank account and a National Insurance (NI) number (also sometimes called NINO) once you arrive. Your NI number ensures that your income is taxed correctly.
Opening a bank account and getting your NI number can be difficult, but there are services that can complete the application process for you. You can even use a service to apply for NINO online and avoid all the hassle and admin of doing it yourself.
The UK has lots to offer visitors and those seeking to stay there. Whatever your reason for going, it’s one destination that’s worth ticking off your bucket list.
Main Image Credit: Claridge’s Hotel
