UK’s best hotels at the 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards – and the best B&B in the world… in Torquay

BRITISH summer holidays are back on the cards, thanks to the government’s shock decision to advise against all but essential travel to Spain this weekend.

Brits are cancelling their foreign holidays in droves over concerns that countries like France and Croatia could be next – but fear not, there are plenty of great places here in the UK to stay.

TripAdvisor has revealed its annual Travellers Choice Awards, celebrating the best hotels and B&Bs and there is something in the UK for every taste on the list.

A B&B in Torquay has been named the Best B&B in the World – owned by Andy and Julian Banner-Price, it is the second year in a row The 25 Boutique B&B has won the prestigious award.

The 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards analyses both the quantity and quality of millions of reviews and ratings to determine the winner – this year analysing reviews pre-pandemic.

The Banner-Price pair, who previously owned a country house hotel in Wales for seven years, opened the B&B in 2017 after two years of renovation work.

They have won a number of awards since it opened, such as Gold for the Best B&B in Devon in 2017 and Silver for the Best B&B in England in 2018.

Andy said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be named the best B&B in the world for the second year running.

“If anything, the second time feels even more special because we know last year’s award raised customer expectations and so we’ve had to work even harder to deliver a great experience for every single one of our guests.

“We didn’t rest on our laurels, we’ve tried to look at every little thing we can do to improve, and it feels like that effort has really paid off with this news today.”.

The adult-only property has just six rooms, with nightly rates starting from £125.

While they were forced to close in March, they welcomed guests back on July 4 after the government allowed hotels and B&Bs to reopen.

Situated within walking distance of the English Riviera, the award-winning B&B has 100 per cent five star reviews on TripAdvisor, with more than 700 reviews.

The hotel boasts homemade welcome biscuits and warm-welcoming hosts, as well as the small extras such as fancy Elemis toiletries.

While many know of the area thanks to the BBC comedy Fawlty Towers, the boutique B&B is at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to service.

Here are the other winners of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2020:

Best Hotel in the UK – Lawton & Lauriston Court Hotel, Llandudno

Voted the top hotel in the UK, Lawton & Lauriston Court Hotel in Wales also ranked 3rd in Europe and 13th in the world.

It is actually made up of three original hotels, now part of one collection – with Lawton rooms, Centre Court rooms and Lauriston rooms.

Rooms start from £75 per night.

Best Small Hotel in the UK – Ascot House Hotel, Torquay

Ascot House Hotel only has four suites to choose from – Junior, Gothic, Deluxe and Luxury.

Cooked or continental breakfasts are available in the downstairs dining room with just a few tables on offer – or you can get it bagged to enjoy in your room or on the go.

Rooms start from £113 per night.

Best Family Hotel in the UK – Doric Hotel, Blackpool

The Doric Hotel, located in Blackpool, has views of the Irish Sea, overlooking the coastline.

Inside are 103 rooms, ranging from single rooms to deluxe suites.

Rooms start from £74 per night.

Best Bargain Hotel in the UK – Hotel Ceilidh-Donia, Edinburgh

The small hotel, with just 17 rooms, is only a mile from Edinburgh city centre, making it the perfect base to explore.

Breakfast at the hotel is a must, with guests praising the fresh food on offer and the gluten-free options.

Rooms start from £75 per night.

Best Luxury Hotel in the UK –  Hotel 41, London

Hotel 41 is a luxury hotel winner, with a range of complimentary treats for guests.

A champagne trolley on arrival, all day Jude’s ice cream, cream teas at 2pm and 5pm evening canapés are all included, keeping you fed and watered all day.

Rooms start from £297 per night.

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Some hotels are offering guests amazing deals and freebies to encourage them to stay, as coronavirus caused bookings to plummet.

Food vouchers, free upgrades and extra nights are just some of the ways travellers are being enticed to stay.

If you’re worried about the trip not going ahead, many chains are also allowing free rescheduling or cancellations up to 24 hours before staying.