Hotel Café Royal named UK’s best hotel in reader survey

London’s Hotel Café Royal has been named the best hotel in the UK following a survey of more than 17,000 readers for The Independent’s inaugural Travel Awards. Located on Regent Street, the five-star establishment features 159 guest rooms and suites, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and the Akasha Spa.

Originally opened in 1865, the hotel has a historical legacy of hosting notable figures such as Oscar Wilde and David Bowie. The property reopened in its modern form in 2012 and is noted for its luxury amenities and culinary offerings, including work by pastry chef Albert Adrià.

The Blakeney Hotel in Norfolk was named the runner-up in the survey. This family-run hotel is situated on the quay and offers 60 individually decorated rooms along with leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool and steam room.