With the Thames to the east and the North Wessex Downs to the west, Berkshire is a county known for its royal residences, riverside towns, and quiet stretches of countryside that have shaped English life for centuries. In Berkshire, grand estates sit beside quiet villages, and centuries of history meet a new generation of independent hospitality.
Its finest hotels occupy Georgian mansions and restored country houses, and these great residences of the past are now softened by comfort, character, and attention to detail. Whether visiting for a night, a weekend, or longer, Berkshire’s luxury hotels make it effortless to pause, reset, and return home feeling restored.
Overlooking the River Thames in Taplow, Cliveden House is a country hotel set within 376 acres of National Trust parkland and gardens. The hotel has a long and layered history. The first mansion was built here in 1666, but the present Italianate structure dates to 1851 and was designed by the architect of the Houses of Parliament, Sir Charles Barry. Over the centuries, Cliveden has been home to dukes, earls, and viscounts, and later became known as a centre of British political and social life.
It now functions as a modern five-star property and offers 47 rooms and suites in the main house, along with the standalone Spring Cottage by the river. Classic and Deluxe Rooms feature high ceilings, antique furnishings, and marble bathrooms, whilst the Deluxe Suites add lounges and fireplaces. At the top end, the Prince of Wales and Lady Astor suites have original artwork and views over the Parterre gardens. All rooms include Noble Isle amenities, in-room tablets for guest services, and touches such as robes, slippers, and premium teas. For relaxation, The Cliveden Spa offers an indoor pool, treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities, and the hotel’s signature outdoor pool and hot tubs. Guests can join fitness and yoga classes, or simply explore the surrounding gardens. Dining is led by The Cliveden Dining Room, serving modern British cuisine, and The Astor Grill, located in the former stables, provides a more relaxed option with outdoor seating. Cliveden House is one of Berkshire’s leading examples of luxury hospitality; a place where legacy and modern living come together.
Set in Ascot, Coworth Park is surrounded by 240 acres of parkland, meadows, and polo fields. The original Coworth House was built in 1776 and has changed hands amongst notable British families, including the Arbuthnots and the Earls of Derby. The property entered its current era in 2010 after a full restoration by luxury hotel operator, the Dorchester Collection. The design approach preserved the estate’s Georgian roots whilst embracing modern craftsmanship with smoked oak floors, bespoke rugs, and locally made furniture.
Accommodation includes 49 rooms and 22 suites spread across the main Mansion House, the converted stables, and several cottages. Across all categories, rooms include underfloor heating and walk-in showers. Suites such as the Stable Premium Suite and the Mansion House Premium Suite feature separate living areas and views over the grounds, whilst The Dower House, a private three-bedroom residence with its own garden and lake views, offers complete privacy. Wellness is at the centre of the Coworth experience. The Spa is a modern, light-filled space that offers holistic treatments, a swimming pool with underwater music, and a range of fitness classes. The hotel’s polo fields, operated in partnership with Guards Polo Club, make it the only hotel in the UK with professional polo facilities. Outdoor activities extend to walking, cycling, and riding across the estate, whilst families benefit from dedicated children’s programmes and spaces. Michelin-starred dining is catered for at Woven by Adam Smith, with a key focus on local produce. The Barn provides a more informal setting with open fires, whilst The Drawing Room serves afternoon tea and light meals with views over the gardens. At Coworth Park, five-star hospitality meets the quiet charm of the English countryside.
The Roseate occupies a prime position on Forbury Square, next to Reading’s Forbury Gardens. Behind its grand Edwardian facade, the hotel blends classical architecture with contemporary design, positioning itself as one of Berkshire’s most stylish five-star properties. Dating back to 1911, the building still showcases its original character, from high ceilings and ornate cornices to a stone staircase that ascends to the main reception beneath a chandelier strung with 86,000 Italian glass beads. After a period of conversion and extensive restoration, it reopened as The Roseate Reading under the Roseate Hotels and Resorts group. The renovation retained much of the building’s structure whilst introducing an aesthetic focused on art, craftsmanship, and individuality.
Accommodation is divided between the original building and ‘The House’, a modern extension linked internally, and offers 55 rooms and suites accumulatively. The interiors combine custom-made furniture, contemporary artwork, oak floors, and bathrooms finished with Lefroy Brooks fittings. All rooms include Nespresso machines, Penhaligon’s toiletries, and luxury bedding, whilst some suites feature free-standing bathtubs and private balconies. The House wing has direct access to the hotel’s gym and Aheli Spa, providing a calm contrast to the building’s city-centre location, offering treatments, massages, and a compact gym. At the centre of the dining experience is The Reading Room Restaurant and Bar, whilst the hotel’s Whiskey Room and Chef’s Table offer private dining for up to eight guests. Afternoon tea is served daily in the main restaurant, and The Roseate also offers a private cinema, meeting and event spaces, and 24-hour room service. A five-star boutique hotel, The Roseate is sophisticated, design-led, and closely connected to its architectural heritage.
Located in Stockcross, The Vineyard Hotel & Spa combines country-house tranquillity with a strong sense of identity built around wine, art, and fine dining. The hotel, surrounded by landscaped grounds on the edge of the Berkshire countryside, began life in the 18th century when it served as a private hunting lodge. Its modern chapter began in 1998, when entrepreneur and wine collector Sir Peter Michael reopened it as The Vineyard. The property’s design and service philosophy both reflect his interests in gastronomy, Californian winemaking, and contemporary art, which together shape much of the hotel’s atmosphere today.
Throughout the property, original artwork and sculpture form part of a curated collection that connects to the hotel’s wider aesthetic. There are 49 spacious rooms and suites, all individually designed with neutral tones, bespoke furniture, and bathrooms finished in Italian marble. Suites offer separate sitting areas and views over the gardens or surrounding countryside, and The Vineyard Spa is central to the experience. It features an indoor pool with hydrotherapy jets, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and a relaxation zone. Treatments use Elemental Herbology and the hotel’s own vinotherapy line based on red grape extracts, and a gym and outdoor walking routes across the grounds extend the wellness offering. Dining is led by Executive Chef Tom Scade at The Tasting Room, who uses modern techniques to deliver classical French cooking. Wine pairing is integral to a stay at The Vineyard, supported by a cellar of over 15,000 bottles sourced from around the world. With its blend of country calm, serious wine credentials, and contemporary design, The Vineyard provides a cultured, personal, and unmistakably five-star stay.
Situated between Newbury and Hungerford, The Retreat at Elcot Park lies within 16 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland in West Berkshire. The main house, a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1772, was once home to the family of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Following an extensive restoration by the Signet Collection, the hotel now describes itself as an idyllic haven with a focus on exceptional food and laid-back luxury.
The Retreat has 55 rooms and suites featuring vintage-inspired wallpaper, patterned fabrics, colourful art, and freestanding baths that overlook the surrounding countryside. Larger suites, such as the Bushby Bacon and Percy Shelley, present four-poster beds, Bramley toiletries, and interconnecting children’s rooms. The Retreat also offers serviced residences within its estate, with two and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and access to hotel services, providing flexibility for extended stays or private gatherings. Wellness is a core focus. The Signet Spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room, salt flotation tank, and gym. A variety of treatments and packages are offered alongside yoga and fitness sessions, all benefiting from the estate’s rural setting. Beyond the spa, the property features tennis courts, walking trails, and landscaped gardens designed for exploration. 1772 Brasserie serves dishes inspired by great British staples throughout the day, and Yü, a pan-Asian restaurant, offers an alternative dining experience. The Atlas Room and Orangery provide spaces for drinks and Botanical Afternoon Tea, whilst The Courtyard features a café, bakery, wine store, and on-site salon. As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Retreat at Elcot Park sits comfortably within Berkshire’s new generation of country house hotels.