Hand Picked Hotels: How Many Are There, Where to Find Them & Insider Booking Tips

Some brands promise personal touch, but only a few truly deliver. Hand Picked Hotels quietly carved out a reputation for doing exactly that—curating historic and character-rich stays across the UK and the Channel Islands. If you’ve ever planned a countryside escape or looked for a hotel with a story to tell, you’ve probably come across their distinctive logo. So how many Hand Picked Hotels actually exist? And more importantly—what makes them stand out in a world flooded with cookie-cutter chains?

The Exact Number: How Many Hand Picked Hotels Are There?

When most travellers hear "Hand Picked Hotels," they imagine a sprawling network. In reality, the group is all about quality over quantity. As of August 2025, there are exactly 21 operating Hand Picked Hotels. This number isn’t random—it’s the result of deliberate choices that focus on unique locations, heritage, and guest experience. You won’t find estates added just to boost numbers or pad out a corporate portfolio. Each hotel feels special because it was chosen for a reason.

The brand began in 2001, founded by Julia Hands, who saw something magical in country houses that had fallen out of favour. Instead of letting them fade into history, she turned them into hotels where luxury doesn’t feel forced. Over these two decades, the collection has grown cautiously—a handful at a time, with several properties being restored lovingly rather than bulldozed for modern construction. In fact, several hotels, like Buxted Park in Sussex and Rookery Hall in Cheshire, are listed historic buildings, protected as part of the country’s heritage.

This focus on restoration means each new addition takes time. Don’t expect them to suddenly double their size. Most years, the number stays steady, or occasionally one or two are added. The strategy here is clear: keep the collection tight, manageable, and bursting with character.

This table says plenty: Hand Picked Hotels aren’t just spread across the map—they pick locations with a genuine sense of place. You’re as likely to check into a manor set in parkland as you are a grand seaside address in Jersey. No wonder they keep appearing in lists of best countryside escapes or romantic getaways.

What Sets Hand Picked Hotels Apart?

Luxury chains can sometimes feel cut-and-paste, but Hand Picked Hotels work hard to be different. Each property has its own story—some were stately homes, others abbeys or Victorian country retreats. For example, Bailbrook House in my hometown of Bath stands out for its Georgian elegance, while L'Horizon Beach offers sand-between-your-toes chic right next to the sea.

Instead of sterile rooms and predictable layouts, you’ll spot grand four-poster beds, ancient oak panels, quirky turrets, and sweeping staircases. Ever heard a floorboard gently creak under the carpet? That’s history whispering. Even if you’re booking for business, you’ll find the little details—think: fresh-cut flowers, locally-sourced breakfast spreads, or even homemade shortbread in your room. Staff often share their favourite walking routes, or stories about the estate, adding that elusive personal touch larger brands rarely manage.

I once spent a weekend at Audleys Wood, and the difference was clear from the moment we checked in. Gareth (my husband) still raves about their Sunday roast, and I’ve never forgotten the library nook with views over the rolling lawns. If you love heritage but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, these hotels are an easy pick.

Another detail worth noting: many of these properties have extensive grounds. Some cover over 100 acres, perfect for long morning walks or even outdoor yoga classes. Families and dog-owners find this especially handy—try seeing if your usual city hotel can offer a deer-spotting walk at sunrise!

Benefits of Booking with Hand Picked Hotels

If you’re wondering why travellers keep coming back to these places, let’s look at the perks. First, expect more space. Even their smallest rooms outshine boxy chain equivalents. Larger suites—often once the master bedrooms or private apartments of old owners—let you spread out and truly unwind. The bathrooms don’t just tick boxes either; many offer roll-top tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking manicured gardens.

Food and drink is serious business. The hotels pride themselves on seasonal menus. Chefs use local produce whenever possible, meaning you might snack on scones baked with Somerset clotted cream or sip elderflower gin made just down the road. Afternoon tea—a British tradition—is always a highlight. Many hotels have won awards for their cuisine, so checking out the restaurant shouldn’t be an afterthought.

If relaxation is your aim, you’re in luck. About half the collection comes with onsite spas—indoor pools, thermal suites, and treatments that draw on local botanicals. Spa hotels like Fawsley Hall or Nutfield Priory are favourites for mini-breaks. But if you’re not the spa type, plenty offer activities from croquet on the lawn to tennis courts, and lots have partnerships with local adventure operators.

One more inside tip: loyalty comes with unexpected rewards. Members of their loyalty programme enjoy perks such as complimentary room upgrades, flexible check-out times, and sometimes exclusive access to private events like wine tastings. If you’re planning multiple stays, signing up early is a no-brainer. For weddings and events, their expertise is well known—those historic ballrooms fill up fast during summer.

Booking Tips: Best Time to Stay and How to Get Deals

Booking a stay at one of these hotels isn’t mysterious, but there are some hacks to score the best deals. For one, avoid peak summer weekends if you want lower rates. Midweek stays (Monday to Thursday) usually cost less and the hotels are quieter—meaning more space to enjoy those gorgeous grounds nearly all to yourself. If your schedule is flexible, late autumn or early spring brings lower prices, plus atmospheric views as the estate gardens shift with the seasons.

Last-minute offers pop up too. Their website often features a dedicated deals section. It’s not unusual to find discounted rates or package deals, like ‘dinner, bed and breakfast’ for less than the standard room-only rate. If you’re travelling as a couple, keep an eye out for romance packages, including extras like chocolates, bubbly, or late check-out.

Don’t overlook the extras. Unlike many chains with added-fee parking or WiFi, these perks are usually included. As with anything, check the fine print when you book, as a few properties set parking charges during busier months—usually in the Channel Islands where space is tight.

If you plan to stay more than once a year, join their loyalty programme. Early bird access to new packages or room upgrades can pay off after just a couple of nights. Compare rates by booking directly, as third-party booking sites rarely offer the same flexibility for changes or cancellations. Also, if you’re eyeing a special room—the suites go fast for holidays like Christmas or Mother’s Day, so book several months out.

• Book midweek for best prices and quieter atmosphere
• Check the Hand Picked Hotels site for last-minute offers
• Sign up for the loyalty scheme early
• Direct booking unlocks more perks and easier changes
• If travelling with pets or kids, call ahead to confirm facilities—many are surprisingly family- and dog-friendly

And one last thing: don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Want a room with a view or easy garden access? A simple phone call often gets you an inside scoop on the best available options.

Quick Facts and Fun Surprises About the Collection

There’s more to this collection than meets the eye. Did you know their smallest hotel, Brandshatch Place in Kent, has just 38 rooms but three racing tracks within a five-mile radius? Or that St Pierre Park in Guernsey won Best Hotel Spa in the Channel Islands, beating some snazzy European competition?

Several Hand Picked hotels host major literary, music, and food festivals each year, drawing guests and locals alike. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, her old haunt, Fawsley Hall, now regularly runs murder mystery weekends where you can act out your own detective story. Or maybe you prefer real ghosts—their Norton House in Scotland is said to be haunted by a friendly lady in blue. True or not, it adds to the fun.

Sustainability might not be the first thing you associate with grand old buildings, but many properties are making headway. Expect refillable toiletry dispensers, solar panels hidden from view, and in some cases their very own kitchen gardens. Organic produce on the breakfast buffet? Not just a PR spin—several hotels pick herbs and veg grown a stone’s throw from the dining room.

If you have special dietary requirements or accessibility needs, the group’s responsiveness is noteworthy. Unlike big chains where it can feel impossible to get a straight answer, staff here pick up the phone and actually listen. That’s rare these days, and my own stay in Jersey was made much better thanks to their attention to detail after a quick call ahead.

Finally, their events calendar is packed, from classic car rallies on the lawn to wine pairing weekends, and outdoor cinema nights under the stars. Not something you’ll find at your average motorway hotel.

If you’re craving something much more than a bed for a night—a memorable stay, steeped in stories, and surrounded by countryside or seaside—you can’t do better than Hand Picked Hotels. Next time you plan a getaway, consider the numbers—yes, there are only 21—but every single one’s worth discovering.