About Hertfordshire

Just north of London, leafy Hertfordshire is a verdant county studded with lovely little towns and villages. Rich in history, these welcoming communities boast bustling markets, ancient buildings and excellent eateries aplenty. Brilliant for a weekend break from the big city, many of the best places to stay in Hertfordshire are restored manor houses or pubs with rooms, all oozing classic character.

Hertford, the county’s main town, traces its roots back to the Saxon era and features a 912-built castle with gorgeous gardens. Heritage buffs will adore exploring the castle and its surroundings, as well as visiting the iconic St Albans Cathedral and following the remaining sections of the town’s Roman Wall in nearby St Albans. Hatfield House is perhaps the county’s most famous landmark. The majestic childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I, it’s a must-see for heritage enthusiasts as well as keen gardeners. Guided tours of the house’s interior and its landscaped grounds are fabulous.

Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted, on the other hand, are wonderful springboards for cruising along — or zipping beside — the Grand Union Canal, and have long attracted outdoorsy types. Don’t miss the chance to hike through the beautiful fields and forests of the Chiltern Hills whilst you're in the area: you can expect mesmerising views and a real sense of tranquility. Some of the best places to stay in Hertfordshire offer complimentary bicycles for discovering the region on two wheels; others provide walking maps and valuable local recommendations to start you on your journey!

The Best Places to Stay in Hertfordshire

For boutique chic

  • Hotel Cromwell is a delightful 16th-century farmhouse in Stevenage's charming Old Town. Cobalt blue, warm greens and red hues adorn chic bedrooms, where traditional elements meet modern design. The Rump & Wade brasserie is a popular hub, serving contemporary British cuisine in a convivial setting, and the afternoon teas are deservedly popular.

For a charming b&b

  • Number One Port Hill has just three charming guest rooms in Hertford, each bedecked in antiques and ornaments. An award-winning B&B with enormously friendly hosts, this intimate spot promises hearty breakfasts, local recommendations and characterful interiors. Explore the town at your own pace on the B&B's bicycles.

For a pub with rooms

  • The Bedford Arms is the one to book if you're looking for a smart, family-friendly pub on Hertfordshire/Bucks borders. Fifteen boutique style rooms have a country-chic feel and there is plenty of character throughout. A low key, friendly base for local exploring.
  • The White Horse, near the pretty village of Hertingfordbury, has seven funky guest rooms, each individually decorated with a bold tropical theme. The ground floor of this superb 15th-century inn remains a welcoming gastropub, priding itself on serving fresh local produce from The Herts Larder. Idyllic and family-friendly.
  • The Fox at Willian, a recently restored gastropub on the outskirts of Letchworth, promises a modern take on English country pub style. The eight attractive guestrooms are decorated in charcoal grey, olive green, white and ochre, with pretty garden views. Gather in the pub garden or the airy eatery for excellent fresh fare, crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. A foodie favourite.
  • The Kings Arms is a lovely pub and restaurant on Berkhamsted's high street. Simple, spacious rooms boast high ceilings and Georgian windows, with crisp white linens on cosy beds. Exposed beams and brick walls add to the sense of character. The popular pub offers food with a Mediterranean twist and a smarter restaurant area with a terrific menu of fresh, seasonal fare. Lovely.

For a country escape

  • The Farmhouse at Redcoats dates back 600 years, with characterful and cheerfully decorated public and private spaces in the main house as well as more modern areas. Think original beams, imposing fireplaces and bright patterned textiles on cosy beds or inviting armchairs. The award-winning restaurant has an impressive farm-to-table ethos, and there's a great bar for drinks after a long afternoon walk.
  • Sopwell House is a beautifully elegant Georgian manor house with 130 indulgent rooms and suites, the best of which have four-poster beds, sink-into bathtubs and big balconies with stunning views of the sprawling gardens. A restored heritage landmark near St Albans with stacks of character, this luxurious hotel also offers an extensive spa, relaxed brasserie and fine dining restaurant.
  • Melbourne Lodge, the converted 18th-century coach house of stunning Brocket Hall Estate, has 16 spacious guest rooms with a real sense of grandeur. Think pastel tones, draped beds and antique furnishings. Play a round on the Melbourne Golf Course before dining on award-winning farm-to-table fare at Auberge du Lac in the estate's former hunting lodge. A sumptuous escape.
  • The Grove is a great red-brick country pile, surrounded by 300 acres of courtyside. Pick this place for its luxurious rooms and suites, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course and spa. Four restaurants will delight food-focused travellers, whilst outdoorsy types can follow walking and cycling trails for hours.

For an apartment or holiday cottage

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to London Luton Airport, just 19km from St Albans and well-connected to destinations across Hertfordshire by bus or train. Alternatively, fly to Heathrow Airport and journey across from there.
  • Hertfordshire is best explored with the freedom of your own transport! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Visit during the summer months (May to September) for long days, more chance of sunshine and temperatures averaging around 21°C. July and August are peak season; travel outside the school holidays for quieter sites and great hotel deals if you can.

Still not sure?

Weather

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

The best hotels in Hertfordshire

Bedford Arms

Hertfordshire (Rickmansworth)

An old coaching inn turned smart family friendly pub with rooms on the Bucks/Herts border. The accommodation is beautifully styled with a country chic feel and plenty of character throughout. The restaurant serves crowd-pleasing pub classics. A great base for local exploring.

  • Families - A friendly atmosphere, family friendly rooms with sofa beds/extra beds and kids' menus, plus under 2s stay for free!
  • Local exploring - Get out and about in the Chess Valley, or travel further afield — a day trip to London is easily do-able too
  • Great walks - The Chess Valley offers great walking country with paths and routes for all fitness levels
  • Restaurant - Seasonal menu serving traditional British cuisine and pub classics
from $159 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Melbourne Lodge

Hertfordshire (Hertfordshire )

An elegant lodge in the beautiful grounds of historic Brocket Hall Estate. Luxurious rooms, romantic lakeside restaurant and terrace, two bars and two pristine championship golf courses. A lovely country house style hotel in an idyllic setting

  • Great walks - A 4.6 mile circular walk takes in lovely countryside in the Brocket Hall estate, through the Lea Valley& along the Ayot Greenway
  • Hotel Entertainment - Dining at Chef John Barber's Auberge du Lac is a must, a fabulous restaurant in the estate’s historic former hunting lodge
  • Golf - With 2 courses, a Golf Academy and a state of the art swing studio Brocket Estate is bound to attract keen golfers
  • Families - Family friendly with rooms allocated for dogs & 543 acres of unspoilt gardens there is lots room to let off steam
from $209 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Cromwell

Stevenage (Hertfordshire)

A 16th-century farmhouse turned into a chic boutique hotel in Stevenage's old town. Rooms decorated in cobalt blue mix the old and new with luxe bathrooms, panelled walls, and Hypnos mattresses. With a popular modern British restaurant and friendly staff, this is an easy base to explore from.

  • Boutique - The design sees a chic combination of original features and traditional artworks mixed with funky modern design
  • Short break - Located just an hour's drive or 30-minute train from London — this is an easy weekend destination
  • Value chic - A seriously stylish stay at incredibly low rates
  • Sights nearby - Hatfield House and Knebworth House are both easily accessible from the hotel
from $89 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Kings Arms, Hertfordshire

Berkhamsted

A chic pub with rooms in the heart of historic market town, Berkhamsted. Light and airy rooms boast high ceilings, white-washed walls, crisp white linen and the odd exposed beam. Mediterranean styled dishes come in pleasingly large portions in the restaurant. Ideal for weekend escapes from London.

  • Local exploring - Perfectly located in the heart of the vibrant town of Berkhamsted, ideal for exploring the town and its surrounding countryside.
  • Great walks - Take scenic strolls along the pretty tow path running besides the Grand Union Canal.
  • Sights nearby - Discover the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle.
  • Traditional
from $113 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The White Horse, Hertfordshire

Hertford (Hertford)

Set near the historic village of Hertingfordbury, The White Horse offers a bustling pub and excellent restaurant. The seven room inn has doubles and twins dressed in a tropical-meets-Africa theme and function rooms for special occasions. All just 45-minutes from London.

  • Country Escape - Only 45-minutes drive from Central London, it's a perfect quick break to the country
  • Designer - Rooms are kitted out in Cole & Son's outstanding new range of exotic wallpapers, The Ardmore Collection
  • Restaurant with rooms - Gastropub classics with fresh modern British cuisine
  • Restaurant - Great restaurant supplied by local farmers
from $146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Number One Port Hill

Hertford (Hertfordshire)

A small multi-award winning B&B set in a picturesque part of Hertfordshire. Filled with well placed ornaments and antiques the property has an air of opulence. The wonderfully welcoming Annie serves up fantastic breakfasts and is more than willing to share her knowledge of the region.

  • Country Escape - A boutique country property with a warm welcome and great location.
  • Sights nearby - Take a tour of Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury.
  • Restrictions on children - Children over 12 are welcome
  • Opulent
from $165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Farmhouse at Redcoats

Stevenage (Hertfordshire)

A charming hotel centred around a 600-year-old farmhouse just outside Stevenage. Stylish rooms are spread through the farmhouse, smart modern converted barn and stables. All are beautifully done with up-to-the-minute interiors and luxe accessories. A seriously good restaurant completes the picture.

  • Foodies - The 2AA Rosette Restaurant has a farm-to-fork ethos and champions local produce with many organic ingredients grown on site
  • Weddings - The Barn at Redcoats offers a fabulous space for a seriously smart wedding to remember!
  • Short break - Just half an hour by train or an hour in the car from central London
  • Boutique - A stylish combination of historic, period features and chic up-to-the-minute interior decor
from $171 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Fox At Willian

Hertfordshire (Hertfordshire)

A charming little gastropub on the outskirts of Letchworth. You can expect all the ingredients for the perfect English country village pub with rooms: excellent food, stylish decor, attractive and comfortable bedrooms and a beer garden for sunny days. A great little find for an easy weekend getaway.

  • Short break - Located just an hour's drive or 30-minute train from London — this is an easy weekend destination
  • Boutique - The design effortlessly combines original, traditional features with a contemporary look
  • Great walks - There are a great range of walks for all levels of fitness right from the door
  • Restaurant - Both bar meals and fine dining championing the finest local ingredients
from $178 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Grove, Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire

Five-star hotel set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. With tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, golf course, spa, and many other luxury activities, this is a higher class of retreat. Four restaurants with over seventy chefs mean that its culinary offerings match the accommodation.

  • Pet friendly - Dogs allowed; pet-sitters available
  • Golf - Championship standard golf course
  • Bicycles available - Bikes available for free
  • Restaurant - 4 restaurants available
from $266 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sopwell House

St Albans (Saint Albans)

Built in 1603, this elegant Georgian country house has been beautifully restored. Tucked away in scenic surroundings, the hotel offers contemporary rooms, some with balcony & four posters. Home to an exceptional spa, plus fine dining or a more relaxed brasserie.

  • Local markets - St. Albans - a local market town
  • Spa - ESPA and Clarins treatments
  • Swimming Pool - 14.5 metre indoor pool
  • Sights nearby - Knebworth House
from $329 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia