British hotels make Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2005

Five of the hippest places to stay in the world are in Britain, according to the Hot List 2005 organised by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The list comprises of 60 hotels from 26 countries and topping the list of British hotels at number nine was Ken McCulloch's new Dakota hotel just outside Nottingham.

The hotel was praised for its excellent value for money (a flat rate of £79.50 per night per room) and great location, just off the M1.

It is the first of a new range of cut-price business hotels from McCulloch, the founder of the Malmaison group.

Next at number 10 comes Drakes, which lies on the seafront in Brighton and has only been open seven months.

It is described by the magazine as "a grown-up place in which to let one's hair down".

Nick Harvey, the hotel's sales and marketing manager, said: "From a sales and marketing point it is an absolute dream."

Another newcomer and the only hotel in Northern Ireland on the list was the Malmaison, which came in at number 35 having been open for less than six months.

Described as a "welcome addition" to Belfast, Conde Nast described the hotel as appealing to a younger, trendier tourist with its stylish rooms, friendly staff and good food.

Another new hotel The Soho in London also impressed the Condé Nast team. Firmdale Hotels' flagship property came in at 45th place. It prides itself on the individual nature of its 85 rooms and six apartments.

Formerly a multi-storey car-park, the hotel is hailed as the first "luxury" hotel to open in the Dean Street area.

Good old-fashioned service got the Cadogan on Sloane Street through into the list at number 47.

The 65-bed hotel recently reopened after a refurbishment was a former home of Edward V11's mistress.

Sandra Farrell, director of sales, said: "This will definitely increase the profile of the hotel and I am very proud of the team."

By Victoria Heath

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