The Times said: "Our expert team of reviewers has hand-picked the best hotels in the UK — from hundreds of contenders — that are worthy of a weekend break. This year’s list celebrates the very best new hotels as well as old favourites with something fresh to say."
The local hotels to be praised are Crafted at Powdermills, Powdermill Lane, Battle, and The Old Rectory, Harold Road, Hastings.
The Times called Crafted at Powdermills 'sexy and cosmopolitan'. It added : "This new hotel-slash-members’ club has big ambitions. In 78 acres, overlooking Powdermill Lake and ancient woodland, it’s in a serene setting. And the emphasis isn’t just on eating, drinking and sleeping well (though all of that is on the menu) — it’s also on branching out to try everything from cold-water therapy to pickling, paddleboarding or padel."
The Old Rectory impressed with its 'whimsically styled bedrooms in a building that dates from the 15th century with Victorian and Georgian extensions'.
It added: "The decor is like stepping into the brain of the owner and fashion designer Lionel Copley (from Katharine Hamnett and Reiss) — all colourful wallpapers, chairs made of antlers and contemporary art."
The accolade arrives hot on the heels of a glowing review in The Times, where travel journalist Laura Jackson praised the hotel.
It is also celebrating the retention of its Michelin Key for the second consecutive year and recently scooped the Gold Award for Best B&B in the region in the Beautiful South Tourism Awards 2025-26.
Lionel Copley, owner of The Old Rectory, said: To be recognised by The Times and Sunday Times as one of the top 50 hotels in the country is a tremendous honour. Coming so soon after our Michelin Key retention and a wonderful review in The Times, it is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team. We strive to create a home- away-from-home that feels both luxurious and intimate, and it’s heartening to see that vision resonate with guests and critics alike."
5. Crafted at Powdermills : Crafted at Powdermills
Crafted at Powdermills, in Battle, Sussex, is the first of a new group of resorts with a focus on wellness and creativity Photo: Katherine HM
6. Crafted at Powdermills
Crafted at Powdermills, in Battle Photo: Katherine HM
7.
The Old Rectory, Harold Road, Hastings Photo: Katie Rogers
8.
Lionel Copley and Natalie Taylor at The Old Rectory, Harold Road, Hastings Photo: The Old Rectory