Only a few hotels charge £10 for windows or appear deserted right before Christmas. Britannia stands out as the worst hotel chain in the UK for 12 consecutive years, offering unique experiences like these.
Established 50 years ago with its first property, the Country House Hotel in Didsbury, Manchester, Britannia has expanded to include approximately 60 more properties across the UK and acquired Pontins.
Despite its long history, Britannia has faced criticism for transforming once prestigious properties into shabby, uncomfortable hotels that fail to provide good value for money, according to dissatisfied guests.
Having stayed at a Britannia hotel in 2022, I revisited a local Britannia property to see if any improvements had been made at the reputedly worst hotel chain in the country. Unfortunately, the experience remained unchanged.
Britannia Hampstead, though different from its sister hotel in Bournemouth, still exudes a bleak atmosphere. In contrast, The Manor in Blakeney, North Norfolk, part of the acclaimed Coaching Inn Group, offers a vibrant and pleasant environment, having been recognized as the UK’s best large hotel chain for 2025.
During my stay at Britannia Hampstead, I noticed some improvements compared to my previous experience in Bournemouth. However, The Manor in Blakeney offered a more cheerful and comfortable stay, with clean, well-appointed rooms and friendly staff.
The difference in ambiance and quality between the Britannia and Coaching Inn Group establishments was striking. While the Britannia hotel lacked appeal and convenience, The Manor provided a homely and welcoming atmosphere, with dedicated long-standing staff offering personalized service.
Despite Britannia’s low prices, its properties often fall short in terms of comfort and value for money, leaving much to be desired for guests. In contrast, Coaching Inn Group hotels, like The Manor, offer better value and a more pleasant overall experience for guests.
Britannia’s business model of acquiring old properties and offering budget accommodations may not be sustainable in the long run, as evident in the consistent dissatisfaction among customers. In contrast, Coaching Inn Group’s approach of providing quality service and comfortable stays has proven successful.
While Britannia may continue to struggle to improve its reputation, other hotel chains like Coaching Inn Group set a higher standard in the industry, prioritizing guest satisfaction and comfort.
Britannia has been reached out to for comments.
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