Telegraph Travel’s Hotel Hit Squad columnists look back on their favourite stays of the year, and what 2021 has been like in the world of hospitality. From new-age country houses in the Peak District to London’s first “iceberg hotel”, there’s been lots to enjoy. Plus, each writer shares a hot hotel to look out for and book in 2022.

The Londoner

With no room for missteps, UK hotels have come out stronger from what has been an extremely tough year for the industry. I went into 2021 wondering whether standards might have slipped owing to staff shortages and battered morale. To my pleasant surprise, establishments both new and existing have, if anything, raised their game on everything from the attentiveness of service to the standard of food. The pandemic has also compelled hoteliers to be more creative than ever to stand out, whether that is by building a luxury Glastonbury-inspired pop-up glamping hotel on the coast, or creating the country’s most sustainable pub.

With more Britons set to holiday at home again this year, the North of England, which has had a strong year for hotel openings, such as trendy restaurant with rooms Joro in Sheffield, is definitely one to watch. I am particularly looking forward to the opening of Wildes in underrated Chester, complete with rooftop pool and cinema.