As more people embrace plant-based living, hotels are racing to keep up – or falling behind. Some UK hotel chains are creating incredible vegan experiences, while others seem stuck in the dark ages.
Whether you’re after a hearty vegan breakfast, cruelty-free toiletries, or a room with vegan-friendly furnishings, here’s your guide to the best and worst hotel chains for vegans in the UK…
Where This Data Comes From
This list isn’t just one person’s opinion! We’ve scoured thousands of comments from Reddit and other forums to gather a wide range of viewpoints. The result? A comprehensive guide based on what real people think, not just us.
The 5 Best Hotel Chains for Vegans in the UK
Looking for a place to stay that truly gets your vegan lifestyle? You’re in luck! The UK’s hotel scene has really stepped up its game when it comes to plant-based hospitality.
Here are some amazing hotel chains that’ll make you feel right at home.
1. Premier Inn
Premier Inn has become a reliable choice for vegan travellers on a budget, offering a surprisingly solid breakfast lineup across many of its locations.
Their vegan breakfast menu typically includes items like vegan sausages, vegan bacon, hash browns, baked beans, and dairy-free milk, giving vegans options beyond the usual toast-and-fruit routine.
While their plant-based breakfast may vary slightly by location, most Premier Inns are committed to offering these staples, making it easy to find a balanced meal. Some smaller locations may offer fewer options, so it’s always worth calling to check.
Premier Inn also stands out for its commitment to sustainability, with energy-saving initiatives in place across many locations, such as LED lighting and motion sensors to conserve energy. These practices align well with eco-conscious travellers who value both affordability and green practices.
When it comes to vegan toiletries or furnishings, Premier Inn provides standard amenities, so cruelty-free or vegan-specific products are not guaranteed. If having vegan or eco-friendly toiletries is important, bringing your own travel-sized cruelty-free products is recommended.
Suggested read: Toilet Paper Is Not Vegan! Here’s Why
2. Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels have led the charge for vegan-friendly stays in the UK, setting a high standard for plant-based hospitality.
Many Hilton locations now offer dedicated vegan menus that go beyond the basics, featuring items like rich vegan risottos, veggie-packed stews, and indulgent vegan desserts.
Menus vary by location, so calling ahead to confirm vegan offerings can be helpful if you’re looking for a specific dish or experience.
The highlight for vegan travellers is the Hilton London Bankside’s Vegan Suite, the UK’s first hotel suite designed with plant-based travellers in mind.
This unique suite features plant-based bedding, eco-friendly toiletries, and sustainably sourced furnishings made from innovative materials like pineapple leather and bamboo, giving it a luxe, eco-conscious touch.
Even the cleaning products used in the suite are cruelty-free and non-toxic, creating a truly vegan-friendly environment.
While Hilton’s vegan suite is currently exclusive to the Bankside location in London, travellers staying at other Hilton properties can still expect an accommodating experience.
Some Hiltons may offer plant-based toiletries on request, and they are typically open to adapting dishes to meet vegan preferences when given notice.
Hilton has also been recognised for its eco-friendly efforts, with many locations holding Green Key and ISO certifications for environmental management. These certifications cover everything from energy efficiency to waste reduction, adding another layer of appeal for vegan travellers who prioritise sustainability.
3. The Z Hotel
Z Hotels are known for their minimalist, comfort-focused approach, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers who appreciate simplicity.
While the breakfast spread isn’t extensive, it covers vegan essentials well, often including options like dairy-free milk, vegan pastries, fresh fruit, and oatmeal.
For those who prioritise straightforward, plant-based basics in the morning, Z Hotels provide just enough variety to start the day off right.
Though Z Hotels don’t offer vegan-specific toiletries or furnishings, they do have several eco-conscious practices that appeal to environmentally-minded travellers.
Their refillable toiletries reduce single-use plastic waste, and many locations implement water-saving initiatives and energy-efficient lighting, which may appeal to vegans who value sustainability.
For vegans seeking more dining variety, Z Hotels are usually located in central areas, making it easy to explore nearby vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants.
4. Marriott Hotels
Marriott’s variety of properties, from Courtyard to JW Marriott, caters well to vegan travellers, offering a range of vegan-friendly menus suited for both casual and luxury tastes.
Many Marriott restaurants feature options like vegan burgers, vibrant grain bowls, hearty curries, and plant-based sides, giving vegans more than just a single token dish.
Among Marriott’s brands, JW Marriott and Marriott Hotels & Resorts locations typically offer the most sophisticated and diverse vegan meals, often including plant-based appetisers and even vegan desserts.
However, vegan-specific bedding and toiletries aren’t yet a focus for Marriott, so it’s wise to bring your own cruelty-free toiletries and any other essentials if these are important to your stay.
For a more tailored experience, consider calling ahead to check if specific vegan items, such as plant-based milk or vegan-friendly snacks, can be stocked in the room.
Marriott’s M Club Lounges at select properties also occasionally offer vegan snacks and light bites, which can add convenience for travellers seeking quick, accessible vegan options throughout the day.
5. Malmaison
Malmaison offers a distinct boutique experience, known for its creative and flavourful plant-based menus.
Vegan guests can expect options like vegetable platters, hearty soups, risottos, and even decadent vegan desserts that go beyond the usual basics. Malmaison’s chefs often work with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, making each dish feel fresh and thoughtfully crafted.
While Malmaison doesn’t feature vegan-specific toiletries or furnishings, they are highly accommodating with their menu offerings. Many locations can tailor dishes to vegan preferences, so it’s worth mentioning dietary needs in advance or upon arrival.
Certain Malmaison properties, like Malmaison Edinburgh and Malmaison Oxford, are known for particularly well-reviewed vegan menu items, so keep them in mind if you’re visiting these cities!
The 5 Worst Hotel Chains for Vegans
1. Travelodge
Travelodge may be easy on the wallet, but it’s light on vegan options. Most locations offer minimal breakfast options like toast, fruit, and perhaps a non-dairy milk if you’re lucky.
Consistency across locations is lacking, so vegans are advised to bring snacks or plan meals outside the hotel.
Travelodge doesn’t provide vegan-specific toiletries or bedding, so pack your own if you’re particular about cruelty-free products.
For the price, Travelodge is functional but lacking for vegans hoping for more.
2. Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is another chain that shows potential but varies widely. Some locations offer basics like plant-based milk and cereal, while others fall short. This inconsistency makes Holiday Inn hit-or-miss for vegan travellers.
There are no dedicated vegan toiletries or furnishings, so it’s best to bring your own if this is a concern. Overall, while Holiday Inn can sometimes accommodate vegans, it’s best to check with individual hotel locations ahead of time.
3. Ibis Hotels
Ibis Hotels offer budget-friendly accommodations with minimal vegan options. Breakfast generally includes basic items like toast, fruit, and coffee, with limited variety for vegan guests.
If you’re looking for more than just the basics, you’ll likely need to find a vegan-friendly restaurant/cafe nearby or bring snacks.
Ibis doesn’t have vegan toiletries or bedding, so cruelty-free options are limited. For short stays, Ibis may be convenient, but for vegan travellers, it lacks amenities to make it a standout option.
4. Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu’s upscale image doesn’t translate to consistent vegan options.
Some locations offer vegan-friendly meals, but others stick to traditional menus with few accommodations for dietary needs.
Radisson Blu doesn’t provide vegan-specific bedding or toiletries, so vegans looking for cruelty-free amenities may be disappointed.
If you’re considering Radisson Blu, it’s wise to contact the specific location to confirm vegan offerings in advance.
5. Britannia Hotels
Britannia Hotels are known for budget accommodations and vegan offerings are sparse.
Most locations have little more than simple salads and sides without substantial vegan meal options.
Britannia also doesn’t offer vegan toiletries or furnishings, and with their focus on cost-saving, vegan travellers should set low expectations. Consider this chain only as a last resort if vegan-friendliness is essential.
Pro Tips for Vegan Travellers
- Call Ahead: Many hotels can accommodate vegan diets with a heads-up. Calling before your stay can help ensure options are available on arrival.
- Use Mobile Apps: Apps like HappyCow are lifesavers for finding nearby vegan-friendly restaurants if hotel options are limited.
- Bring Essentials: Packing vegan toiletries, snacks, or simple meal items can save you from unexpected limitations, especially at budget hotels.
Honorable Mentions
Although these spots aren’t part of any big hotel chain, they’re definitely worth a shout-out for their unique, vegan-friendly offerings.
Whether you’re after a fully vegan experience or just somewhere that goes the extra mile to cater to plant-based guests, these independent gems have you covered.
Saorsa 1875 (Pitlochry, Scotland): The UK’s first fully vegan hotel, situated in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. This boutique hotel is entirely plant-based, from the seasonal, locally sourced menu to cruelty-free toiletries and vegan furnishings.
It’s perfect for eco-conscious vegans looking for an immersive, luxurious experience without compromising their values. The best part? You won’t have to worry about checking labels or asking endless questions – everything here is fair game!
The Green House Hotel (Bournemouth, England): Known for its strong eco-friendly ethos, The Green House Hotel in Bournemouth offers a vegan-friendly menu in its Arbor Restaurant, featuring dishes crafted with sustainable, seasonal ingredients.
The hotel is not fully vegan, but it is committed to cruelty-free choices, including eco-friendly toiletries and low-impact furnishings, making it ideal for vegan guests who prioritise sustainability.
St. Benedict Victorian Bed & Breakfast (St. Leonards-on-Sea, England): This historic Victorian B&B provides vegan breakfast options upon request and offers a cosy, unique stay.
While not entirely vegan, the attentive staff at St. Benedict ensures a thoughtful experience for vegan guests, offering plant-based toiletries and cruelty-free bedding when requested. Its Victorian charm, coupled with vegan-friendly touches, makes it an appealing, personalised stay.
Beck Hall (Malham, Yorkshire): A charming, dog-friendly inn nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, offering a welcoming atmosphere for vegan travellers.
With vegan breakfast options and a growing commitment to accommodating plant-based guests, Beck Hall makes a strong effort to cater to dietary preferences. The cosy setting, eco-conscious touches, and focus on guest comfort make it an inviting choice for vegans exploring Yorkshire.
The Bottom Line
The gap between the best and worst hotel chains for vegans tells us something important: the hospitality industry is in the middle of a major transformation.
While some chains are leading the way with innovative vegan offerings, others are slowly realising they need to adapt or risk losing conscious travellers.
The good news? The growing demand for vegan-friendly stays means we’ll likely see even more positive changes in the coming years.
Knowing which hotel chains cater to plant-based needs is key. Hilton and Premier Inn lead with dedicated vegan menus and thoughtful accommodations, while options like Travelodge and Britannia offer limited meals and standard amenities.
With veganism on the rise, it’s likely that even budget hotels will expand their vegan-friendly amenities in time. Until then, use this guide to make your stay as plant-powered and comfortable as possible.
Happy travels!
Jac has been vegan for 15 years – long enough to wonder if tofu owes her a loyalty card. Hailing from Scotland, she enjoys the breathtaking scenery and believes vegan haggis deserves more appreciation. A proud mum to a curious and energetic daughter, Jac spends her time hiking scenic trails, devouring books, practicing yoga, honing her badminton skills, and creating colourful artwork with her trusty colouring pens. She’s passionate about living a vibrant, compassionate, and cruelty-free life, all while championing the magic of tofu.
Super thrilled to see Premier Inn topping the list! I’ve always found their options pretty solid for breakfast but wasn’t sure about other meals. Has anyone tried their dinner menu? Keen to know more!
Really happy to see Premier Inn leading the list! Stayed there last month and they had a surprisingly versatile vegan menu. Would love more spotlight on vegan breakfast options though!
Does anyone know if Premier Inn sources their vegan options locally? It’s fab they’re offering more choices for us but would be even better if it’s sustainable too.
Really? I can’t believe some of these chains are considered the best. Every time I’ve stayed, the vegan options were more like afterthoughts. Has anyone actually found good vegan meals at these places?
Interesting list! I’ve read elsewhere though that The Z Hotel has plans to further expand their vegan offerings. It’s great seeing mainstream hotels adapting to more sustainable options.
Love this list! Had some great experiences at Hilton with their vegan breakfasts. It’s good seeing hotels catching up with the times.
Interesting to see Malmaison on the list. I’ve never considered them for vegan options. Does anyone know if they offer vegan desserts as well? It’s usually the hardest thing to find.
yeah, they do! had this amazing vegan chocolate cake there once. worth trying for sure!
not a vegan myself but curious why Travelodge is on the worst list? i thought they had some plant-based options no?
It’s important to recognize that not all vegan options are created equal from a nutritional standpoint. I would be interested in knowing the nutritional content of the meals offered.
Malmaison’s vegan menu is a dream! Had the best vegan risotto there. It’s so important for articles like this to shine a light on places doing it right.
vegan risotto? doesn’t sound filling at all, how was it compared to the real deal?
TomGourmand, it was actually amazing and super hearty! Loads of flavour without the guilt.
I’m not convinced with this ranking. My experiences at The Z Hotel were far from being vegan-friendly. They barely had any vegan options last time I checked. Maybe they’ve changed?
While it’s great to see more vegan options, we shouldn’t forget the overall ethics of these hotel chains. How do they score on animal rights beyond their menus?
That’s a really good point, JJFlash. It’s not just about the food, but also about their policies and practices. Sustainability should be 360.
Really wish the budget options like Travelodge were better for vegans. It’s tough finding affordable stays that cater properly to us.
Not surprised to see Travelodge on the worst list. Their breakfast options are pretty limited for vegans. But tbh, you get what you pay for.
Has anyone tried the vegan options at Malmaison? Their menu seems intriguing, but I’d love to hear some first-hand experiences before my next trip.
Is this list updated? I stayed at a Radisson Blu last year and their vegan options were quite commendable.
This might sound silly, but how do you even find out if a hotel is vegan-friendly before you book? Is there a secret trick or something?
Seems like these hotel chains are just jumping on the vegan bandwagon without real commitment. Anyone else feel like it’s just for show?
Seeing Britannia Hotels on the worst list doesn’t surprise me. They’ve been lagging behind in catering to dietary needs for years now.
Anyone got tips on getting the best deals at these vegan-friendly hotels? On a tight budget here but still trying to keep it vegan.
To the person wondering how to find vegan-friendly hotels – always check the menu online or call ahead. Some hotels are even starting to list their vegan options on booking sites. Always worth asking!
Love this list! Helps me plan my trips better knowing I don’t have to stress about where to eat. Hilton’s doing great with their plant-based options!
In my travels, I’ve found that while some hotels do an excellent job with vegan options, others merely offer token dishes. It’s a mixed bag really.
I’d argue that even the worst hotel chains for vegans are a sign of progress. It wasn’t long ago that finding anything vegan on a menu was almost impossible. Still, we must encourage these chains to do better.
While this list is handy, I find that most big chains are now making an effort towards offering vegan options. It’s becoming less of an issue, thankfully.
Travelodge being one of the worst for vegans isn’t a surprise. Their idea of vegan is probably a lettuce leaf on a dry bun.
Love seeing more options for vegans while travelling! It’s not just about diet; it’s a lifestyle that supports sustainability. Kudos to the hotels getting it right.
So thrilled to see hotels getting on board with healthier, vegan options. It’s not just about ethics but about offering choices that are good for our health and the planet.
Oh great, now I know where to find the best lettuce leaves next time I’m in the UK. Cheers for the groundbreaking info.
Great to see Marriott offering decent vegan options. Finding good protein sources while travelling is always a challenge, but sounds like they’ve got us covered.