A hotel and Michelin guide restaurant in Kent has been named the best place to stay in the South East.

Boys Hall in Ashford has been deemed worthy of the title by The Times and Sunday Times’ guide in its definitive list of the 100 Best Places to Stay.

Reviewers describe the interiors, service and location of the Grade II-listed manor on the outskirts of the town as “unepected in the best possible way”.

Since opening in August 2022, Boys Hall – run by couple Bradley and Kristie Lomas – has been inundated with praise for both its food and its boutique hotel.

Boasting nine bedrooms, the hotel has secured two AA rosettes and been named Best Hotel in the South of England by The Good Hotel Guide.

Last year, the prestigious Michelin Guide added the eatery to its list of esteemed restaurants.

Bosses from the guide said: “Built in 1616 for the Boys family, this charming old house has been sympathetically converted into a hotel with eye-catching features at every turn - plus three acres of gardens and land.

“The restaurant sits in an extension to the main house and serves local Kent produce, with Romney Marsh lamb a firm favourite.

“Great wines, also from Kent, are available to pair with your food and, should you wish to grab a drink before dining, the grounds also house a pub with a terrace.”

In October last year it was also named the world’s best country retreat, fighting off competition from rivals in Majorca and France in the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards.

And in November, it was ranked the 16th best boutique hotel in the country – and second best in Kent after The Pig in Canterbury.

The couple began renovating the Grade II-listed manor in 2019 after snapping it up for £1.5 million, quitting their hospitality jobs in London.

Claire Irvin, the head of travel of The Times and Sunday Times, said: “The rigorous judging process for this year's Best Places To Stay awards has taken place against the backdrop of a difficult period for our readers and the hoteliers who clamour to welcome them.

“Away breaks have almost never been more coveted, with annual leave, time out with friends and family and the cost of living all at a premium; at a time when the hotel industry is facing ever increasing running costs and a recruitment crisis.

“Therefore UK hotels have an even more challenging task than ever before – offering a unique and memorable experience whilst representing relative value for money.”

The Times and Sunday’s hotel expert Susan d’Arcy added: "I've been pleased to see more places taking a 360 approach to the hotel experience this year, letting their teams have more personality, being more inventive about activities, more adventurous about dining and showcasing local talent. It's definitely more fun for guests.”

The Times and Sunday’s 100 Best Places to Stay is split into nine regions: London, South East, South West, Central, East, North, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

There are also winners in 10 different categories; Beach, Boutique, Cheap and Chic, City, Countryside, Foodie, Hotels for Kids, London, Pubs with Rooms, and Romance.

Bosses of the guide say they focus on the things that really matter – hotels with the essentials of comfort, great service and value, as well as personality and warmth.