If you adore Shakespeare and The Royal Shakespeare Company, then you’ll be familiar with the beautiful medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which is, of course, the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. A visit here is an absolute must for any enthusiast of the Bard, but what is less known is the best place to stay, which is, in my opinion, The Arden Hotel, a luxurious and elegant 45-bedroom boutique hotel set right in the heart of the town and directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres, nothing could be more convenient.
From here, you can experience Shakespeare’s plays, history, and birthplace, take a walk, punt, or boat ride along the picturesque river Avon, or visit Warwick Castle, which lies just 15 minutes away.
The hotel is very proud of its 4 Silver Stars from the AA, making it one of the finest examples of a four-star hotel in Warwickshire and the hotel is also part of the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection of hand-picked properties that offer beautiful architecture, outstanding dining and peaceful surroundings for a truly relaxing escape.
Location
The Arden Hotel lies two and a half hours by car from central London, straight down the M25 and M40, or sit back and let the train take the strain, with trains from Marylebone Station taking 2 hours to Stratford-upon-Avon. Once there, there is plenty of free parking and electric car charging points directly behind the hotel in its private car park.
This sophisticated hotel lies in an ideal town-center location directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres and right across the road from the river. It’s close to beautiful parks, as well as an enticing blend of gift shops, antique centers, traditional tea rooms, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
Guests can visit theatres, historic buildings, museums, galleries, stately homes, and idyllic villages, explore the many cycle paths, take boat trips, and enjoy guided walks. You really are spoilt for choice for things to see and do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. There are also weekly farmer’s markets and fantastic Christmas markets to discover.
The historic and fun-packed Warwick Castle also just lies 15 minutes away, ideal for young and old with performances throughout the day, walking tours in the castle ruins, and gardens to explore. There’s enough going on to keep you entertained for hours.
Style & Character
The hotel has an elegant, contemporary, and yet urban feel about it, with classical white, golden, and grey hues accented by bright turquoises, greens, and purples to add a splash of vibrant color. The outside has a mock-Tudor façade, in keeping with the look and feel of historic Stratford-upon-Avon.
We enjoyed glorious summer blue skies on our visit, and the many windows around the hotel let the light splash in, making the hotel feel spacious, bright, and airy. Guests can choose to relax in one of the many seating areas: the sophisticated afternoon tea lounge, the sunlit sitting room adorned with photos of famous Shakespearean actors and actresses, the small day room behind the restaurant, or enjoy the many outdoor spaces, including the all-weather terrace and the classic English manicured garden. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s father was believed to have once owned the property, and Shakespeare himself was thought to have written some of his works in the gardens at the time.
The hotel is very proud of its 4 Silver Stars from the AA, making it one of the finest examples of a four-star hotel in Warwickshire and the hotel is also part of the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection of hand-picked properties that offer beautiful architecture, outstanding dining and peaceful surroundings for a truly relaxing escape.
Location
The Arden Hotel lies two and a half hours by car from central London, straight down the M25 and M40, or sit back and let the train take the strain, with trains from Marylebone Station taking 2 hours to Stratford-upon-Avon. Once there, there is plenty of free parking and electric car charging points directly behind the hotel in its private car park.
This sophisticated hotel lies in an ideal town-center location directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres and right across the road from the river. It’s close to beautiful parks, as well as an enticing blend of gift shops, antique centers, traditional tea rooms, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and fine restaurants.
Guests can visit theatres, historic buildings, museums, galleries, stately homes, and idyllic villages, explore the many cycle paths, take boat trips, and enjoy guided walks. You really are spoilt for choice for things to see and do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. There are also weekly farmer’s markets and fantastic Christmas markets to discover.
The historic and fun-packed Warwick Castle also just lies 15 minutes away, ideal for young and old with performances throughout the day, walking tours in the castle ruins, and gardens to explore. There’s enough going on to keep you entertained for hours.
Style & Character
The hotel has an elegant, contemporary, and yet urban feel about it, with classical white, golden, and grey hues accented by bright turquoises, greens, and purples to add a splash of vibrant color. The outside has a mock-Tudor façade, in keeping with the look and feel of historic Stratford-upon-Avon.
We enjoyed glorious summer blue skies on our visit, and the many windows around the hotel let the light splash in, making the hotel feel spacious, bright, and airy. Guests can choose to relax in one of the many seating areas: the sophisticated afternoon tea lounge, the sunlit sitting room adorned with photos of famous Shakespearean actors and actresses, the small day room behind the restaurant, or enjoy the many outdoor spaces, including the all-weather terrace and the classic English manicured garden. Interestingly, Shakespeare’s father was believed to have once owned the property, and Shakespeare himself was thought to have written some of his works in the gardens at the time.
Service & Facilities
This beautiful boutique property has everything you would expect, with luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and an outdoor terrace, along with plenty of spaces to enjoy one of their delicious afternoon teas. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, and it also caters to both business and event needs with conference facilities for up to 40 delegates in the stylish and sympathetically renovated listed property or larger team-building and marquee functions in the landscaped grounds.
In terms of service, the team are incredibly accommodating and helpful. We found nothing was too much trouble.
Rooms
The Arden Hotel’s 45 stunning bedrooms and suites blend contemporary design with timeless luxury. Rooms are spacious with a light and airy feel, some with stunning views of the grounds, RSC, and River Avon. The bathrooms are equally spacious, and enjoy soft towels and gowns, deep baths, delightfully powerful hot showers, and a range of aromatherapy toiletries from ESPA’s luxury range. Further amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, digital TV with Freeview, a DVD player, complimentary bottled water, complimentary fruit, a fridge and an electronic safe.
We stayed in a spacious “Master Room” (Apple Suite) on the upper level towards the back of the hotel. It was a very quiet and peaceful room with calming grey and mauve hues. The room featured a very large and comfortable king-size bed and a separate seating area with a sofa, two chairs, and a coffee table. The marble bathroom was sizable, with a large separate tub and spacious shower, both with an indulgently powerful water supply.
Dog-friendly rooms are also available so that you can bring your four-legged best friend too.
Food & Drink
The hotel prides itself on its award-winning 2 AA Rosette restaurant, No.44 Brasserie. With accomplished head chef Lee Cresswell at the helm, the restaurant serves a seasonal menu with fresh, contemporary flavors, making it arguably one of the best restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s perfect for a pre-theatre dinner, an evening with friends and family, or simply just for a glass of bubbles. Despite its Rosettes, there is a distinctly laid-back and relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant and the dress code is smart/casual. Tip: the mouth-watering Sea Trout with Gnocchi was a delicious summer treat for the tastebuds.
If you’re lucky enough to visit in the summer, then try the terrace for a little alfresco dining whilst soaking up the sunshine (plus, there are patio heaters in case it gets chilly in the evenings). Guests can also kick back at the new Garden Bar set in the stunning little manicured gardens whilst trying something from the indulgent drinks list.
Conclusion
For a slice of true English elegance mixed with a little theatre culture, look no further than the award-winning The Arden Hotel. With its excellent location, delightful staff, and fine dining beside the river, there’s really no need to look anywhere else.
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