Top 3 Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon will always be known as the birthplace and the final resting place of William Shakespeare. He is arguably the best playwright and poet to ever walk this Earth, and Stratford-upon-Avon has many historic sites and attractions that’ll allow you to trace his life and works. Of particular note, are the thatched-roofed and timber-framed cottages associated with the Shakespeare family; Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, Hall’s Croft and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. But beyond these literal connections to the past, you can enjoy the Shakespeare Walking Tours, authentic Shakespearean plays at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) and cruises down the River Avon. With so much on offer, you’ll need at least a couple of days here and I’ve outlined the top three affordable luxury hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon below. 

Click this link for a full guide to Shakespeare’s attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Or for non-Shakespeare-related things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, click here.

WHERE IS STRATFORD-UPON-AVON AND HOW TO REACH IT?

Stratford-upon-Avon is situated in the county of Warwickshire and on the edge of the Cotswolds. If you’d like to know where to visit in the Cotswolds, check out my favourite Cotswold villages here. Anyway, Stratford-upon-Avon is only 80 miles northeast of Cardiff and 82 miles northwest of London. The market town is easily accessible by road and public transport.

• • • Trains to Stratford-upon-Avon: There is a train station in Stratford with direct train routes from Birmingham New Street and London Marylebone. You can check National Rail for details.
    • Buses to Stratford-upon-Avon: The National Express runs from London Victoria to Stratford-upon-Avon. This journey takes 3 hours. Take local buses by Stagecoach from Birmingham and Leamington Spa.
    • Cars to Stratford-upon-Avon: Stratford is connected to the UK’s Motorway networks. From the north, you can take the MI, M5, M40 and then the A46. From the south, drive on the M40, before taking junction 15 and then the A46.

GETTING AROUND STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Thankfully, Stratford-upon-Avon is relatively compact with many key attractions within minutes of each other. For example, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is only a 15-minute walk from the Holy Trinity Church (the furthest point on our list). All the other Shakespeare sites, except one, can be found between them. Therefore, the best way to get around Stratford-upon-Avon is on foot. 

Top 3 Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Arden Hotel

Situated opposite the RSC and the Swan Theatre is The Arden Hotel, while Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, and his final home, New Place, flank the hotel’s rear. The Arden is perfectly positioned to explore Stratford-upon-Avon on foot, with the furthest site being around 15 minutes away and because of its location you really do feel like you’ve touched down in ‘Shakespeare Land’. When we arrived in the hotel’s car park, we could hear the cast of Comedy of Errors rehearsing over the road at the theatre! Inside, the hotel walls are adorned with framed pictures of Shakespearean actors, while the double-AA-rosette Waterside Brasserie offers pre-theatre meals. Their spring vegetable risotto is to die for, and breakfast is also served here with a choice of a full English or a continental breakfast, like yoghurts and pain au chocolat. After a night sitting stage-front at the RSC, the Arden’s 45 sumptuous bedrooms have uber-snug beds and every amenity you could possibly need, including spa-like robes and slippers! You can also book an Afternoon Tea experience here too!

• • • • • • • The RSC Theatre Package Includes: Overnight accommodation with two A-class tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Theatre production, a pre-theatre dinner and a full breakfast. 
            • The RSC Theatre Package Cost: £310.00 per room, per night
            • Classic Room: Around £120 per night

Hotel Du Vin

The Hotel du Vin is perhaps one of the swankiest hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon, combining its French roots and British location to add a sliver of sophistication and refined tastes to this market town. Set within an 18th-century townhouse, Hotel du Vin offers timeless elegance well before you enter the property, and inside is no different. The vintage and speakeasy-like decor centres around an informal design with rich colours, wooden furniture and dim lighting, while its 46 bedrooms are uniquely decorated to encourage guests to decompress in style. Each room is named after an eminent wine producer, and contemporary artwork pays homage to the text and characters of William Shakespeare’s plays. Some rooms have a balcony, a separate seating area and the hotel’s signature roll-top bath. Downstairs, you’ll find more Shakespeare-inspired artwork and a French bistro and Meditteranean-styled courtyard. In both, you can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea or an a la carte menu accompanied by a wine list with notable French vintners.

• • • • • • • • Room Rates: A classic room starts from £102 per room

The Crowne Plaza

Of all the hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Crowne Plaza might be the most family-friendly of them all! As part of the IHG brand, The Crowne Plaza Hotel offers a chic yet homely environment with over 250 rooms, including 22 executive rooms that give an exclusive penthouse feel to your stay. If you opt for an executive room, you also get exclusive access to the hotel’s Club Lounge. The hotel is set within its own landscaped gardens and terrace which overlooks the River Avon and has a dock for the Bancroft Cruise. Their theatre-mask-shaped seats, white wicker chairs and Tipi hut are excellent for post-dinner cocktails. The hotel also offers ‘terrace takeovers‘, meaning DJs or local businesses lead classes on the terrace. Inside, the Riverside Restaurant and Bar has booth-style tables and classic dishes like roast red pepper penne with chilli, shallots, wilted spinach and cherry tomatoes. Young families will particularly enjoy the Leisure Club, which contains a swimming pool, gym, and sauna, while business people might find the 14+ meeting rooms useful!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • Rooms from £87 per night

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE Top 3 hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

Whether you’re a fan of historic houses and cute villages or are simply looking for an exciting staycation in the UK, Stratford-upon-Avon is the town for you! 

Have you been to Stratford-upon-Avon? If so, where did you stay? Have we missed any hotels worth mentioning?