9 Best Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England

Four miles west of Stratford-upon-Avon, this grand country-house hotel offers a lovely, pampering dose of escapism away from the busy town. Glorious gardens that include topiary, a fountain, and lots of hidden nooks are a delight to wander. Inside the hotel, the original wood paneling and period character in the bar and lounge are complemented by modern bedrooms and a serene spa. The dinner menu is a revelation with some Asian additions to British classics.

This hotel in a black-and-white timber-frame building in the center of town has a great location opposite Shakespeare’s New Place and a gorgeous, stripped-back feel that works well within the confines of a historic building. Originally called the Falcon, it nods to this past in the wood-paneled tearoom, where it is said wood from Shakespeare's New Place was repurposed when the house was torn down. Far from a museum, though, this well-thought-out hotel has different areas to suit moods and tastes, from a cozy bar to a lovely courtyard garden to a light-filled lobby. Each room comes with a Hypnos bed dressed in Egyptian cotton, beautiful tiled bathroom, and charming splashes of color. Opt for one of the rooms in the 16th-century part of the building for more Tudor character (contemporary rooms are also lovely, and larger), and make sure you dine in the handsome Woodsman pub downstairs at least one night, where local deer, wild boar, and lamb are cooked in front of diners on a wood-fired oven and charcoal grill.

Bedrooms are spacious and discreet with splashes of green, violet, and dark crimson in this redbrick boutique hotel across the road from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Choose a room at the front for a view of the river and theater. The beds are all king-size, and marble bathrooms have huge mirrors and walk-in showers. Guests can take advantage of the Champagne bar and terrace during theater intermissions (there's a quieter, more hidden garden behind it), take afternoon tea in the Lounge, or pop into the stylish Club Bar for something a little stronger. There are limited accessible rooms, so ask when you book.

This spick-and-span, good-value hotel’s selling points are its excellent location near the center of the historic district and views across the river. It also has plenty of modern amenities and large, light-filled rooms, but the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Ask for rooms away from the elevators, as they can be a bit noisy. Staff are friendly, and children are welcomed enthusiastically. The hotel is often full of businesspeople and conferences, though there are some nice touches, such as the Terrace Bar, where you can enjoy drinks or dinner, and the bright Riverside Restaurant.

Although this modern hotel may lack the period charm of older hotels, its up-to-date facilities, spacious rooms, and ample grounds make it a good option if Tudor beamed ceilings aren't a must or you prefer the consistency of a chain. Rooms, all with well-designed furniture and tasteful color schemes, come in several shapes; some even have four-poster beds. There's a mini-gym on-site. 

This Victorian Gothic mansion, featuring arched windows and romantic turrets, is approached along a private avenue and is a soothing retreat for theatergoers who want to escape Stratford’s crowds. If you like four-poster beds and antiques, book a room in the main house, while the modern wing is perfect for those who prefer more contemporary elegance. The oak-paneled restaurant offers great Modern British cuisine, or you can take afternoon tea in the beautiful Great Drawing Room. There's also a spa with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and spa pool. In summer, borrow a picnic blanket and take your tea outside to the 40-acre grounds, which contain the ruins of a 12th-century church. The hotel is 6 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Though this hotel is part of a chain, each Hotel du Vin has an individual feel, and this one in the heart of town offers a modern, perhaps even sexy, base for a Stratford-upon-Avon visit. With lots of low-slung armchairs and subdued lighting in the chic bar, it’s a relaxing place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing. The on-site restaurant is decent, and rooms are modern but individual in size and details, fitting in with the fabric of the 18th-century building and its elegant Georgian facade. Bathrooms are super plush, and the outdoor terrace is a nice addition. Parking is available.

Mullioned bay windows, gables, and tall chimney evoke the luxury of bygone days at this hotel in an 1886 neo-Jacobean-style building. Relax on the Italianate terrace overlooking the 157 acres of landscaped grounds, or take afternoon tea, which is available every day. The hotel boasts its own 18-hole golf course as well as a leisure club and spa. Public rooms such as the Great Hall, with wood paneling and a marble fireplace, complement the main house guest rooms, which have faux-antique furnishings. For the best views, ask for a room overlooking the gardens. The fancy Trevelyan Restaurant relies on a French foundation to present British cuisine. The hotel is about a five-minute drive north of Stratford.

None of the character of this black-and-white timbered hotel, in one of Stratford’s most historic buildings, has been lost in its swanky but sympathetic update. Low beams, wood paneling, and winding corridors are partnered with the best of contemporary design, original artwork, and striking swan motifs. Public rooms feel ancient yet cozy; bedrooms come individually designed, many with freestanding or copper baths and a choice of pillows. If you want the most history, ask for a room in the oldest part of the hotel. Don't miss the stunning 16th-century wall painting in the restaurant.