HOTEL REVIEW: The Arden Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

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The Arden Hotel has an air of elegance, from a butler whisking your bags away within seconds of arrival to sumptuous beds clothed in luxurious linen. Add to that the award-winning restaurant and an enviable location mere metres from the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company), and you’ve found yourself staying in one of the best hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Arden Hotel, part of the Eden Hotel Collection, is a beautiful mixture of architectural styles. It boasts an elegant redbrick facade adjoined by a mock-Tudor-style building and modern extensions. Like many buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, the property played a part in Shakespeare’s life. It is believed that the bard wrote some of his best writings in the property’s Elizabethan garden, which guests can explore at leisure.

It won’t come as a surprise then that today, The Arden Hotel forms a part of the Royal Shakespeare Company estate (the hotel can’t get rid of the playwright). But that doesn’t detract from its many other qualities.

For one, the main entrance opens to a light and airy reception, where professionally dressed staff, adorned with broad smiles, are quick to attend to your every need.

The area has several sofas and armchairs, which feel like you’re sinking into a cloud, and as you’re escorted to your room, framed photographs of misty trees line the halls. It’s an engaging way to add an element of nature to a hotel set within the heart of an ancient market town.

Who for

Anyone (groups, couples, families, or singles) visiting Stratford-upon-Avon will enjoy staying at The Arden Hotel. But its proximity to the RSC makes it the perfect spot for theatre lovers.

Accommodation at The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel has 45 rooms and suites, named after different trees. There are several room types, and you’re given the choice of Classic (standard), Superior, Deluxe, Master and Feature Room. As you’d expect, these room types increase in size, with the Deluxe Room (our room type) offering a spacious and lightly decorated chamber with an en-suite bathroom featuring a luxurious walk-in shower and bathtub backed by floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

All rooms offer the same facilities, such as a tea and coffee-making station (the complementary biscuits are divine, and you’ll find fresh milk in the fridge), a room safe, a telephone, air conditioning, and an enormous TV. Families can request rooms with interconnecting doors; some Feature rooms include sofa beds, while other spacious chambers accommodate roll-away beds for children under 12. No matter your room, there will always be a fantastic view, with most facing the RSC. Make sure to indulge in a balmy bath with the ESPA toiletries, then don the fluffy robes and slippers.

Food and drink at The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel is known for its two AA Rosette Waterside Brasserie, and with views of the RSC, it’s the perfect location for a pre-theatre dinner. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to the Garden Bar terrace (ideal for a summer afternoon drinking cocktails). The muted purple tones indoors add an element of sophistication to your evening, and the tables around the bar allow you to watch dexterous mixologists prepare your drink. Meanwhile, the food is prepared with seasonal ingredients.

The cuisine itself is great, although limited for vegans. But for those who can eat anything, you can expect to find three sections on the menu – The Sea, The Grill, and The Land. Each has its offerings: The Sea has a variety of fish dishes, The Grill serves the likes of sirloin, ribeye, and more, while The Land has mushroom risotto, venison, a caramelised onion tart, and more.

My favourite item on the menu? This might sound basic, but the chunky chips were glorious. For those who know me, chips always determine whether a restaurant is good or not.

Breakfast is also served here, with a choice between a cooked or continental breakfast, which includes cereals, toast, yoghurts, granola, cold meats, cheese, and more.

Facilities

Adjacent to the reception is the Terrace Suite, a sprawling room with richly coloured armchairs and coffee tables. The walls are adorned with portraits of famous actors performing in the RSC, and a bust of William Shakespeare sits on the bar, diligently watching over visitors to his homeland. The room is open from morning to evening, offering the perfect space for drinking coffee or entertaining with a cocktail.

The Brooke Suite, also next to the reception, is great for meetings, weddings, or private dinner parties of up to 40 guests. Alternatively, indulge with afternoon tea in the Swan Room, which features sandwiches, scones, and cakes plated on Sarah Horne Botanicals china. Lastly, the free car park includes electric car charging points.

How much

Room rates start from around £139 per night but vary according to the season.

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What’s nearby?



As you’ll have already gathered, The Arden Hotel is ideally placed to explore Stratford-upon-Avon. Almost all Shakespeare properties are within a five-minute walk. These include Shakespeare’s Birthplace and New Place, while Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a five-minute drive or half-hour walk away.

Right on your doorstep is the River Avon, and next door to the RSC is Avon Boating, a company that takes you on a peaceful ride along the water. This offers excellent views of the back of the RSC.

Within the town, you’ll also find Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and buried. There’s an intriguing mystery around his grave – Shakespeare’s bones are missing his head! Someone is said to have stolen it, hoping to make a quick fortune. There’s more to see in Stratford, including a Butterfly Farm, escape rooms, and high-end shops.

VERDICT: The Arden Hotel is the perfect spot for a hassle-free holiday. It’s got a fantastic choice of elegant bedrooms and is near to Shakespeare-related attractions – you couldn’t get closer! The restaurant is fine dining at its best, which only adds to the comfort of your stay.

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