The Place
Walking from the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon to the once-village, now absorbed suburb, of Shottery could well have been the same journey a young, courting Shakespeare regularly undertook to visit the home of Anne Hathaway. The location of this place is its best feature, with plenty of historical and cultural appeal and, a short drive from the doorstep of the Cotswolds
Bought from the Shakespeare Heritage Trust in 2017 this hotel is a friendly and affordable option when visiting the area.
Having been unoccupied and ‘haunted’ for over 100 years an extensive renovation has been carried out, somewhat successfully. The 25 rooms in the main building are modern, perhaps a little too corporate in their functionality over design, but are comfortable and clean. Their smallest room is still spacious and all the bathrooms are bright, no baths. For a more homely experience, we suggest their self-catering Brookside Cottage which has a more traditional character and ‘country-cottage-quirks’; exposed beams, wonky walls, thatched roof, real wooden floorboards.
The restaurant is nicely lit, has fresh flowers on the tables and is gently decorated with contemporary wooden panels. Locals come for popular Thursday curry nights and Sunday dinners. The on-site Saddle Bar is in a private nook where guests are encouraged to perch upon, yes, horse saddles (less adventurous guests can find regular chairs).
With its relaxed atmosphere and approachable staff this place is an affordable and comfortable option in a quieter corner of a famous town, sometimes saturated with tourists.