Stratford upon Avon is a Shakespearean market town steeped in history and culture and Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon is perfectly located centrally, providing ease of access to all this architecturally town has to offer. Stratford upon Avon is in the heart of the Cotswolds and surrounded by natural beauty as well as being the  home of the greatest playright and poet in history, William Shakespeare,  and it has a wealth of tourist attractions, fabulous restaurants, museums and boutiques, plenty to keep you busy for quite some time.

The hotel also has an interesting past, lots of history that the hotel staff are happy to impart, and you feel this as you walk through the maze of corridors, hallways, staircases and nooks and crannies.

We enjoyed hearing the history of this quaint boutique hotel as we were shown to our suite,  aptly named The Tudor Room, situated in the original 16th century part of the hotel, with views of Shakespeare’s New Place, which was his residential home in later life. The suite was comfortable, if a little quirky, but with the stylish and contemporary furnishings was an absolute delight. The room included all of the usual extras, such as TVs in each area, free wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, gorgeous bathroom goodies, gowns and water. The bathroom was completely luxurious with a huge waterfall shower and stylish fixtures and fittings. To describe this suite in just a few words I would say it was cosy, with a historically authentic atmosphere, we loved it.

We made full use of the suite and spent a few hours relaxing before venturing into town for lunch and some shopping. On our return to our lovely suite and prior to our dinner reservation in The Woodsman, which sits within the building, we had a couple of room service cocktails, rested, caught up with some emails, showered and dressed for dinner.

The Woodsman has a philosophy of creating a ‘field to fork’ menu designed by Executive Chef Mike Robinson. The British locally sourced sustainable produce is at the heart of the cuisine here. A large wood-fired oven and charcoal grill is the focal point of the restaurant, where you can watch the chefs as they prepare the finest British deer, wild boar, beef and Hebridean lamb; all raised on farms with the highest standards.

We enjoyed the menu, it was really quite exciting, but went for fish dishes. The fish is sourced from leading Cornish fisheries and the vegetables of the side dishes are all sourced from Evesham, the herbs and spices from the restaurant kitchen garden, all ensuring superb quality, taste and freshness. Everything we chose was delicious, a true experience of culinary excellence, with perfect service and stunning presentation.

After a peaceful and restful night sleep we were looking forward to breakfast and were not disappointed, pastries, fresh juices, yoghurts, cereals, freshly brewed coffee and a full English breakfast set us up for a full day of business, but we took our time, had a second coffee and reluctantly checked out.

Our short but sweet stay was sadly not long enough to take advantage of the collaboration the hotel has with ‘Shakespeare’s England’,  who provide an abundance of local experiences. The hotel offers for £195 a two night stay that includes an Explorer Pass, that includes a multitude of excursions:

• The five Shakespeare family homes
(Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place, Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm)
• Warwick Castle
• Compton Verney
• The MAD Museum
• British Motor Museum
• Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
• Avon Boating
• The Play’s The Thing Exhibition at Royal Shakespeare Company
• Hill Close Gardens
• Lord Leycester Hospital
• Kenilworth Castle
• St Mary Church
• Stoneleigh Abbey

Next time we will stay for longer and take full advantage of this amazing pass as well as this delightful boutique hotel.

W: Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon
T: 0330 102 7244
A: Chapel St, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HA

Written by Rhona Baker for Luxuria Lifestyle International