Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the larger full-service hotels in the town, and it offers the facilities that many visitors look for after a day of sightseeing: a restaurant, a lounge with a fireplace, gardens to wander through and a professional level of service. It belongs to the IHG group, so the standards and the layout of rooms will feel familiar to anyone who has stayed in a Crowne Plaza before, and the loyalty programme can add value for frequent travellers. The hotel is a practical base for the town and for the wider region. Shakespeare Birthplace, Anne Hathaway Cottage and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are all within reach, and the riverside paths along the Avon make a pleasant stroll between them. With the Cotswolds villages and Warwick Castle a short drive away, it also works well for guests who want a comfortable base for several days of exploring.
Location and getting around
Check the exact walking time to the theatres and the river on the map when you book, as the hotel is a comfortable walk from the centre rather than in the middle of the old streets. The riverside route along the Avon is pleasant and flat, taxis are plentiful on theatre nights, and the railway station is a short taxi ride away. Parking is more straightforward here than at the small town-centre hotels, but check the arrangements and any charge when you book.
Rooms and what to ask for
Rooms are modern and comfortable, and you can usually choose between standard rooms, rooms with extra space and suites. Ask about the gardens-facing rooms for a quieter night, and check whether breakfast is included in your rate. Families should ask early about connecting rooms or extra beds, and couples celebrating something should mention it at booking in case an upgrade is possible.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits theatre-goers, families, groups and business travellers who want a full-service hotel with a restaurant and lounge on site. It is less quaint than the timber-framed inns and boutique places in the old town, but the facilities and the space more than make up for that for many guests. Prices rise on weekends in summer and on big theatre nights, so book early, and note that check-in generally starts in the afternoon.
Booking tips
Compare the room-only rate with a rate that includes breakfast or dinner, and look for midweek offers, which can be much cheaper than weekends. Book early for the summer season, Shakespeare birthday celebrations in April and the weeks around the Christmas market. If you plan to see a play, reserve the tickets first and then pick your hotel night around the performance. Check when you book what the cancellation terms are.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant
- ✓Lounge with fireplace
- ✓Gardens
- ✓Bar
- ✓Full-service hotel
- ✓Family rooms
- ✓Suites
- ✓Near the River Avon
Good questions
Is Crowne Plaza in the centre of Stratford?+
It is a comfortable walk or short taxi ride from the centre. Check the map when you book for the walking time to the theatres.
Does it have a restaurant?+
Yes, there is a restaurant and a lounge with a fireplace, as well as gardens.
Is parking available?+
Parking is generally easier here than in the old town, but check the current arrangements and any charge when you book.
