The Arden Hotel stands on Waterside directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and it has been a favourite with theatre-goers for years. It is a traditional town hotel with a relaxed, polished feel, a brasserie that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, a bar and lounge and a coffee shop. Rooms are comfortable, with free wifi, air conditioning and a safe, and room service runs around the clock. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff and the location, and scores from about a thousand reviewers are among the highest in the town. The hotel runs theatre-break packages, which makes it a natural choice if the main purpose of your trip is to see a production.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about a two-minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre, and Shakespeare's Birthplace is around six minutes away on foot. Holy Trinity Church and the river are a short stroll, and the railway station is about fourteen minutes' walk, so you can arrive by train without a taxi. Parking is available on site for a modest charge per stay, which is useful in a town where parking is scarce.
Rooms and what to ask for
The hotel offers Superior and Deluxe rooms, which sleep up to three, and guests praise the comfort and the quiet. Ask for a room away from the street if you are a light sleeper. The hotel has no lift, and some visitors mention a number of steps, so it is less suitable for anyone with limited mobility. Breakfast is served daily and costs extra, with mixed comments on speed, and the brasserie is a convenient place for a pre-theatre dinner.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, theatre fans and first-time visitors who want to be at the heart of the action will love the location. Prices rise at peak times because rates are dynamic, so book early for summer and for big productions. Dogs are accepted for a small fee, and free cots are available on request. If you want to see a matinee and a river cruise on the same day, this is the best base, since both start at your front door.
Why stay here
- ✓Opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- ✓Brasserie restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Free wifi
- ✓On-site parking
Good questions
How close is The Arden to the RSC theatres?+
It is about a two-minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre. The Birthplace is about six minutes away.
Does the hotel have a lift?+
No, there is no lift and some rooms involve steps, so it may not suit guests with limited mobility. Ask the hotel about ground-floor rooms before you book.
Is there parking?+
Yes, on-site parking is available for a modest charge per stay. Spaces are limited, so ask in advance.
