The Townhouse is a small, town-centre hotel that combines a bar and restaurant with a lounge that has a fireplace and a garden at the back. That mix gives it a relaxed, home-from-home atmosphere, and it appeals to visitors who prefer a place with personality and a sense of being looked after to a large chain. It is generally priced in the middle of the range for Stratford-upon-Avon, which makes it a good-value choice for a theatre weekend. The location is the other reason people book it. From the front door you can walk to Shakespeare Birthplace, the Guild Chapel, the shops and the riverside in minutes, and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres are not much further. In the evening the lounge fireplace is welcome after a long day outdoors, and the restaurant means that you can have dinner without going anywhere if you are tired after the show.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the city centre, so the sights, restaurants and the river are all on foot. The station is a short taxi ride or a reasonable walk away, and the town is flat. If you are driving, ask about parking in advance, because the old town streets are narrow and spaces are limited.
Rooms and what to ask for
Rooms in a small hotel are individual in size and layout, so look at the descriptions and choose the room that suits your needs. Quiet rooms away from the street are worth requesting on weekends. Ask about breakfast, which often makes a good start to a day of sightseeing, and about the garden, which is a pleasant place for a drink in summer.
Who it suits and what to know: it suits couples, friends and solo travellers who want a smaller place with some character. It is not the best fit if you want a spa or a pool, so choose a larger hotel for those. Book early for summer and for popular performances, check the cancellation terms, and remember that small hotels may have shorter reception hours, so tell them if you expect to arrive late.
Booking tips
For the best choice of rooms, book as soon as your dates are fixed, since small hotels sell out first. Compare the flexible rate with the cheaper non-refundable rate if your plans might change. Midweek stays are cheaper and quieter, and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are lovely for walking beside the Avon. Check when you book what the cancellation terms are and whether breakfast is included.
Why stay here
- ✓Bar and restaurant
- ✓Lounge with fireplace
- ✓Garden
- ✓City centre location
- ✓Near the theatres
- ✓Near Shakespeare Birthplace
- ✓Small boutique feel
- ✓Walkable to the river
Good questions
Where is The Townhouse?+
It is in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, within walking distance of the theatres, the river and the Shakespeare sights.
Is there a garden?+
Yes, the hotel has a garden, along with a lounge with a fireplace and a bar and restaurant.
Is parking available?+
Parking in the old town is limited. Ask the hotel when you book.
