Best Western Grosvenor Hotel

Best Western hotels are a hit or miss when it comes to atmosphere, but this Best Western Grosvenor Hotel hits -- mostly. It's in a Georgian-style building that’s close to 180 years old, and spaces have elegant touches such as subtle-patterned carpeting, gilded mirrors, and chandeliers, which add charm. The terrace in the garden is especially lovely, and it offers guests a place to gather and relax, and there are also lounge areas. That said, some areas of the hotel feel a bit abandoned, and not all the furnishings match the regal setting. (Items like dorm-room style floor lamps bring the atmosphere down a notch.) 

Centrally located near the major sights, the hotel draws mainly tourists, especially couples, families, and groups of friends eager to explore the Shakespeare-themed attractions of the area. But travelers with mobility issues may want to select another property, as there's no elevator here and plenty of stairs. 

Best Western Grovesnor Hotel has a great location for sightseeing, with major attractions in walking distance. Shakespeare’s birthplace is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and the Church of the Holy Trinity takes is about a 15-minute walk. The Royal Shakespeare Company is a six-minute walk away. Restaurants and shops are within a five-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a 45-minute drive to Birmingham Airport, which is the nearest airport, or a 90-minute drive to London's Heathrow. 

The Best Western Grosvenor Hotel has 73 rooms, and it’s a bit of a toss up as to what guests might get. Some rooms have the standard, cookie-cutter decor of a chain hotel, including white beds with colored or print accents, and blond-wood furniture. But they look tired and worn. Others have a fresher design, with details such as elegant carpeting, bold wallpaper, velvety medallion chairs, or other trendy pieces. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, kettles, desks, and safes. Higher-priced rooms come with free bottled water, free bars of chocolate, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning. Fans are available in rooms that lack air-conditioning, but guests have complained that they can still get hot in the summer. Bathrooms also vary in style -- some are sleek while others have dated tan tiling. They include shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. 

For a three-pearl hotel, this Best Western offers a fair lineup of features, but there's nothing especially outstanding. The property serves a hot English or continental-style breakfast, although it's not included in the rates. The Garden Room Restaurant serves dinner, and focuses on local cuisine, while the Lounge Bar offers small snacks and drinks throughout the day. There's afternoon tea, and a coffee and tea bar. While there's no on-site gym, guests receive free passes to the Stratford Leisure Center, which is a three-minute walk away. Five meeting rooms are available on site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.