Billesley Manor Hotel

The Billesley Manor is housed in an imposing 16th-century Elizabethan building with a brown-stone facade covered in ivy. A small arched door flanked by dog statues opens onto the lobby, an elegant space with an open fire, several couches, large windows overlooking the grounds, and wood paneling on the back wall. Several golden-framed paintings of dogs and a large bronze statue of a water dog are not only traditional English touches but also a nod at the hotel’s pet-friendly policy. All common areas -- especially the restaurants -- have a strong Elizabethan style, with oak paneling, small golden chandeliers, delicate painted ceiling moldings, and tapestries decorating the walls. However, some of the decor is starting to look worn, including the carpeting and some pieces of furniture. Outside, expansive lawns and weeping willows lend the property a mysterious atmosphere on foggy days. A topiary garden dating back to the early 20th century features striking designs and invites guests to wander around or take in the view from one of its stone benches. The most noteworthy of the property’s features, however, is its 11th-century church, a tiny stone building where William Shakespeare is thought to have married Anne Hathaway in 1582. The Billesley Manor Hotel’s library is said to have been used by Shakespeare himself, making this property a must-see among culture buffs. 

The hotel is set in quiet gardens east of Alcester, a 10-minute drive from historic Stratford-upon-Avon. There, guests can visit Shakespeare's birthplace, the church where he and his wife were buried, and the farm where his wife lived prior to their marriage. Several other major sights can be reached in under 10 minutes, including Mary Arden’s Farm (where Shakespeare’s mother grew up) and Ragley Hall. The Stratford-upon-Avon Golf Club is a 15-minute drive away, and Warwick Castle and the Charlecote Park are both 20 minutes away. The nearest airport is located in Birmingham and can be reached in about 40 minutes. 

The hotel has 72 rooms, most in the main house and a few in the adjacent building known as the Cedar Barns. Decor is elegant and classic throughout, with oak paneling or textured wallpaper, canopy or four-poster beds, and carpeting in different shades of pink. Additionally, most rooms have a few extra details, such as window seats, dark flower-printed accent walls, or stone fireplaces. The most impressive units here are the Deluxe Feature Double Rooms, which have original Tudor wall paneling and views of the topiary gardens. Although some Cedar Barns units have barn ceilings with exposed wooden beams, Standard Rooms are overall a little uninspired, with dark or beige carpets and basic wooden furniture.In-room amenities are on par with other similarly priced hotels and include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, free mineral water, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. All bathrooms are spacious and clean, and some have pedestal sinks and separate showers and tubs, while others have contemporary sinks and basic shower/tub combos. A few are a tad worn. 

The hotel is known among locals and visitors alike for being home to a tiny 11th-century church where William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are believed to have married. Some have speculated that The Bard became familiar with the church during his visits to the manor’s library, which can also still be visited today. The property is also known for its two restaurants, both offering seasonal menus made with fresh local produce and served in stately rooms with carved oak paneling, golden chandeliers, and open stone fireplaces. The bar has an intimate vibe and homey decor, with blue and red tartan carpeting, a few mismatched armchairs, and a large fireplace. In addition, the hotel has three features that are rare in historic manors in the area: a spa, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. The spa has four treatment rooms, a sauna, and a steam room, and the gym features several cardio and strength-training machines as well as a yoga studio with group classes. Adjacent to the fitness center is the heated indoor pool, a 40-foot rectangle lined with lounge chairs. The hotel also features tennis courts that can be used free of charge. Extensive events space is available at Billesley Manor, including 12 meeting rooms and two halls. Freebies include free outdoor parking and free Wi-Fi throughout. Dogs are welcome for a daily fee.