Crowne Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon

Were it not for the leafy, quiet gardens surrounding it, the Crowne Plaza would be, from the outside, just like any other chain hotel. The property is housed in a nondescript brick building with slate roofs, but manicured lawns overlooking the river, and a wooden deck with lounge furniture add some character. Interiors are contemporary and stylish, with gleaming white floors in the lobby, Prussian blue accent walls in the restaurant, and tufted beige couches throughout. The main reception area feels warm and appealing, with a round wood-burning heater in the center and seating areas on either side. Blue and beige patterned carpets and polished floors make the hotel feel a little chain-like, but decor in common spaces is more inspired overall than one would expect of a chain hotel.

The bar is probably the most chic of all common areas. Red and black lacquered counters stand out against the white and baby blue chairs, and a long skylight makes the space bright and airy. A separate section with laminate floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river invites guests to unwind while enjoying a drink or a snack. In the summer months, the wooden deck is a favorite for evening drinks. With its range of features and convenient and quiet location, the hotel draws mostly business travelers as well as lots of couples and families. 

For slightly higher rates, The Stratford, A QHotel has more character and is also within walking distance of the historic center. 

The hotel is located in a quiet area by the Avon, near a small marina with river cruises and a few parks and gardens. Although its leafy grounds make it feel somewhat secluded, the hotel is actually just a short stroll from most major attractions in the historic center of Stratford-upon-Avon. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and The Swan Theatre are both around a five-minute walk away, and Shakespeare’s childhood home can be reached on foot in under 10 minutes. The Holy Trinity Church, where the playwright and his wife are buried, is about 15 minutes away on foot. The train station is a five-minute drive away. Birmingham Airport is a half-hour drive. 

The hotel has 259 spacious rooms, all of which were renovated between February and July of 2016, and now have a corporate chain feel. Large double-glazed windows let in lots of natural light, and soft lights create a warm atmosphere at night.

Standard amenities are average for a hotel in this price range and include flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view movies, and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Executive Club Level units come with a few extras, including mini-fridges with free mineral water, CD players, turndown service, and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is free. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos with plastic shower curtains, and hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Suites have separate seating areas with dining tables and sofa beds, as well as separate shower rooms and bathtubs. 

Riverside Restaurant serves buffet breakfast and buffet or a la carte lunch and dinner. It's a stylish, contemporary space with large windows overlooking the river and the hotel grounds. Kids under 13 years old eat free here when accompanied by two paying adults. The bar offers an array of drinks, beers and wines, and a bar food menu. The outdoor deck is a popular spot for evening drinks in the warmer months, and has direct access to the river and a small marina where river cruises dock. The fitness center is spacious and airy, and has a decent array of cardio and strength-training equipment, and a sauna. The heated indoor pool is large enough for a dip but not quite suitable for laps. A whirlpool is also available. There is a small hair salon offering beauty treatments, but no full spa. In-room massages are available. The hotel also has 14 meeting rooms and an unstaffed business center with a few computers and a printer. Parking is available for a fee.