Premier Inn Stratford Upon Avon Waterways Hotel

Slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the old town, this Premier Inn is somewhat more appealing from the outside than its sister property in town, the Premier Inn Stratford upon Avon Central Hotel. It is housed in several four-story buildings with pitched roofs and off-white facades with exposed bricks on the ground floor. The lobby is airy and sunny, with large windows overlooking the street, a small seating area with metallic-colored chairs, and a couple of self-check-in kiosks for guests in a hurry. Guests familiar with the Premier Inn brand may recognize the decor style, as it's the same throughout the chain’s properties. Purple carpeting, cream-colored floor tiles, and a small purple front desk with a silver stripe make the space generic and a little cold. 

Thyme Restaurant is located right off the lobby and has a somewhat warmer feel, with yellow accent walls, wooden furniture, and flower-printed wallpaper on the back wall. Large windows let in lots of natural light and offer serene views of the canal right outside the hotel. A few tables offer additional seating outside. The location and rates make this property attractive to a wide range of tourists, and it tends to draw mostly couples and families. 

The hotel is located on a wide but quiet street right outside the historic center. The rear of the hotel overlooks a small canal and a lock, and there's a serene path running along the water that draws couples and runners on sunny days. There are fast-food joints and a few shops within a couple of blocks, and there are plenty of other options closer to the city center. Shakespeare’s Birthplace is an eight-minute walk away, and the Royal Shakespeare and The Swan theaters can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. Other major attractions such as the Holy Trinity Church, Hall’s Croft, and Harvard House are all within 10 to 20 minutes’ walking distance. Stratford-upon-Avon’s train station is a 12-minute walk away. By car, guests can reach the Birmingham Airport in 35 minutes, or Heathrow Airport in about 90 minutes. 

The hotel’s 130 rooms are kept clean and in good shape, but are more functional than stylish. Simple wood furniture, white walls and the chain’s signature purple accents in carpets, bed runners, and headboards make units generic and a little uninspired. However, all units have good amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles with tea and instant coffee. Quality beds are topped with cozy duvets and several pillows of different heights, while blackout curtains keep light and noise at bay. Bathrooms are basic but clean, with shower/tub combos and generic toiletries in large wall-mounted dispensers. Hairdryers are provided. All rooms are generally quiet, but units overlooking the canal are farther away from the traffic and have better views. Some rooms can get noise from the 24-hour fast-food restaurant nearby. Family Rooms can sleep up to four guests, but can be a little cramped. 

The hotel has one on-site restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner in a sunny dining room with outdoor seating overlooking the canal. Continental and full English breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, and other items are available every morning for a fee. Kinds under 16 eat free breakfast when accompanied by at least one paying adult. The bar area is cozy and warm, with wooden floors, comfy-looking chairs, raspberry accent walls, and a good selection of drinks. All rates include free Wi-Fi throughout, and upgrades to faster connections are available for a fee. One of the hotel’s biggest perks is its on-site outdoor parking, which has an extra charge.