Stratford Limes Hotel

Sitting right on Tiddington Road, the Straford Limes Hotel is a small family-owned hotel with a bed-and-breakfast vibe. It is housed in a low brick building similar to the adjacent private homes, and only a small sign and a waist-high wooden gate mark the entrance to the hotel. Two large bay windows flank a small door with a cute pitched roof, and a row of colorful flowers makes for a charming first impression. There is no lobby as such here, just a small hall with a tiny wooden front desk and a bar where guests can enjoy a quiet drink in the evening. Comfy leather couches and a log heater make the space cozy, and a big skylight lets in lots of natural light. The only other common space in the property is the breakfast room, a pleasant space with dark wooden floors, a few tables, and a window facing the grounds. A small courtyard adjacent to the parking lot offers additional seating for the warm days. Most guests are couples on quiet romantic getaways, though there are also friends and families here, as the hotel offers larger suites. 

The hotel is located on the road connecting Stratford-upon-Avon and Alveston. The neighborhood is in a wealthy suburban area dotted with upscale private homes and gardens, but there are also several restaurants and a golf course within easy walking distance. Stratford-upon-Avon’s historic center is about a five-minute drive -- some guests may enjoy the 25-minute walk, while others may want to take the bus that stops right outside the hotel. Most local attractions - including Shakespeare’s childhood home, Harvard House, the Royal Shakespeare and The Swan theaters, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage -- are in or around the historic center, and can be reached in about five to 15 minutes by car. Parking in the city center can be quite an ordeal (and expensive), so taking public transportation is recommended. Warwick Castle is a 20-minute drive away. Birmingham Airport can be reached by car in about 35 minutes. 

The Stratford Limes Hotel has 29 units, including Standard, Executive, and Family rooms, and Suites with separate living areas. Beige carpets, natural wood furniture, and pale yellow walls make rooms warm if a little bland. However, pops of lime and cyan on bed runners and chairs, and dark brown headboards add some color. In-room amenities are on par with other similarly priced properties, and include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles with free fair trade coffee and tea. There are some nice extra touches, such as trouser presses, alarm clocks with iPod docks, and free mineral water. Bathrooms are unexceptional but clean, with terrazzo floors, glass-enclosed showers, older-looking sinks with two taps, and heated towel racks. Executive Rooms are larger than Standard units and each can fit a couch. Executive Rooms are located at the rear of the property, and have views of the gardens. Double glazing keeps noise at bay, but light sleepers may want to request a room facing the back. The property also has a small Studio adjacent to the main building. This unit has a kitchenette and is the only place where kids under three are allowed. 

The bar is a small and closes in the evening, though at reception guests can request to have nightcaps delivered to their rooms. The bar space doubles as the lobby and is better-suited for quiet evening drinks than for a loud night with friends. A set of French doors opens onto a small courtyard with a couple of tables and chairs. Free continental or full English breakfast is served in a cute room off the lobby every morning, but there's no full restaurant on-site. The hotel also provides meeting space for up to 12 guests, and offers catering services for business events. Free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking in an elegant brick lot are also available.