The Arden Hotel

A three-story brick building with mullioned windows and a small door with a pitched roof, The Arden looks traditional and historic from the outside. Interiors, however, are stylish and elegant, with a modern take on classic boutique decor. The lobby is welcoming and cozy, with a striking skylight, large windows with white shutters, and floors made of big planks of untreated wood. Golden velvet couches, period furniture painted white, and walls with pastel-striped wallpaper are contemporary spins on traditional design. Dove-gray accent walls and a large black-and-white painting of a horse are classic touches. 

Off the lobby are the hotel’s several lounges, all featuring a mix of traditional decor with modern touches. The Club Bar is one of those spaces, with yellow- and silver-striped wallpaper, light wooden floors, black-and-white photos of actors, and an eye-catching carved-wood bar in the corner. Although the hotel’s brasserie is popular for pre-theater dinner and evening drinks, the vibe is overall quiet and friendly. Outdoor seating along the street and in the manicured garden adjacent to the parking lot is a favorite among guests and non-guests alike for a coffee or a drink on warmer days. Surrounded by historic Shakespearean buildings and theaters, this elegant and welcoming property draws a lively mix of international couples, and locals. 

The Arden Hotel sits directly across the street from River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s two theaters. This location is not only convenient for theater-goers, but also for those looking to explore the historic sights in central Stratford-upon-Avon. Major attractions, including Shakespeare’s childhood home, Harvard House, Hall’s Croft, Guild Church, and Holy Trinity Church are all within a five- to 10-minute walk away. The train station can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, or five to 10 minutes by car. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is less than a 10-minute drive away, and Warwick Castle is about 20 minutes’ driving distance. Birmingham International Airport is around 35 minutes away by car, while Heathrow Airport is a 90-minute drive. 

Rooms at The Arden have quality king-size beds topped with duvets and several pillows, and work desks with chairs and access to outlets. All but Classic units are large enough to fit at least a small seating area with two chairs and a table, and Master and suite-style Feature Rooms have couches. Stylish decor blends classic and contemporary, and includes wooden furniture, padded headboards, gray carpets, and silver or aged-gold accents. Some units have bold, patterned headboards that contrast with bright royal blue or purple comforters. Warm bedside lights make spaces cozy. 

Units have all the standard amenities -- such as flat-screen TVs, safes, and hairdryers -- plus a few great extras, including DVD players, Nespresso machines, a wide array of Espa toiletries, and mini-fridges stocked with water and milk. Marble bathrooms have heated towel racks, modern rectangular sinks, and either showers (Classic Rooms), shower/tub combos (Superior Rooms), or separate showers and deep tubs. A few rooms have clawfoot bathtubs in the bedrooms. Light sleepers may want to request a room away from the street. 

Waterside Brasserie serves a varied international menu in a stylish dining room with wooden floors, purple velvet chairs, and long tufted benches along the wall. The Champagne Bar is part of the brasserie and has an excellent Champagne and wine list that can also be enjoyed outdoors. The Club Bar has a more intimate vibe and a shorter drinks menu, while the main Lounge is known for its classic afternoon tea service served in fine china. The Arden offers a number of upscale services -- including turndown service and concierges -- and a fully equipped meeting room for up to 40 guests. All room rates include freebies such as Wi-Fi throughout, a varied breakfast, and on-site outdoor parking. The hotel lacks a fitness center and a spa.