Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon is a unique hotel located on Chapel Street, right in the heart of the Shakespearian town. Following a multi-million-pound major restoration project, this 4-star boutique hotel offers a seamless blend of homely heritage and contemporary luxury.
Here’s what to expect from a stay at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon.
About Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon underwent a 2-year renovation of this Grade II listed building and finally opened in 2019 providing an authentic connection to the local heritage and culture.
The property was a private dwelling for 150 years after it was built in the 1500s and then one of Stratford’s oldest pubs, the 16th Century Falcon Inn.
The extensive makeover has retained original features where possible including the slanted windows, Tudor decorative black and white half-timbering, and many of the original oak beams which date back to 1622.
Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG group but they all have an individual charm. The Hotel Indigo® brand pride itself on attention to detail and on creating a neighbourhood-inspired experience. You walk into any Hotel Indigo property and the décor will reminisce of the town you are visiting. Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon sure brings the Shakespearian theatre alive in this slice of bygone England.
Hotel Review: Stay at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
Warm welcome at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
Walking up to the reception desk, I was greeted with three big smiles which was a wonderful start. The check-in process was a painless and cheerful process, and the names of the staff were written on my keycard wallet in case I needed any assistance.
The team were dressed smart casual in waistcoats that complemented the look and feel of the hotel. The backdrop of the reception desk is a nod to the ‘The Bard of Avon’ with theatrical curtains and a ‘backstage’ door leading to their office.
I was offered a map to explore the highlights of Stratford-Upon-Avon, given an overview of the facilities at the hotel, and asked if I would like to join the IHG Rewards programme so I could start collecting points throughout my stay.
Bedrooms at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon houses 93 rooms across the three distinct sections of the property: Tudor Rooms, Georgian Townhouse and Contemporary.
I was staying in the more modern extension where the Contemporary rooms are located. As the door opened, the calming colour palette had a comforting feel. The sophisticated yet quirky style has been definitely embraced by Hotel Indigo with the retro phone, Shakespearian-themed artwork, and elegant lines of the lounging chair.
The bathroom unveils a heritage style with long industrial tiles with featured statement white and blue geometric patterned tiles in the shower. Loved the Victorian-style mixer taps over the basin, powerful monsoon showerhead, and fluffy towels and bathrobes.
The refillable Bramley toiletries in the bathroom are made with natural ingredients, are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and smell divine. It’s great to see that Hotel Indigo has carefully chosen a British supplier whose mission is to leave little or no footprint on the planet.
The Hypnos beds were top-notch with soft Egyptian linen, and ornamental cushions, with a signed card from the cleaner which was a nice touch.
The sizable wardrobe housed the hairdryer and hospitality tray with tea and coffee, chocolate, and snacks. The fridge contains complimentary soft drinks and water as well as fresh milk which is so refreshing not to be dealing with single-use UHT milk commonly used in hotels.
Facilities at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
By the reception area, there is a compact well-outfitted gymnasium containing weights and cardio machines accessible by keycard for hotel guests.
Leaving the reception area there is a long modern atrium with lots of natural light looking out on the courtyard garden which leads to the Tudor and Georgian rooms. My stay at Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon in January so it was a little nippy to enjoy the BBQ and seating area outside amongst the herbs and foliage.
The Falcon Tearooms and separate Cocktail bar boast a simple rustic style with wood panelling and original beams providing a unique setting for afternoon tea by day and getting snug with a whiskey by the fire at night.
The Falcon name retains the history, and a specially commissioned wooden sign is hung outside the tearooms in commemoration.
The Woodsman is an exceptional dining experience in Hotel Indigo and the Feasting Room serves as a breakfast room by day, which transforms into a private dining room at night.
Throughout the hotel, the WiFi is speedy making it easy if you want to catch up on a little work during your stay.
Considering Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon is so central, there are ample paid parking spaces to the rear of the property. Remember to inform them at reception and they will add to your bill.
Dine in The Woodsman
Sustainability, seasonality, and locally sourced produce are key ingredients to the success of The Woodsman Restaurant in Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The award-winning restaurant is headed by restaurateur Mike Robinson, co-owner of the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham and owner of Robinson Wild Foods, alongside Head Chef, Greg Newman, whose ‘field to fork’ philosophy runs through the creative British-inspired menu.
The weekend was fully-booked so I changed my dates to Sunday to experience this acclaimed sustainable restaurant for myself. I could see the traditional Sunday Roasts being served to other tables and they appeared a little challenging.
With a 3-course menu ahead, I opted to start with home-cured Gressingham duck ham with flame-grilled rhubarb, whipped goat’s cheese and smoked beetroots. For the main, I devoured the woodfired Cornish Monkfish with cauliflower, brown shrimp, caper and raisin, and moor sourdough velouté sauce. For dessert, it had to be my go-to sweet dish, sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream. Delicious from start to end!
The Woodsman totally lived up to my expectations. This is my kind of restaurant from the outstanding cuisine that surprises and inspires to the relaxed modern yet rustic ambiance.
Breakfast in the Feasting Room
Breakfast in the Feasting Room was a pleasurable experience. Guests are spoiled for choice with the buffet-style table containing cold meats & cheese (brie & cheddar), fresh fruit, finger cakes & flapjack, cereals with jars of nuts, seeds and dates, yoghurt, smoothies, bread and pastries. I liked the fact that there was a varied selection but not piles of food that may get wasted.
The hot breakfast dishes are cooked to order. I indulged in a full English and it didn’t disappoint. The menu listed some mouth-watering options to set you up for the day from French toast with summer berries to smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, or courgette fritters and vegan breakfast.
All I know is, you certainly won’t leave the Feasting Room hungry!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon for sponsoring my stay. Although I was a guest, all opinions are my own.
How green is Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
When looking for accommodation on my travels, I focus my attention on sustainable policies, green credentials, and how they are striving to make changes.
Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon started on the sustainable path by conserving and repurposing an important heritage building and continues to develop its journey of eco-friendly hospitality to be listed as one of the best green accommodations in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
- Most lighting uses energy-efficient LED bulbs
- No single-use plastic straws or stirrers
- Refillable bathroom products
- Most food provided at the property is locally sourced
- Invests in community projects
- Heritage-led regeneration
- Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group sustainability programme: IHG Green Engage
CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL INDIGO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Room rates from £129 with bed and breakfast
Things to do near Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon
You are only a short stroll away from the main attractions when you step out of Hotel Indigo Stratford-Upon-Avon and make the most of the central location.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall (across the road from Hotel Indigo) – Sit in the schoolroom of the Kings school where Shakespeare attended, and learn what life was like. Don’t miss the altar paintings discovered by archaeologists. Book ahead for Shakespeare’s Schoolroom.
Royal Shakespeare Company – The Grade II listed home of Shakespearean theatre at the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Take one of the fascinating RSC daily tours to discover the history and the backstage intricacies of the plays, or check the listings to see a Shakespearian performance on the infamous thrust stage.
Stratford Butterfly Farm – Discover hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies housed in the UK’s largest tropical Rainforest Flight Centre. Meet the two rescue iguanas, see tropical plants, and learn about the conservation projects.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Visit the childhood home of William Shakespeare in the restored 16th-century half-timbered house on Henley Street which starts with a fascinating self-guided museum.
Holy Trinity Church – The resting place for William Shakespeare and their family members, and there are monuments on their graves inside. Free to enter and opening times of Holy Trinity Church vary.
Ann Hathaway’s Cottage (6 min drive/25 min walk) – Step back in time at the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife, located in Shottery. Closed in winter.
Shakespeare’s Distillery (9 min drive/50 min walk) – Passionate distillers of award-winning Stratford Gin and newly launched Jester Rum, offer fun tours to learn the history and taste the goods made at this carbon-neutral distillery.
Warwick Castle (20 min drive/30 min train) – A medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Give yourself enough time to make it worth the cost – it is cheaper to buy online than at the ticket office. Book your Warwick Castle ticket.