Macdonald Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon

...that it's no longer a MacDonald - the hotel has been sold to the Mercure group, part of Accor. Although I couldn't give a toss about the brand on the letterhead, I overheard several guests commenting on the fact it was no longer a MacDonald hotel, so I guess it's important to some people. If you're one of them, be advised.

Stratford-upon-Avon. One of my favourite places in the world. I've hung out with actors, been to the theatre more ...
...and explored quite a few of the many bars and restaurants.

One thing I haven't done often, though, is stay over. So when I booked tickets to both parts of Henry IV last month, I decided I'd do things properly.

The Shakespeare Hotel is exactly what you'd expect of a hotel in Stratford. It's old, Tudor in appearance from the outside and all the rooms are named (don't vomit) after Shakespeare characters. The ceilings are ... more

The first thing to say about the Shakespeare is that it's no longer a MacDonald - the hotel has been sold to the Mercure group, part of Accor. Although I couldn't give a toss about the brand on the letterhead, I overheard several guests commenting on the fact it was no longer a MacDonald hotel, so I guess it's important to some people. If you're one of them, be advised.

Stratford-upon-Avon. One of my favourite places in the world. I've hung out with actors, been to the theatre more times than I can remember, messed about on the river and explored quite a few of the many bars and restaurants.

One thing I haven't done often, though, is stay over. So when I booked tickets to both parts of Henry IV last month, I decided I'd do things properly.

The Shakespeare Hotel is exactly what you'd expect of a hotel in Stratford. It's old, Tudor in appearance from the outside and all the rooms are named (don't vomit) after Shakespeare characters. The ceilings are quite low and comfy armchairs are ranged across the foyer. There are a couple of restaurants, or you can order club sandwiches and afternoon tea in the general foyer area. It's the kind of hotel where people get murdered in Agatha Christie novels.

Checking in was pretty painless - the only faint drawback was that we'd arrived too early. The staff (when they finally appeared - I had to ping one of those bell things on the reception desk, which was a bit of a dream come true, to be honest) were REASONABLY happy to take our bags until the room were ready. They looked slightly murderous, but I was there for both a matinee and an evening performance, I'd come up by rail and didn't want to heave my overnight bag round the theatre.

After Henry IV, Part I, we returned to the hotel and completed checking in. The room ('Horatio') was utterly lovely, with a massive double bed, huge chairs, TV and a MINI BAR!!! There was also a complimentary bowl of fresh fruit and a box of rather glorious chocolates.

The mini bar was particularly gratifying for me - although I wouldn't necessarily use one as I've heard all about the extortionate prices, I've never stayed in a hotel that's provided me with a stocked mini bar. It made me feel a bit grown up, even if it did only contain beer and small bottles of wine.

The bedroom and en-suite bathroom were spotless, and as I was there on a pretty cheeky deal, I didn't pinch any of the toiletries. I WAS very tempted though.

We spent maybe half an hour pottering around the room until we got bored and headed out for dinner. Then we had Henry IV, Part II, followed by an extended drinking session in the legendary Dirty Duck. We were scowled at by the equally legendary David Warner (we were drinking with a local friend who'd got into a bit of trouble for filming the performance) and numerous artistes of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Upon my return to the hotel somewhere just the wrong side of midnight, I was able to get in easily. I did have a final beer from the mini bar (and later found the charge was actually pretty reasonable - less than two quid).

I had an excellent night's sleep - it might be an old building, but the sound insulation is first-rate! I did wake up with a thumping headache, but I can only really blame myself for that.

Breakfast was a bit of a revelation - I had a veritable mountain of a Full English Breakfast, with real black pudding and EVERYTHING. I did have brief anxiety over whether my excellent room rate included breakfast, though. It did, but you should check this before booking as it's apparently not standard and if it's charged to your room you're looking at about £15 for your bacon and eggs. They also have kippers and stuff, if that's your breakfast bag, and a huge buffet.

So, the Shakespeare costs about £160 a night for the kind of room I was staying in. Obviously I paid a lot less than that, and I'm not telling you how. Even if I had paid the top rate, however, I think it's worth the money. The hotel has an olde-worlde element, but it's no tourist trap. It's in the very heart of Stratford, serves excellent food, has a decent sized car park (and if you don't think that's a benefit then you've clearly never been to Straford in theatre season) and is comfortable, clean and very groovy. You wouldn't necessarily want to take kids there, as the menu is pretty sophisticated and many of the guests are, um, older.

I've already booked my next stay at this excellent hotel, and I have no reservations in recommending it to just about anyone! 

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