The Arden Hotel

About The Arden Hotel

The Arden occupies a Georgian terrace on Waterside, directly across the road from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan. For anyone visiting Stratford specifically for the RSC, no hotel is better placed: the walk from the stage door to reception takes under a minute, which is the whole point of it. The hotel is an official RSC accommodation partner and runs its dining around performance times accordingly.

There are 45 rooms, individually styled, mixing classic furniture with bold fabrics and modern artwork. Views split between the hotel's own garden and courtyard, the River Avon and the theatres, and the quieter rooms sit at the rear. It is a boutique property rather than a grand one, so expect careful design and attentive service rather than sprawling public spaces. The hotel forms part of the Eden Hotel Collection, which was named AA Small Hotel Group of the Year for 2024-25.

Food is a genuine strength. The brasserie holds two AA rosettes and runs an accomplished pre-theatre menu, and there is a champagne bar and a terrace that catches the afternoon sun. Afternoon tea is served daily and books up at weekends. Practical points in its favour: on-site parking, which is scarce in this part of town, and a location that puts Bancroft Gardens, Holy Trinity Church and the Sheep Street restaurants all within a few minutes on foot. Rates are highest around major openings and in high summer.