Macdonald Windsor Hotel

About Macdonald Windsor Hotel

The Macdonald Windsor opened in 2010 on the site of the old Caley's department store at 23 High Street, a few doors along from the castle's main entrance. Unlike most Windsor hotels it was purpose-built, which shows in ways that matter day to day: proper air conditioning, consistent room sizes, lifts to every floor and sound insulation that copes with a busy High Street. The exterior was designed to sit within the conservation area, so from the street it reads as part of the terrace.

There are 120 rooms and suites, individually styled but broadly contemporary, with flat-screen televisions, modern bathrooms and free wi-fi throughout. The higher categories are generous by Windsor standards, and a number look towards the castle. Twenty-four-hour room service is available, which is unusual in the town.

Caleys Restaurant takes its name from the original store and serves modern British cooking built around seasonal and organic produce, with cooked breakfasts daily and a bar alongside. There are meeting rooms used steadily by corporate guests, helped by the hotel's position fifteen minutes from Heathrow.

This is the practical choice for people who want a reliable four-star room in the centre without the quirks of a converted historic building. Families do well here because the room configurations are predictable. Valet parking is offered at a surcharge and must be arranged in advance; otherwise the River Street and Alexandra Gardens car parks are the nearest options. Windsor Racecourse is a mile away and Eton Dorney rowing lake about four.