Hotels near Windsor Castle for a royally relaxing weekend break

Set in an artfully modernised 18th-century townhouse, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel is a delightful blend of old and new. Its contemporary interiors are enhanced by stylish nods to the town’s unique royal heritage, such as the elegant Victorian street lamps in the entrance lobby. Upstairs, the individually designed guest rooms, decorated in warm tones of ruby and claret, feel plush and welcoming. Before heading out for a day of sightseeing, perhaps strolling the length of Windsor Great Park and admiring the ornamental Savill Garden, make yourself a rich cup of coffee with the Nespresso machine while listening to favourite music via your bluetooth speaker. On your return, you’ll be fully ready to sink into the superior Egyptian linen on your gloriously comfortable bed. Book into an upgraded room or suite for unrivalled views of Windsor Castle.

This hotel really delivers in terms of location. Once you step out of the sleek revolving door, you’re mere steps away from the main entrance to the castle, with many of Windsor’s irresistible tea rooms that serve home-made cakes, boutique shops and upscale eateries within a short stroll. You don’t need to go far to sample delicious food, however; Caleys Brasserie, the hotel’s relaxed on-site restaurant, offers innovative starters and generous mains made with high-quality ingredients. Try dishes like spiced roast breast of Barbary duck or roast garlic gnocci with deep fried truffle brie.

Head to the adjoining bar to round off the evening with a craft beer or fizzing glass of prosecco. The comfortable armchairs, laid-back ambience and low-level lighting make this a popular spot with guests and locals alike. It’s a fine place to take stock and plan the next day’s activities.

Not content with being a few minutes’ walk from the castle, Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa also wins points in the location stakes for being the only hotel in Windsor overlooking the swirling waters of the Thames. What’s more, it’s also the only pick in town boasting full gym facilities, spa treatments, a sauna and an inviting outdoor hot tub. Is there a more relaxing way to round off a day of Royals-spotting than treating yourself to a revitalising body wrap, decadent Decléor massage or soothing holistic facial?

Named after England’s most famous architect, the hotel is actually a collection of several buildings clustered around a quaint cobbled street. The main building is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 1600s. With its sweeping staircases, lavish soft furnishings and wood panelled drawing rooms, it showcases Regency-period elegance at its finest. In contrast, the light and airy ‘Windsor’ wing – a far more recent addition – has a contemporary vibe. This dichotomy extends to the guest rooms: historic, timber-beamed quarters in the main house; chic and modern spaces in newer areas. Each generously-sized room features seating areas and work desks. Opt for a feature room or a plush suite to savour those picture-postcard river views in the comfort of your own space.

River vistas are also on the menu at the award-winning Brasserie restaurant, a fine dining eatery serving up modern British and European cuisine in light-filled surroundings. Treat yourself to a spot of afternoon tea on the terrace if the weather allows, watching swans glide past as you nibble on delectable home-made scones slathered with Cornwall’s finest clotted cream. Sipping on some fizz while a live band plays jazz in the casual Martini bar is a pleasant way to pass a laidback Sunday afternoon too.

Housed in an evocative heritage building that was once a 16th-century inn, Castle Hotel Windsor combines old-world charm with contemporary styling. Blue, grey and lilac decor gives the interiors a refined ambience, while the wood-panelled walls and scattered antiques offer tantalising clues to the property’s past. A splendid original wooden staircase leads up to your room, where you can relax amid calming neutral shades. The sleek speckled-marble bathrooms come complete with White Company toiletries – upgrade to a suite and you’ll have the pleasure of soaking under a rainfall shower.

The decadence continues in the on-site Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. Settle in at one of the black marble tables and choose from an array of hearty British classics or French-inspired creations as you admire the old Remains of the Day-style bell board on the wall. All of the menu options (breakfast, all-day dining, and an à la carte) use the finest quality ingredients. Expect locally sourced artisan cheeses, wild mushrooms and fresh Atlantic seafood, with the grilled swordfish steak à la Provençal an especial highlight. Adjourn to the relaxed bar area afterwards and, while you study the extensive wine list, you might catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guard procession marching along Windsor High Street.

In contrast, a gentle stroll is all that’s needed to reach the castle, with the main gate only a few minute’s walk away. In fact, most of the area’s key sights are within easy reach of the hotel. The Long Walk’s verdant lawns and castle vistas are a saunter along the High Street, while the 500-year-old spires of Eton College are a 15-minute journey across the Thames.

Home to one of the most prestigious schools in the world, Eton is a quiet little town across the river from Windsor, and the Christopher holds the distinct honour of being its only hotel. Located on the High Street, it rubs shoulders with the quaint antique shops, age-old pubs and charming tea rooms that give the town its unmistakably English feel. Languid and lovely in equal measure, Eton feels delightfully sequestered, yet the attractions of Windsor are only a 5 minute stroll across the nearby pedestrian footbridge.

The hotel itself is every bit as attractive as its surroundings. Originally built as a coaching inn in the 1500s, it has been tastefully refurbished to make the successful transition to modern boutique hotel. That being said, a glance at the reclaimed floorboards throughout the main building and a stroll around the intimate courtyard quickly evokes a sense of days gone by. Accommodation ranges from junior suites and superior doubles in the main house to twin, double and single rooms in the courtyard. All have a relaxed modernity and homely feel, and come with tea and coffee-making facilities. Choose a suite to melt into a sumptuous sofa while sipping your brew, the ideal way to wind down after a day of foot-powered sightseeing, perhaps admiring the ornate ceiling in St Georges Chapel.

More treats are on hand in the hotel’s grill restaurant, an informal venue adorned with old black and white pictures of Eton and Windsor and noted for its classic English dishes and spicy Asian offerings. Served in an intimate space with subdued lighting, mouth-watering meals such as roasted pork loin and Thai green curry compete for your attention. Don’t even think about leaving your seat without devouring a traditional Eton mess first!

While many hotels in and around Windsor put you within peeping distance of the royal family, the Royal Adelaide is the only hotel in town that was actually built for royalty. Indeed, this refined property was originally constructed for Queen Adelaide back in the 1830s when she was the Queen Consort of William IV. As you cast your eye over the hotel’s impressive original exterior, it’s quite easy to imagine her standing at one of the large sash windows, looking wistfully toward the Long Walk just a stone’s throw away.

The hotel’s immaculately tended garden only serves to fire your imagination even more. Sitting at one of the classic garden tea tables draped in pristine white tablecloths, you might feel like you’re in a Merchant Ivory production, especially when the sunshine brings the colourful shrubs to life. Though resolutely modern, the decor inside the property has enough old-world touches to remind you that the Royal Adelaide has been a hotel for more than 100 years. Retire to a superior room and rest beneath an ornate four-poster or half-tester bed that really does look fit for royalty. You’re likely to sleep like a king as well, as all guest rooms come with exceeding comfortable premium mattresses.

In the morning, head downstairs to the Restaurant Windsor, with its warm ambience and pleasant garden views. Start off with a hearty full English breakfast and you’ll be well prepared to take on a day of sightseeing. Evening menus proffer perennial classics like steak and fish and chips, as well as more contemporary offerings like crispy skin seabass. Once your appetite is fully sated, head to the sleek little on-site bar for some easy conversation and a Scotch (or two).