When you hear the name Windsor you'll immediately think about Windsor Castle, home of the British monarchy, and the main reason that thousands flock here every year. It’s a very pretty town too, the castle’s grey medieval stone rising out of the modern road and overlooking the Thames in one direction, and the famous Long Walk in the other. Our Gurus have chosen a wide range of accommodation here, and our pick of the best places to stay in Windsor vary from regal hotels, to romantic restaurants with rooms and family friendly options.

Windsor’s architecture is a pleasant mix of Elizabethan and Regency style, which really helps create an elegant atmosphere for fans of royalty. There are quaint tea shops, independent boutiques selling all manner of gifts, and across the river in Eton are the schoolboys in their traditional tail coats. And of course you can tour the castle and its chapels. If you’re here primarily to see the castle, and maybe catch a glimpse of royalty, the best places to stay in Windsor for you will probably be those closest to the castle, where you’ll have the best opportunities to see the regular changing of the guard, and potential comings and goings. One of our recommendations is just across the road.

The appeals of Windsor Great Park, which runs all the way from the castle’s The Long Walk almost to Ascot — convenient on race days — are as large and varied as the park itself. There’s a languid lake, woods and forests, waterfalls, a hill, ornamental gardens, lots of walking routes, and some really nice cafes.

The town is a year round destination, but if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Windsor during the school holidays or peak summer season, you'll need to be organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Windsor

For a Regal Visit

• The Castle Hotel Windsor M Gallery is an elegant choice, just across the road from Windsor Castle. Interiors are classic, done in muted shades, except for the cheery dining room and restaurant. Included amongst the 108 rooms and suites are some great family configurations, and a couple of rooms allow pets.

For Families

• The Sir Christopher Wren is a large and grand hotel, right on the river Thames on a leafy Windsor stretch, just across the bridge from Eton. Its 133 rooms and suites offer plenty of useful family-friendly configurations, all decorated in a sophisticated palette of blues and greys. Downstairs in the communal areas the decor is much more ornate, with impressive art and antique collections romantically lit by chandeliers and many silk-shaded lamps.The restaurant is excellent, and spills outside onto a terrace and gardens when the weather allows for it.
• Central Windsor’s Royal Adelaide is a Georgian era property with 43 rooms and suites, in a good range of shapes and sizes. This is the sort of hotel with a charming lounge and afternoon tea offering, while the Heritage Restaurant offers a more casual experience for breakfast and suppers. Family suites and pet-friendly options mean this is a hotel for everyone.
• The Christopher, Eton has been converted from a historic property on historic Eton High Street. It has an atmospheric pub and restaurant, with 34 rooms and suites above. All are individually decorated, with unique features, and splashes of colour, plus huge beds, coffee machines and smart TVs.

For Romantics

• The Eton Mess is a chic restaurant with rooms in a historic building in Windsor. There are just five rooms, all of them boldly decorated in confident colours, with statement art. There’s also a small, and rather sexy, dining room and cocktail bar. Coffee machines, music docks, smart TVs and prosecco on arrival make this an extra romantic choice.

For Foodies

• Gilbey's in Windsor is a buzzing restaurant, complete with elegant studio apartment and three king-sized rooms upstairs. The restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best in town with imaginative menus and an excellent wine list. The accommodation is classic with a stylish contemporary feel, with well smart decor and all the mod cons.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• International visitors could feasibly fly into any London Airport, though the closest to Windsor is Heathrow. If you're heading from Heathrow to Windsor you can take the First Bus 8 from the airport which takes under an hour, runs regularly from 6am to 10pm. If you’re travelling by train, and through London, you can leave by Paddington or Waterloo station, for a journey of around 45 minutes.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Windsor’s climate is mild, not far off that of London. The best time to visit Windsor will be in the spring and summer months, from April until September. Spring flowers liven up Windsor Great Park, and Berkshire’s green countryside, or, if you prefer the changing colours of leaves, then autumn will offer you the same colourful cacophony. Like a lot of the UK, Windsor gets rain indiscriminately, so there’s not really a season or month to avoid if you want to avoid the rain. It’s better just to pack your wet weather gear and cross your fingers.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Berkshire
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider just the best Pubs-with-Rooms in Berkshire, Berkshire's most romantic hotels or Berkshire’s best country escapes
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.