Five minutes from the city's Norman cathedral and the High Street's Georgian and Regency shopfronts, this hotel is surprisingly peaceful for such a central location. Tucked down St Peter's Street, the white-painted frontage hides an intriguing mix of building styles. There are traces of medieval cottages although it's predominantly Elizabethan and Georgian from its time as a private house and then a nunnery. The main public rooms have handsome panelling and plasterwork ceilings while a conservatory dining room has been created at the rear which shows off the building's warm red brickwork. Like the bar and lounge, this room overlooks the hotel's hidden gem: a long, walled garden, beautifully tranquil and with a terrace for drinks and dozing over books on warm days.
Bedrooms in the main building have high ceilings and grand windows although the majority are in a modern wing. Nevertheless, this building is skilfully matched in warm red brickwork and with rooms that are equally spacious; half with garden views and half overlooking a quiet back-street. All rooms have a classic style of pale carpets and walls with delicate patterned feature wallpaper and clean-lined furniture. Blanket throws add softness while black-and-white photographs of the city's historic buildings tempt guests to get out and explore.
Evening menus focus on comfort food - home-made burgers, risotto - with a sprinkling of smarter dishes such as trout with dill sauce; unpretentious and good value. But the charm of the hotel - location and garden aside - is the warmth of the staff. There's a genuine desire to make guests feel at home.
Families
Local exploring
Short break
Great walks
Sights nearby
Restaurant
Other Activities
Disabled access
Full of character
Sit-out Terrace
Less £
Family Suites
Four poster beds
Traditional
Child friendly
Antiques
Historic
Rooms
81 rooms in this hotelParking
Two on-site car parks with spaces allocated on a first come first served basis. Charges applyRestaurant
Classic British cuisine is served in Garden Restaurant which makes use of good local produceDisabled access
Two accessible rooms with wet room and wheelchair liftsSit-out Terrace
Meeting Room
Bar
Family Suites
Garden
Wifi
Four poster beds
Room service
Child friendly
Great walks
Sights nearby
Other Activities
This former bishop’s home, and Benedictine convent, situated bang in the centre of Winchester provides warm hospitality and a pretty walled garden...
Originally published by The Telegraph
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
