Winchester Royal Hotel

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.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Restaurant
• Classic British cuisine is served in Garden Restaurant which makes use of good local produce
• Disabled access
• Two accessible rooms with wet room and wheelchair lifts
• Family Suites
• Sit-out Terrace
• Meeting Room
• Bar

• Parking
• Wifi
• Four poster beds
• Room service
• Garden
• Child friendly

• Great walks
• Walk through meadows beside the River Itchen to the Hospital of St. Cross, one of England's oldest almshouses
• Sights nearby
• Visit Winchester's most famed sites including Winchester Cathedral (1096) and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle

• Other Activities
• Make a trip to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery and take a tour followed by sampling