Since 2007, The Castle Hotel Windsor has been part of the Mercure hotel group. The Mercure collection stretches worldwide, and includes almost 50 locations across the UK. A brief selection of some of the group’s other UK-based hotels are described here:
Brandon Hall, Coventry
Brandon Hall Hotel and Spa is an appealing former manor lodge, set into 17 acres of grounds in the Warwickshire countryside. Despite the relaxed rural surroundings the hotel is a short drive from a number of major Warwickshire towns, including Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Birmingham. The original Brandon Hall has been expanded to create a four-star hotel with 120 rooms, a broad collection of 17 meeting rooms and the Spa Naturel, which has treatment rooms, a pool, sauna and gym. The hotel is also home to the AA Rosette-awarded Clarendon Restaurant.
Francis Hotel, Bath
The Francis Hotel is a refined Georgian building in the centre of the historic spa town of Bath. All of Bath’s major attractions are literally on the doorstep, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and the Pump Room. A four-star venue, the Francis Hotel has 95 ensuite bedrooms, The Square Restaurant, which looks out onto Queen Square, and the Wood Bar. There are also two small meeting and function rooms. The hotel has been refurbished and the Francis Hotel has a contemporary but sympathetic Georgian-influenced décor.
Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford upon Avon
The four-star Shakespeare Hotel in Stratford is a wonderful base for a stay in Shakespeare’s birthplace. An original Tudor building, the Shakespeare has been lovingly renovated to create an atmospheric venue without compromising on modern amenities. The communal areas, including the Othello Restaurant and the lobby, are characterised by beamed ceilings and original-style fireplaces. Similarly, the 74 guest rooms retain an individual charm, particularly in the feature rooms in the main building, thanks to the age of the hotel. The hotel fits perfectly into the centre of Stratford and is well placed for exploring the heritage of arguably the world’s greatest playwright.
Southgate Hotel, Exeter
The Southgate Hotel is situated in the centre of Exeter, just outside Dartmoor National Park and close to the Devonshire coast. Another four-star venue, The Southgate is a modern hotel with a Georgian architectural influence, merging seamlessly into the historic city of Exeter. The hotel offers 110 comfortably furnished and well equipped guestrooms, including 5 suites. For business guests or private functions The Southgate Hotel has 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 150. There are also two in-house restaurants, and light snacks are available throughout the day in the Lounge Bar. Leisure facilities at The Southgate include an indoor pool, sauna and gym.
Wessex Hotel, Winchester
Just north of Southampton lies the city of Winchester and the Wessex Hotel. The Wessex Hotel enjoys a city centre location within close proximity of the famous Winchester Cathedral. The hotel has 94 bedrooms, decorated in a traditional style. A number of guestrooms have beautiful views of the cathedral, as does the hotel’s eatery, known as Walker’s Restaurant. The Wessex Hotel also carries 5 meeting rooms suitable for small- to medium-sized functions. The largest, the Wykenham Suite, can accommodate up to 100 people theatre style.