Your Kent Wedding - November/December 2024 (Issue 117)

Stratford-upon-Avon, a Medieval market town in Warwickshire, is a perfect destination for unforgettable stays due to its wide range of attractions. As it’s one of my favourite UK destinations, I eagerly accepted the invitation to visit DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon when the team contacted me to experience their services, alongside my partner. FIRST IMPRESSIONS This four-star hotel delivers a delightful experience in the town centre, surrounded by private gardens to offer guests a peaceful retreat from the lively surroundings. It effortlessly combines Stratford’s rich history and charm with the modern amenities and impeccable service the Hilton brand is known for. Preserved from the original structure, the clock tower combines old-world charm and contemporary elegance, symbolising the hotel’s commitment to protecting the town’s heritage. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned Shakespearean attractions, guests can easily immerse themselves in the town’s rich literary history. Its proximity to the train station and M40 motorway ensures guests can easily arrive and depart. As soon as we arrived, the professional team greeted us at the property with warm cookies, giving us the ultimate welcome as we checked in. SWEET SLUMBER The King Deluxe guestroom, with its spacious layout, exceeded our expectations. The serene ambience, calming colour palette and elegant décor immediately helped us unwind after a long journey. The standout feature was the incredibly cosy king-sized bed with fresh linens and plush pillows for a peaceful night’s sleep. Modern comforts like air conditioning, a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV and a coffee/tea station added to our experience, making us feel comfortable and at ease. The bathroom was a true indulgence with a sophisticated design and luxurious amenities. It boasted a bathtub with a rainfall shower, dual sinks, ample counter space and premium toiletries. LOVE AT FIRST BITE We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Quills, the restaurant located within the property. Known for its modern European bistro cuisine, the setting offered a delightful atmosphere with its wooden panelling, captivating purple colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for plenty of natural light. It’s the perfect setting for socialising and enjoying meals. To kick off our dining experience, we couldn’t resist ordering the crispy chicken tenders with a flavourful Korean barbecue gochujang sauce. For our main, I enjoyed the crispy battered fish and thick-cut chips, served alongside mushy peas and tangy tartare sauce with a hint of lemon. To conclude our meal on a sweet note, we savoured various ice cream flavours, including vanilla, salted caramel and raspberry ripple. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, making it easy to linger over our meal and savour each bite. Our server, Atif, was attentive and knowledgeable. He guided us through the menu and offered recommendations based on our preferences. He was the star of the show, ensuring we were comfortable throughout. The next day, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the restaurant. The buffet spread was impressive, with steaming trays of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and golden hash browns tempting us to indulge in a hearty breakfast feast. The selection of fruits was a refreshing addition, while the pastries were decadent with flaky croissants and pain au chocolats. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Stratford-upon-Avon is a convenient and comfortable destination for all. There’s something for everyone, from historical tours and family-friendly activities to scenic river walks and more. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a must-see for theatre enthusiasts, is just a short 10-minute walk from the hotel, ensuring easy access to world-class performances. The Stratford Butterfly Farm, a delightful stop for nature lovers, is also within easy reach. History buffs will find Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house straight out of a fairytale, just a stone’s throw away. For a peaceful experience, consider a river cruise along the River Avon or renting a rowboat for a magical moment. There are even more local attractions to explore! THE FINAL VERDICT Overall, our experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon was delightful. The hotel was beautifully designed with a modern yet cosy atmosphere. The room exceeded our expectations with its cleanliness and thoughtful furnishings. The dining options were exceptional, with a diverse menu and great quality. The hotel’s location was convenient for exploring the town, plus the staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. We can’t wait to return! To stay or not to stay Editor Olivia Gibson visits DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon BOOK IT: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bhxsadi-doubletree-stratford-upon-avon Scan to view video 96

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