Burnside Hotel

The Burnside Hotel is just what we want when we visit Stratford-upon-Avon to see a play, and we'll definitely return. My husband and I have stayed twice now and enjoyed both visits. It's welcoming, friendly, clean and comfortable, in a lovely quiet spot beside Anne Hathaway's Cottage, with trees, birds and nature all around. Just lovely. We fully recommend it to others.

Our room was in an annex to the hotel. It was small but cosy, and the patio doors opened onto a little seating area with a table and chairs. That was such a nice extra. Room 24. There was plenty of parking, though they charged for it, which I've found happens at a lot of hotels now. It was a short walk into stratford, so we left the car and saved compared with parking in the town centre. The room was spotless, with toiletries, tea, coffee and water provided. On arrival and check we were shown to our room and our cases were carried for us. The staff were all very pleasant and professional, with a personal touch. The set menu was a little limited, but we both found meals we liked, and everything was beautifully cooked and served. Breakfast offered continental or cooked; we chose the cooked option each day, freshly made rather than kept under a heat lamp. The bar and its outdoor seating were lovely for sitting in the sun. Have a look at the bar saddles for bar stools, so much fun.

The rooms were really lovely, and the staff were very nice, with lovely waitresses. The dinner was OK, but breakfast could use some small changes that would make a difference, like local sausages instead of half cooked Richmonds, and fresh mushrooms instead of tinned. We stayed recently in November, when it was quiet, with only three other couples. It's a shame the hotel has lost the charm you'd expect from an old roadside inn in Stratford Upon Avon. It has been refurbished to a good standard, but feels short on warmth and character. The reception could be more inviting, and the bar and other places for a drink or a meal feel sterile, rather than cosy and comfortable. The bar on the grounds felt more like a poorly put together sports bar for local tradesmen and workers heading home than somewhere for hotel guests to relax. I understand it brings in income, but the guest facilities should add to the hotel experience. It wouldn't take much to give the place more personality. If I'm eating at the hotel, I'd expect a lobby or bar where I want to sit and have a drink. It's a shame because the rooms and staff were lovely.

We had an excellent midweek break at this newly refurbished hotel. The rooms were comfortable and spotless, and the food was good from breakfast through to the evening meals. Staff were friendly and helpful, always making us feel welcome with a smile. It's close to the station and town centre. We highly recommend it and would definitely stay again.