Visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon will no doubt be delighted to be staying in a grand Tudor manor and the interior of this imposing building delivers some of the promised character, complete with timber beams, an Elizabethan staircase and wood panelling. The modern areas of the hotel however are rather more generic with less of the desirable heritage. The manor is situated on the south side of the River Avon close to the heart of Shakespeare’s Stratford and within walking distance of many sights, shops and bars. Today the hotel exhibits a mixture of architectural styles but the core of the building predates the Norman Conquest of 1066 and is mentioned in the famous Domesday Book. For a special stay guests should aim for a room or suite in the original manor house or the Georgian stable block where the romantic guestrooms have period features such as beamed ceilings, walnut furniture and four poster beds. Other bedrooms are located in the Alveston’s modern wing at the rear and are clean and comfortable, if lacking in character. Each room has its own individual décor and traditional soft furnishings combined with modern features such as satellite TV, and CD player.

The Alveston Manor is nice venue for weddings and private functions, its Elizabethan architecture and pretty grounds creating an historic backdrop in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. At the centre of the hotel’s five acres of manicured grounds stands an ancient cedar tree, under which it is reputed ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was performed for the first time. For all of the romance associated with the Alveston Manor the hotel has plenty of modern facilities including conference rooms and the Vital Leisure Club and Spa, which delivers a range of health and beauty treatments.

The Manor Grill Restaurant at the Macdonald Alveston Manor is particularly popular with theatregoers. The restaurant offers a solid house menu of seasonal British dishes and fine wines, which is perfect for a pre-theatre dinner or a romantic meal. In the original part of the building is the wood-panelled Manor Bar. On winter days its open fire creates a warm welcome and in the spring guests can sit by the large leaded windows and admire the garden. Guests of the sister hotel, the Swan’s Nest, can also use the Alveston’s leisure and dining facilities.