Premier Inn Stratford Upon Avon Waterways Hotel Stratford-upon-avon

Stratford-upon-Avon's Secret Weapon: The Premier Inn by the Waterways

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a little gem nestled in the heart of Shakespeare's hometown. I'm talking about the Premier Inn Stratford Upon Avon Waterways Hotel, a place that's as charming as it is hilarious (yes, hotels can be funny, bear with me).

First Impressions: The Watery Welcome

Now, picture this: you've just driven through the winding, picturesque streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, your stomach's rumbling like a Shakespearean soliloquy, and then, suddenly, there it is - the Premier Inn, looming large and welcoming by the water's edge. It's like the hotel equivalent of a friendly wave from a passing boat. "Hello, weary traveller! Come, rest thy weary head!"

And the best part? It's not just any waterway, oh no. It's the Avon, the very river that inspired the Bard himself. Fancy, huh? It's like staying in a hotel that's practically part of the town's history. I mean, if walls could talk, this place would be reciting sonnets.

Check-in: The Comedy of Errors

Now, I checked in during peak tourist season, and the lobby was buzzing like a Shakespearean market scene. Kids were darting around, parents were herding them like lost sheep, and the poor receptionist was trying to keep up, looking like a cross between a referee and a juggler. I felt for the guy, I really did. But then he handed me my key card and said, "Room 207, sir. It's got a view of the river. Just don't feed the swans, they're little terrors." I laughed so hard I almost dropped my bag. This place had personality, and I was already in love.

Rooms with a View: The Avon's Very Own Balcony

Speaking of rooms, mine was like a little slice of riverfront paradise. Big, comfy bed? Check. Free Wi-Fi (because even in Shakespeare's day, we needed to stay connected, right?) Check. And the pièce de résistance? A balcony overlooking the Avon. I mean, it was like I was Juliet, and the river was my Romeo. Okay, maybe not that romantic, but you get the idea.

And the best part? The room was so quiet, I could've heard a swan sneeze. Well, maybe not that quiet, but you get the gist. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the town.

Dining: The Black Swan's Unexpected Twist

Now, I know what you're thinking. "This place sounds great, but what about the food?" Well, let me tell you, the Black Swan restaurant did not disappoint. I mean, it's not every day you can say you've had a meal cooked by a chef who's probably seen more than a few Shakespearean plays himself. The food was delicious, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was... well, let's just say it was as lively as a Shakespearean comedy.

And the best part? The dessert. Oh, the dessert. It was like a little taste of heaven on a plate. I won't spoil the surprise, but let's just say it involved chocolate, and it was glorious.

Breakfast: The Morning After (The Night Before)

Breakfast was a bit of a madhouse, but in the best possible way. Kids were running around, parents were trying to keep them in check, and the poor servers were weaving through the chaos like they were in some sort of breakfast ballet. But the food? Delicious. The coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead. And the atmosphere? Well, it was as lively as a Shakespearean tragedy (in the best possible way, of course).

Surprising Facts: The Hotel's Hidden Talents

Now, here's where things get interesting. You know how I said this place was practically part of the town's history? Well, it turns out, the hotel has a few secrets of its own. For starters, it's got its own little theatre, complete with red velvet seats and everything. I mean, who needs the Royal Shakespeare Theatre when you've got this, right?

And get this - the hotel's bar is actually a converted stable. Yes, you read that right. A stable. I mean, talk about a horse of a different color, huh? But don't worry, they've done a bit of redecorating since the horse days. It's all plush seating and craft beers now. No hay bales in sight.

Final Thoughts: The Hotel That Laughs in the Face of History

So there you have it, folks. The Premier Inn Stratford Upon Avon Waterways Hotel is more than just a place to stay. It's a living, breathing, laughing testament to the town's history. It's a place where you can rest your head, fill your belly, and have a good old-fashioned laugh. And isn't that what life's all about? Well, that and maybe seeing a few swans. But don't feed them. Trust me on that one.