Hotels in Windsor

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Windsor is instantly recognisable as the home of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. This royal town on the River Thames is steeped in a thousand years of history and charm, offering visitors a genuinely regal experience. You can explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and the deeply significant St George's Chapel, the site of numerous royal ceremonies.

Beyond the castle walls, you can take a peaceful stroll down the majestic Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue offering stunning distant views of the castle, or enjoy the vast expanses of Windsor Great Park. The town centre itself is charmingly packed with elegant shops and traditional pubs, making it the perfect base for a quintessential English break steeped in royal tradition.

The key to a perfect Windsor stay is securing a hotel close to the castle and the river, as this is where the main attractions, dining, and atmosphere are concentrated. Given the town's compact nature, a central position offers the best access.

The best area is the Town Centre, particularly around Thames Street and the Windsor Guildhall. Staying here puts you right at the foot of Windsor Castle, within steps of the main shopping areas, restaurants, and the entrance to the beautiful Windsor and Royal Borough Museum. You will be able to easily walk everywhere, from the castle gates to the riverfront.

For a quieter, more scenic option, consider a hotel across the river in Eton. This charming area, famous for Eton College, is connected to Windsor by a pedestrian bridge and offers a more tranquil, village-like atmosphere, while still providing easy access to all the main sites. The views of the castle from Eton are particularly magnificent.

Windsor is uniquely served by two railway stations: Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside. Both stations are very central. Central is typically used for the short shuttle link from Slough, which connects to London Paddington. Riverside offers direct services to London Waterloo. A central hotel is ideal for both, as well as for accessing river cruises on the Thames or starting your walk down the Long Walk into Windsor Great Park.

Hotel prices in Windsor are consistently high throughout the year due to the permanent draw of Windsor Castle and its proximity to London. The absolute highest prices occur during the major summer events, such as the Royal Ascot race meeting in June and the school summer holidays.

For the best value, plan your visit for the low season, from January to March, or aim for mid-week stays. A unique detail for Windsor is that hotel rates often spike when the monarch is in residence and royal events, like the Changing of the Guard ceremony, are scheduled. Booking a stay that avoids the most popular ceremonial days can sometimes lead to slight savings. Also, consider booking a hotel in the adjacent town of Slough for significantly lower rates, though this requires a short train journey to reach the Windsor attractions.