One’s reposeful retreat begins well before entering Hotel du Vin and its 18^th-century townhouse and contemporary extension. Its redbrick fences, white picket gates, and Georgian-columned doorways capture an element of timeless elegance. This sophistication continues within, with vintage and speakeasy-like décor centred around rich colours, dim lighting, and wooden furniture. The lounge, bar and bedrooms are equally classy, while the Bistro Restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling glass wall, is light and inviting, encouraging all to decompress with a glass of wine in its adjoining landscaped courtyard.

The main entrance is at the side of the building, through glass doors. Immediately presented is the hotel’s tapestry of sapphire blue, currant red, and dark greens, which features subtle references to Shakespeare.

The same colour palette pervades the innovatively-designed reception. Rather than a large reception desk, the Hotel du Vin has two modest writing desks. Behind these, the receptionists, in their smart-casual uniform, welcome travellers with broad smiles and an engaging attentiveness. The usual divide between employee and guest is replaced with a bond of mutual understanding, founded on a need for everyone to enjoy their stay.

This is taken a step further as the receptionists personally escort one to their bedroom. Before long, the manager also knocks on the door with a plate of chocolate truffles bearing a chocolate-sauce greeting: ‘Bienvenue Hotel du Vin’.

Rooms at Hotel du Vin

Named after eminent wine producers, each of the 46 rooms has the traditional features you’d expect from a luxury hotel: Nespresso machines, minibars, hospitality trays, and luxurious robes and slippers. However, unique to Hotel du Vin is the thoughtful postcard placed on the desk with a welcome message, complementary gin and tonic, hand sanitiser and wipes, and Ferrero Rocher to accompany one’s coffee.

All the rooms have the same colour palette as downstairs and contemporary artwork paying homage to the text and characters of William Shakespeare’s plays. Yet some rooms have balconies, while others contain the hotel’s signature roll-top bath. This may lie within the bedroom itself or in the bathroom, which also features a walk-in shower and luxury L’Occitane toiletries.

The plush suites are situated in the original Townhouse building, and can only be accessed by a private stairway. For those desiring privacy, these rooms have seating areas with sofas or a chaise lounge, a dining table seating four people, a quaint antique dresser, a separate dressing area in the bathroom, and a second room with a king-sized bed. The signature suite – Belle Epoque – has a seating area but its dressing space also contains a desk, a large mirror, and wardrobes.

Hotel du Vin Restaurant

Hotel du Vin is known for serving classic French bistro cuisine, and this is done in true bistro style as one dines surrounded by the tell-tale signs of modern hanging lights, white-and-black checkered floor tiles interspersed with hardwood, and vintage-looking artwork.

Dishes on the a la carte menu include the scrumptious roast rump of lamb, served with crushed minted peas, potatoes, and grilled baby leeks. For something more exotic, the Mediterranean crêpes are presented in a two-handled iron skillet, containing a baked ratatouille wrapped in a chickpea pancake and glazed under vegan Parmesan and feta cheeses. To accompany, there is a large wine list with notable French vintners, many of which can be seen on display in the restaurant’s glass wine cellar.

Breakfast is also served here with a range of flavours, from freshly-squeezed orange juice to coffee, homemade granola bars, and avocado on toast topped with tomato salsa and poached eggs. More traditional French pastries – croissants, pain au raisin, and pain au chocolat – are also available.

Hotel du Vin Bar

The bar’s dim lighting and cosy chairs are excellent for pre-dinner drinks: one should certainly sample the extensive list of cocktails prepared by virtuoso bartenders. Among the best is the Rob Roy, which has Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Angostura bitters, and Martini Rosso vermouth. The alfresco dining in the hotel’s courtyard is also a favourite for enjoying a drink, and its olive tree, lavender bushes, and sleek furniture emanate a Mediterranean flair well before you sit down to a French-style meal.

Private dining and afternoon tea

For something a little more exclusive, Hotel du Vin offers private dining rooms where work dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions can happen without a hitch. With its own menu, private dinners include canapés – such as smoked mackerel pâté – and several set menus. The Prestige menu, for example, features venison with smoked potato purée. Alternatively, opt for an afternoon tea tray that incorporates macarons.

Hotel du Vin’s location more than makes up for its lacking a gym or spa. Within walking distance is the town’s main centre, with designer shops like luxury jewellery outlet Pragnell, the River Avon, and every site to do with Shakespeare. This means guests can enjoy their stay with ease and simplicity, while the hotel’s contemporary design and European influences add a French flair to the charming English town. A perk one simply won’t find anywhere else in Stratford.