Cheltenham Hotels

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Known for its beautiful Regency architecture, Cheltenham is an old town situated on the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. The central areas of Cheltenham are particularly appealing for travellers thanks to their proximity to the town’s most famous landmarks and attractions.

The heart of Cheltenham, the town centre, is adorned with beautiful Regency buildings and is host to a myriad of attractions. Montpellier and Promenade are known for their sophisticated retail scene, with upscale boutiques, jewellers and antique shops. It is also home to the Imperial Gardens and The Neptune Fountain, which are in walking distance of many hotels nestled within these districts.

Cheltenham’s cultural quarter, lined with lively bars and restaurants, would make another favourable choice for accommodation. It's located in the area around the Everyman Theatre, which offers a regular schedule of plays, comedies and music. A selection of hotels found in this vicinity allow easy access to Cheltenham’s thriving night scene.

South of the city centre lies the neighbourhood of Lansdown. Easily accessible by foot from the city's heart, Lansdown presents a mix of old and new, with many hotels found nearby. The proximity to Cheltenham Racecourse, known for hosting the Gold Cup during the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, make Lansdown a popular choice especially during the festival season.

Where to stay with a family

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a scenic town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban comfort. With its historic charm and modern amenities, it is an ideal destination for families looking for a peaceful and relaxed vacation.

Firstly, the neighbourhood of Pittville is an excellent choice for families. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful parks, it offers a serene setting for children to play and families to unwind. The Pittville Park, with its large playground and mini golf course, is a favourite with children. Plus, the area has a good selection of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to stay.

Another great neighbourhood for families is Montpellier. With its tree-lined streets and elegant Regency townhouses, it exudes a sophisticated charm. The Montpellier Gardens, with its stunning flowerbeds and playgrounds, is a must-visit for families. This area also has a variety of upscale restaurants and boutique shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll with the family.

When it comes to family-friendly hotels, Cheltenham has plenty of options to choose from. The Queens Hotel, located in the heart of the town, offers spacious and comfortable family rooms. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, situated on the Cirencester Road, also offers family rooms and a playground for children.

For a more luxurious stay, families can opt for the Ellenborough Park Hotel. This grand country house hotel, set in the stunning countryside of Cheltenham, offers spacious family suites and a range of activities for children, including pony riding and archery. Additionally, the hotel has a babysitting service, allowing parents to have some time to themselves.

Lastly, families looking for a self-catering option can consider the Cheltenham Apartments. These fully equipped apartments, conveniently located in the heart of the town, offer a comfortable and homely stay for families. They are also a more budget-friendly option for larger families.

Where to find cheap hotels

Located in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a popular tourist destination. However, this magnificent town can also be an expensive place to visit. But fear not, as there are plenty of options for budget-friendly accommodation in Cheltenham.

When it comes to finding cheap hotels in Cheltenham, the key is to look for hotels in lower-budget neighbourhoods. These areas may not have the same attraction as the city centre, but they offer more affordable options for hotel stays. Some of these neighbourhoods include Charlton Kings, Wymans Brook and St. Pauls.

There are also several inexpensive areas for hotel stays in Cheltenham. For example, the area around the Cheltenham Spa train station has a range of budget-friendly hotels. This area is convenient for travellers arriving by train and offers easy access to the city centre.

For those considering hotel chains in Cheltenham, there are a few options to choose from. Chains like Premier Inn, Travelodge and Holiday Inn Express have branches in the town and offer affordable rates.

When planning a trip to Cheltenham, it's also helpful to know which season or time of the week the hotels are cheaper than average. Generally, the summer months and weekends tend to be more expensive due to the influx of tourists. So anyone looking to save some money should consider visiting during the off-season or booking a trip for during the week.

For a convenient stopover in between trips to and from Gloucester, Cheltenham hotels fit the bill. As you might expect of a spa town, numerous hotels offer spa, sauna and relaxation facilities.

Arts and culture

Cheltenham's museums, galleries and theatres enhance the town's creative atmosphere. So do the festivals: there are events celebrating jazz, literature, food and drink, and science.

The Everyman Theatre is a professional acting training and education venue, and the home of Cheltenham's Christmas pantomime. You can also catch a movie at one of the town's independent cinemas.

There's free entry to the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, also known as The Wilson. Exhibitions change frequently throughout the year, and the permanent collections are of local crafts, archaeology and paintings.

Shopping in Cheltenham

Cheltenham has two main shopping centres: Beechwood and the Regent Arcade. At Beechwood, accessible from the high street, the mix of department stores, big brands and local shops is attractively diverse. The multi-storey car park has won the Park Mark award for high security. The Regent Arcade has its own tourist information centre and three quick photo booths.

The Montpellier district houses most of the upmarket and luxury boutiques. It also has several jewellery shops, high-end restaurants and wine bars.

A day at the races

The busiest times to book Cheltenham hotels are when there's a meet at the nearby Cheltenham Racecourse. It's the home of the Gold Cup, the UK's most prestigious race. A festival marks the high point of the season every March, and during this time you can see the legendary Trophy Room.

After the day's races, celebrate or commiserate at the course's Final Flight Bar. You can also count the thousands of signatures across the AP McCoy 4000 Celebration Wall, a feature that's unique to Cheltenham.

Go shopping in Cheltenham

A visit to Cheltenham unveils a plethora of shopping opportunities that are worth exploring. The city is dotted with a vast range of stores that cater to both high-end shoppers and budget-conscious individuals. Shopping, indeed, forms an integral part of Cheltenham's character and is recognised as a significant activity for tourists and residents alike.

Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham has established itself as a notable centre for fashion shopping. The Promenade, in particular, is a well-regarded shopping area often frequented by those in search of premium fashionwear. It is lined with a variety of boutiques and designer outlets that showcase the latest trends and styles. Homeware, jewellery and luxury brands can also be found in this vibrant shopping destination. The shopping experience in this locale is markedly unique and worth an exploration.

However, for a more pocket-friendly shopping experience, it is recommended to delve into Cheltenham's thrifty side. The Lower High Street and Bath Road offer an array of budget-friendly stores that stock a vast range of goods, from clothing and shoes to books and home décor items. Not only are these shopping areas excellent to find daily essentials, but they also often hold special offers, making them the ideal locations for affordable shopping in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham is renowned for offering a distinct blend of national and local retail experiences. As a result, there are a variety of local souvenirs that can be purchased as mementos of the visit. Handcrafted goods, locally brewed beers and Cotswold gin and whiskies are all popular choices. The Montpellier district is home to several independent shops that offer speciality Cheltenham goodies. Traditional British sweets, local art and antiques are also commonly bought by visitors wanting to remember their time in Cheltenham.