23 High Street, Windsor, United Kingdom | (618) 248-8274
Set right in the
heart of Windsor opposite the castle
Designer-decorated
rooms with Egyptian cotton sheets
In-room amenities
include iPod docks and Nespresso machines
Sleek and
atmospheric steak restaurant
Cocktail bar with drinks featuring herbs from hotel's roof garden
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Parking is limited and expensive
Breakfast is pricey
No fitness or spa facilities
Some interior-facing rooms have limited views
The Macdonald
Windsor Hotel is a 120-room upscale property set in an 18th-century townhouse, right across from Windsor Castle in the center of town.
Interiors are particularly appealing, with low mood lighting and
chic contemporary decor. Rooms are equally attractive with a good range of
high-end amenities, and some even offer glimpses of the castle. The excellent steak restaurant and cocktail bar are highlights. This is one of the finest hotels in
the area, though The Oakley Court and Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel are also excellent upscale options, so it may be worth comaparing rates. If the Macdonald's lack of spa or fitness facilities is a deal-breaker, check
out the similarly priced Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa near the river.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Boutique townhouse hotel with chic and contemporary -- yet homey -- vibe
Although the
townhouse now occupied by the Macdonald Windsor Hotel dates back to
the 18th century, little evidence remains of its Georgian origins. A glass
revolving door leads guest into a long, low-ceilinged and low-lit
reception area decked out in smart contemporary decor and furnishings.
Overstuffed couches and plump cushions set a welcoming tone, while natural wood
flooring and a real fireplace helps add to the chic-yet-homey ambience --
but with some tasteful 21st-century touches. The lobby extends
right through the property to the hotel's atmospheric restaurant-bar area, while
a pair of elevators ferries guests -- mostly slightly older vacationing couples
-- to one of the hotel's four impeccably presented floors.
Location
In the heart of Windsor, right across from its castle and royal residence
The hotel is set
on the main thoroughfare of historic Windsor. The immediate surrounds
include a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes, while the property is
positioned right across the road from Windsor Castle itself (one of the
official residences of the British royal family). The main train station -- Windsor
& Eton Central -- is a five-minute walk away and connects to London (via Slough) in around 40 minutes. The location is also convenient for
Heathrow Airport, which is a 20- to 30-minute drive away.
Rooms
Plush, designer-decorated rooms with extra-comfy touches
The hotel has 120
rooms, all of which have been styled by designer Amanda Ros and feature a blend of
plush contemporary touches with a traditional Georgian flavor. Beds have Egyptian cotton sheets and some particularly fluffy pillows. All rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs and Bose iPod docks, while refreshments come
in the form of Nespresso machines, minibars, and
free bottled water. Bathrooms have heated towel racks, luxury toiletries, and
showers with both massage jets and rainfall showeheads, while waffle robes and
slippers are also provided for comfort. While a few of rooms have sight views of the
castle across the street, many are interior-facing with limited views.
Features
Chic and atmospheric restaurant specializing in aged steak
As well as
serving a signature full English breakfast each morning (not included in room
rate) the hotel's cool and atmospheric Caley's Restaurant & Bar serves what are purportedly some of the best steaks in town. The kitchen uses herbs from the hotel's
rooftop garden for cooking and cocktail mixing. As with other properties in the chain, the hotel
has a strong eco-friendly ethos it even offers a charging port for electric cars. Limited parking is available
on-site, though it is expensive and must be booked in advance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
