Pros

  • 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
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Cons

  • Parking is limited and expensive
  • Breakfast is pricey
  • No fitness or spa facilities
  • Some interior-facing rooms have limited views
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Bottom Line

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.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

Macdonald Windsor Hotel

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.

See More Scene

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. 

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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. 

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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.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Macdonald Windsor Hotel

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.

See More Scene

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. 

See More Location

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. 

See More Rooms

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.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

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.