The Harte & Garter Hotel & Spa

If you're looking for a hotel with a unique historical atmosphere in Windsor, there are few to rival the Harte & Garter Hotel & Spa. The present-day property is actually an amalgamation of two 14th-century inns: The Garter Inn, named after the Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by King Edward III, and The White Harte, named in honour of the Royal Emblem worn by King Richard II. They were joined together in the late 19th-century, and decorated in classic Victorian 'Jacobethan' style. More recently it has been completely restored to create a hotel that fuses the most modern facilities with an unforgettable charm. The rooms themselves are wonderfully characterful, with high ceilings, beautiful cornices, marble fireplaces and solid dark wood furnishings, and some rooms boast fine Victorian features, complemented with elegant bathrooms and roll-top baths, while others offer breathtaking views of Windsor Castle. One concession to the 21st century, however, is the beautiful new spa.

All rooms feature flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and high-quality linen, while the bathrooms feature complimentary toiletries from The White Company. Many rooms also enjoy unrivalled views of Windsor Castle. The new Tower Brasserie & Tea Room is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves classic British cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere; it is also the perfect place for a traditional British cream tea. However, the hotel's history doesn't come at the expense of modern luxury, and the original stables have been transformed into a wonderful spa with four themed treatment rooms, perfect for a weekend of indulgence. The hotel also has a number of elegant private dining and meeting rooms, while the magnificent Ballroom has retained its original architectural features and provides an exquisite backdrop for weddings and private dining.

The royal residence of Windsor Castle, the heart of this charming city, is located opposite the hotel, while shops and restaurants can be found nearby. London can be reached easily by motorway or by train; Windor's two railway stations are both within five minutes' walk, and go to Waterloo and Paddington Stations in central London. Heathrow Airport can be reached in just 15 minutes.