Cheltenham hotels, United Kingdom

For an easy stopover between trips to and from Gloucester, Cheltenham hotels are ideal. As you'd expect from a spa town, many hotels offer spa, sauna, and relaxation facilities.

Arts and culture

Cheltenham's museums, galleries, and theaters enrich the town's creative vibe. The festivals also contribute, celebrating jazz, literature, food and drink, and science.

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

Admission is free at the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, also known as The Wilson. Exhibits change frequently throughout the year, and the permanent collections feature local crafts, archaeology, and paintings.

Shopping in Cheltenham

Cheltenham has two main shopping centers: Beechwood and the Regent Arcade. At Beechwood, accessible from the main street, you'll find a mix of department stores, big brands, and local shops. Its multi-story car park has received the Park Mark award for high security. The Regent Arcade offers a tourist information center and three quick photo booths.

Most luxury and high-end boutiques are in the Montpellier district, which also features several jewelry shops, upscale restaurants, and wine bars.

A day at the races

The busiest times to book Cheltenham hotels are during events at the nearby Cheltenham Racecourse. It's home to the Gold Cup, the most prestigious race in the country. A festival marks the highlight of the season every March, and during this time, you can see the famous Trophy Room.

After the races, celebrate or console yourself at the course's Final Flight Bar. You can also see the thousands of signatures on the AP McCoy 4000 Celebration Wall, a unique feature of Cheltenham.

Where to stay near popular attractions

Cheltenham, with its stunning Regency architecture, is a historic town on the edge of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. The central parts of Cheltenham are especially attractive to travelers because of their proximity to the town’s iconic landmarks and attractions.

In the heart of Cheltenham, the town center is graced with beautiful Regency buildings and hosts numerous attractions. Montpellier and the Promenade are renowned for their chic shopping scene, featuring upscale boutiques, jewelers, and antique shops. The area also includes the Imperial Gardens and The Neptune Fountain, which are within walking distance of many hotels located in these districts.

Cheltenham’s cultural quarter, lined with vibrant bars and restaurants, is another great option for accommodation. It's situated around the Everyman Theatre, where a regular lineup of plays, comedies, and music performances is offered. The hotels nearby provide easy access to Cheltenham’s lively night scene.

Just south of the city center, the Lansdown neighborhood is within easy walking distance. Lansdown offers a blend of old and new, with many hotels in the vicinity. Its closeness to Cheltenham Racecourse, famous for hosting the Gold Cup during the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, makes Lansdown a popular choice, particularly during the festival season.

Where to stay with a family

Located in the picturesque heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a beautiful town blending natural beauty with urban amenities, making it perfect for families seeking a peaceful and relaxed vacation.

Pittville is an excellent neighborhood for families. Known for its peaceful vibe and lovely parks, it offers a serene setting for kids to play and for families to unwind. Pittville Park, featuring a large playground and mini-golf course, is a hit with children. The area also offers a good selection of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, ensuring a convenient and pleasant stay.

Montpellier is another fantastic neighborhood for families. With tree-lined streets and elegant Regency townhouses, it offers sophisticated charm. The Montpellier Gardens, with its stunning flowerbeds and playgrounds, are a must-see for families. This area also boasts a variety of upscale restaurants and boutique shops, perfect for leisurely family strolls.

Cheltenham has numerous family-friendly hotels to choose from. The Queens Hotel in the town center provides spacious family rooms. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located on Cirencester Road, also offers family rooms and a children's playground.

For a more luxurious experience, families might consider Ellenborough Park Hotel. This grand country house hotel, set in Cheltenham's stunning countryside, offers spacious family suites and activities for children, including pony riding and archery. The hotel also has a babysitting service, allowing parents some time alone.

Families interested in self-catering options can check out Cheltenham Apartments. These fully equipped apartments in the town center offer a comfortable and home-like stay for families and are a budget-friendly choice for larger families.

Where to find cheap hotels

Cheltenham, in the heart of the idyllic Cotswolds, is a popular tourist spot. However, visiting this magnificent town can be pricey. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly accommodation options in Cheltenham.

To find cheap hotels in Cheltenham, target hotels in lower-budget neighborhoods. These areas might not boast the same attractions as the city center but offer more affordable lodging options. Some of these neighborhoods include Charlton Kings, Wymans Brook, and St. Pauls.

Several budget-friendly hotel areas exist in Cheltenham. For instance, the area around the Cheltenham Spa train station features a range of economical hotels. It’s convenient for travelers arriving by train and provides easy access to the city center.

For those considering hotel chains in Cheltenham, there are options like Premier Inn, Travelodge, and Holiday Inn Express, all of which offer affordable rates.

When planning a trip to Cheltenham, it’s advantageous to know which seasons or times of the week are less expensive. Typically, the summer months and weekends are pricier due to increased tourist activity. To save money, consider visiting during the off-season or planning your stay during the week.

Go shopping in Cheltenham

A visit to Cheltenham reveals a wide range of shopping opportunities that are worth exploring. The city boasts a diverse array of stores that cater to both luxury shoppers and those on a budget. Shopping is an integral part of Cheltenham's identity and a major draw for tourists and locals alike.

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham has earned a reputation as a key destination for fashion shopping. The Promenade is a particularly popular shopping area, frequented by people seeking high-end fashion items. It features a variety of boutiques and designer outlets showcasing the latest trends and styles. Here, you can also find homeware, jewelry, and luxury brands. The shopping experience in this area is uniquely vibrant and definitely worth exploring.

For a more budget-friendly shopping experience, consider exploring Cheltenham's more economical offerings. The Lower High Street and Bath Road are home to numerous budget-friendly stores with a wide range of goods, from clothing and shoes to books and home décor items. These shopping areas are great for finding everyday essentials and often have special offers, making them perfect for affordable shopping in Cheltenham.

Cheltenham is known for its unique blend of national and local retail experiences. This diversity means there are plenty of local souvenirs to buy as mementos of your visit. Handcrafted items, locally brewed beers, and Cotswold gin and whiskies are popular selections. The Montpellier district features several independent shops offering specialty Cheltenham products. Traditional British sweets, local art, and antiques are also common purchases for visitors wanting to remember their time in Cheltenham.