In the heart of the historic center, the White Swan Hotel dates back to the mid-15th century. There are flexible meeting spaces for up to 70 guests and 41 stylish rooms ranging from small Classic units with cute English country-style decor to striking Character Rooms with original features. The hotel’s centerpiece is its historic pub, featuring original 16th-century frescoes and cozy all-wood decor with leather accents. Working fireplaces keep the space warm, and there is an inviting lounge area with couches and armchairs placed around wooden tables and trunks. 

The Stratford -- complete with clock tower and weathercock -- is a modern take on traditional country-style architecture. The hotel offers 24-hour room service; six meeting spaces; a small fitness center; and fast, free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The 102 rooms are nicely presented in natural woods with soft lighting and satellite TV, though some are prone to internal noise -- especially when the property hosts weddings. Dining is decent with free full English breakfast and plenty of a la carte options. While there are plenty of hotels nearer the attractions, those looking for smart lodgings within strolling distance of the main tourist sights will find plenty to like here. 

A three-story brick building with mullioned windows and a small door with a pitched roof, The Arden looks traditional from the outside. Interiors, however, are stylish and contemporary. The 45 elegant rooms come with great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Nespresso machines, and Espa toiletries. The brasserie is a popular spot with with outdoor seating and good wines, the cozy Lounge offers afternoon tea, and there is a fully equipped meeting room for up to 40 guests. Freebies include breakfast, turndown service, and Wi-Fi throughout, but the biggest perk here is the free on-site parking, which is a rarity in town.

The 130-room Ettington Chase Hotel is a mid-range property located a short drive from the historic cities of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick. It is mostly geared toward business travelers and conference attendees, with extensive meeting space, a well-equipped fitness center, a good restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Renovated rooms are stylish and contemporary, with a brown palette and aquamarine accents. But non-renovated units are generic and bland, with dated bathrooms and small flat-screen TVs.

The 259-room Crowne Plaza is an upper-middle-range chain hotel located a short walk from most major historic attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon. Rooms were renovated in 2016 have double-glazed windows. Executive Club Level units have a few extras, including minibars and turndown service. The stylish restaurant serves a decent buffet for all three main meals. The bar has outdoor space overlooking the river and is a popular spot in the warmer months. Other features include a fitness center, a heated indoor pool, and 14 meeting rooms, but there's a fee for Wi-Fi. 

The Billesley Manor is housed in an imposing 16th-century Elizabethan building with a brown-stone facade covered in ivy. A small arched door opens into the lobby, an elegant space with an open fire, several couches, large windows overlooking the grounds, and wood paneling. Most rooms are stately, with canopy or four-poster beds, rich fabrics, and modern amenities, but Standard Rooms are a little plain, and some are showing some wear and tear. There are two restaurants -- known for their seasonal menus and intimate vibe -- as well as 12 fully equipped meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout, and free parking.

The Straford Limes Hotel is a small family-owned hotel with a bed-and-breakfast vibe, about a five-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon's historic center. Although decor is a little generic for a boutique hotel, rooms are warm and comfortable, with nice beds, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles. The hotel has meeting space for up to 12 guests (and offers catering services for business events), as well as free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking.