Nestled in the regal heart of Windsor, just a scone’s throw from the gates of Windsor Castle itself, The Castle Hotel Windsor is no ordinary place to rest your head. This stately boutique gem, with roots stretching all the way back to 1528, is not just a hotel – it’s a living, breathing tapestry of royal history, elegant hospitality, and culinary adventure. If these walls could talk, they’d likely do so with a distinguished British accent and a silver tea tray in hand.
From Beer to Busts: A Storied Past
Long before leaf tea was lovingly poured in its serene lounge, The Castle Hotel began life as The Mermaid Inn, quenching the thirst of Windsor’s modest 1,000 residents with home-brewed beer and cider. But this was no mere village watering hole. By the 18th century, it had won its first of eight Royal Warrants, tasked with supplying horses and carriages to the royal household.
One might say it quite literally carried the monarchy.
The ghosts of grandeur are everywhere. From the poised busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (themselves a tribute to a royal birthday gift), to the chandeliers that twinkle like the crown jewels, The Castle Hotel has long been the discreet host of aristocrats and aficionados alike. Today, it stands not just as a hotel but as Windsor’s unofficial front parlour – opposite Windsor Castle, beside the Royal Borough Museum, and around the corner from centuries of tradition.
A Stay Fit for a Sovereign
Despite its grand past, The Castle Hotel keeps its guest list charmingly intimate with just 108 stylish rooms. From Classic to the regal Royal Warrant Suite, rooms feature all the expected comforts: flat-screen TVs, 100 Acres toiletries, and complimentary still and sparkling water (because royalty should never have to choose). And with check-in from 3pm and check-out by 11am, there’s plenty of time to lounge, luxuriate, and possibly curtsy.
Leaf: Where the Culinary Crown Shines Brightest
At the heart of the hotel’s modern renaissance is Leaf, the hotel’s show-stopping restaurant and culinary playground for Executive Head Chef Suraj Lokhande. Here, seasonal British produce takes a star turn in dishes that are equal parts poetry and plate.
Start your evening with pan-seared scallops on curried cauliflower purée, or the Duck and Orange Pâté, elegantly escorted by toasted brioche and a perfectly cheeky Pinot Noir. Mains include baked cod loin in coconut basil sauce, a standout Thai vegetable curry for plant-based palates, and a signature Game Pie crafted from estate-sourced venison – a true farm-to-fork triumph.
Prefer something grilled? You’re spoiled for choice. There’s Chateaubriand, lobster, surf and turf, and a perfectly pink fillet steak. And dessert? Six glorious options ranging from citrusy dark chocolate cake to a feather-light elderflower crème brûlée.
For those who’d rather graze, the all-day menu features hearty sandwiches (including a vegan club), tricolour quinoa salads, and Leaf’s fully loaded Castle burger, all served with skin-on fries – because even royalty deserves a cheat day.
A Tea Party for the Ages
Served daily in the delightfully English lounge, the Royal Afternoon Tea features everything from Wiltshire ham brioche buns to matcha shortbread and elderflower crème brûlée. It’s £40 per adult, £22 for children, and priceless in charm.
And for those who seek tradition with a twist, Sunday Roasts are served until 5pm with all the trimmings – beef, salmon, veggie wellington, and a gravy boat worthy of a knighthood.
Practical Magic
Parking? Available. Trains? Close by. Heathrow? Just 15 minutes away. Whether you’re arriving by carriage or cab, getting here is refreshingly easy. Room rates begin at £209 per night with breakfast included – an accessible luxury in one of Britain’s most exclusive postal codes.
The Last Word
The Castle Hotel Windsor is more than just a place to stay – it’s a journey through time and taste, and a quintessentially British embrace of the past, present, and future. Whether you come for the food, the history, or the unbeatable views of Windsor Castle, you’ll leave with a story that’s fit for the palace gates.
18 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LJ
