Winchester is one of England's most historic and beautiful cities. It's location in the chalk downs of Hampshire makes it an ideal location to explore further afield. There's the New Forest to explore as well as many walks, including The Pilgrim's Way, The Test Way, and The South Downs Way. The city attracts diverse people from near and far, likewise the hotels in Winchester are varied an offer accommodation to suit all.

Whilst there are many hotels in Winchester it should be remembered that the city is a very popular tourist destination so it is wise to book your room in advance.

A very popular Winchester Hotel is the 4 star Wessex Hotel run by the MacDonald group. The hotel's appearance is nothing special and looks rather mundane being built in the 1960s; however its location is probably the best in Winchester. The Wessex Hotel overlooks Winchester Cathedral. The view from the hotel across the parks to the cathedral is exquisite. The hotel has 94 bedrooms all of which come with en-suite bathroom and cable television. Apart from being next to the cathedral, the hotel is right in the centre of town. You're in walking distance of all places of interest in Winchester and within a 10 minute walk from the hotel you can find yourself walking in the countryside along the peaceful Itchen River. The hotel lacks charm but it more than makes up for this because of its location. It is also one on Winchester more expensive hotels.

If you want to stay in a hotel with charm then the Winchester Royal Hotel could be the place to stay. It has charm by the bucket full. The Royal Hotel has been in business for over 150 years but parts of the building go back much further; to 1530. There are 75 bedrooms and the hotel has a 3 star AA rating. One of the best features of this hotel is its restaurant. It's called the Conservatory and serves quality a La Carte and Table d' Hote menus at lunch and dinner. The restaurant was awarded AA Rosette award for the quality of its food and service. It's not as expensive as you might think either and many rooms can be hired at a very reasonable rate but if you can afford it you might want to book a room in the West wing as these rooms overlook the beautiful walled garden.

The Winchester Hotel is a modern Hotel. The rooms here are cheaper than those of the Wessex Hotel. The Winchester Hotel has a 3 star rating and comprises 71 rooms. The hotel isn't in the centre but it is quite close, in the Hyde area of the city. You can walk to the centre of town and the cathedral in about 10 minutes. One big advantage to staying at the Winchester Hotel is its large car park. Car park space is at a premium in Winchester and many hotels have limited car park space. One further plus is that this hotel boasts a large gymnasium with fixed and free weights; qualified instructors are on hand. There is also an indoor heated pool with spa, sauna, steam room and solarium.

For those with deep pockets and who want to stay in a hotel that just exudes elegance, Lainston House Hotel is the place to stay. It is arguably the best hotel in Winchester. Lainston House situated on the outskirts of the city - so you'll need a car. The hotel is an elegant William and Mary house that was built in the 17th century and is set in 63 acres of Hampshire's downland countryside. It has a 4 star AA rating.

The furnishings in the public areas and guest bedrooms are in keeping with hotel. Guests can enjoy afternoon tea or a pre-dinner cocktail in the Drawing Room and Cedar Bar, both of which have enchanting views along Lainston's spectacular avenue of Limes.

The above three hotels are just a snippet of the accommodation on offer in Winchester. There are many other hotels in Winchester and there's one to suit everyone. You can also stay in hotels that are within easy reach on Winchester; places like Southampton, Salisbury and the New Forest.