'Unique and beautiful' UK city welcomes 'first boutique hotel' with stays from £89
With spring on the horizon and Easter just around the corner, I’m firmly in holiday-planning mode. And that doesn’t just mean far-flung getaways. I'm also thinking about those trips closer to home, where you’ll find cities rich in history, full of character, and just a short journey from rolling countryside.
One place that fits the bill perfectly is Gloucester, a historic city set on the banks of the River Severn in southwest England. If it’s not already on your radar, it might be worth a look, especially now there’s a new reason to stay for a little longer. The city has just welcomed its first boutique hotel, which opened its doors on March 24.
Set within the city’s urban renewal development, Crimson Spire, the new Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG family. Like others in the Hotel Indigo collection, its interiors draw heavily on the surrounding neighbourhood. That means thoughtful nods to Gloucester’s past, from its tailoring and craft heritage to its historic docks and Roman roots, woven into the design throughout the hotel.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “I am delighted that Hotel Indigo has taken inspiration from our unique and beautiful city, which rightly deserves to be celebrated. This will be our first boutique hotel, and it will be a catalyst for change in terms of what we can offer the thousands of visitors who come to Gloucester.”
Inside, there are 129 rooms spanning standard, premium and suites, along with two restaurants, a café and a rooftop bar with sweeping views across the city. The bar, Crimson Spire, takes its name from the striking Gloucester Cathedral, which forms part of the skyline guests can admire while enjoying small plates, signature cocktails and a curated wine list.
Downstairs, there’s the all-day bistro, West Window (named after the neighbouring cathedral’s Great East Window), offering relaxed dining with a neighbourhood feel. The ground floor is also home to Terraé, a casual café serving coffee and breakfast.
As the hotel is brand new, it doesn’t yet have reviews on TripAdvisor. That said, I’m already a fan of Hotel Indigo, having stayed at several locations across the UK, including Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell, Hotel Indigo Exeter and Hotel Indigo York. What stands out is their cosy, more intimate feel. They’re not as vast as some of the bigger chains, so it’s easier to settle in and feel at home.
And, while there’s a clear sense of consistency across the brand, each hotel still feels distinct thanks to its locally inspired design. But, despite their polished, high-end look, prices often remain refreshingly reasonable, which is ideal if you want something that feels a little special without pushing the budget too far.
This newest opening is no exception. Depending on when you book and the room you choose, stays can start from as little as £89 a night. In an independent search, we found midweek stays in April from £84, with Thursdays proving particularly good value if you don’t mind travelling during the week.
Location-wise, it’s a good one. The hotel is just a short walk from the train station and within walking distance of key sights, including Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester Docks and the Museum of Gloucester. If you’re keen to explore further, it also makes a good base for day trips to the Cotswolds—reachable by car—or by train to places like Moreton-in-Marsh (with a change) and Kemble.
How to get the best deal on a stay at Hotel Indigo Gloucester
As a shopping editor, I’m always keeping an eye on travel deals and ways to stretch your budget a little further. Booking in advance can often help, though last-minute offers do crop up from time to time.
Because Hotel Indigo Gloucester is so new, there are already some appealing rates available on its website from April onwards. As mentioned, Thursday nights in particular seem to offer good value. Being flexible with your dates makes a difference too—midweek stays tend to be cheaper, while weekends and school holidays usually come at a premium.
The hotel recommends booking directly for the most up-to-date rates, but it’s also worth checking platforms like Booking.com, where Genius discounts can sometimes be applied. They’re handy for comparing prices across nearby hotels and making sure you’re getting the best deal.
More places to book UK holidays
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Airbnb has holiday rentals, not just in the UK, but all around the world. And while there are cottage options to choose from, they also offer apartments, villas, rooms and full houses that have a real homely vibe. One of the perks of Airbnb is that there's a huge range of prices to choose from, depending on your budget.
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