We began our UK road trip in Shakespeare’s backyard, choosing Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, as our first stop. In this Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa review, I’ll walk you through how we booked with points and our stay in the barn rooms.
From the historic setting to the peaceful countryside atmosphere, here’s what it was really like staying at Billesley Manor with kids, in terms of comfort, dining, and location.
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How to book Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa on points
As part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa can be booked using Marriott points or Free Night Awards.
For our stay, we used two Marriott Free Night Certificates, each worth up to 50,000 Bonvoy points, to book two rooms for the night. For our travel dates, the cash rate would have been about $400 per night (~47,000-point equivalent).
If you have Marriott Free Night Certificates, each worth up to 50,000 Bonvoy points, you can top it off with up to 15,000 extra points. This allows you to book high-value Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotels like Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa for up to 65,000 points per night.
Rooms that can be booked on points at Billesley Manor Hotel include:
- Barn Superior, Guest Room, 1 King – rustic charm with exposed beams.
- Barn Superior, Guest Room, 2 Twin – ideal for families or friends traveling together.
- Classic, Guest Room, 1 King – traditional manor house style with comfortable amenities.
Booking tip: check availability early for barn rooms, as they are limited. Mention your preference for Barn Superior or Classic rooms when reserving.
Credit card tips: the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card often offers bonus Free Night Awards (e.g., 3 Free Night Certificates after $3,000 in spend).
Check-in experience at Billesley Manor
Check-in at Billesley Manor begins at 3:00 PM, and checkout is generally at 12:00 PM. We arrived mid-afternoon and were welcomed in the manor’s warm, wood-panelled lobby. Soon after, the staff gave us a quick orientation to the grounds, the spa, and routes through the barns.
Set in 11 acres of Warwickshire parkland, just five miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed property with a rich history. The Billesley Manor was originally built in 1599 and is even said to have hosted Sir William Shakespeare himself.
That being said, expect stairs and corridors at this historic building; there’s no full elevator access across all levels of barn and manor structures.
Barn Superior, Guest room at Billesley Manor hotel
We decided on two Barn Superior rooms for our family, one with a king bed and one with two twins. Both rooms were located in the converted barn building, just a short walk from the main manor house.
In terms of layout, the rooms were identical in size and design, each about 18 square meters (194 square feet).
Interestingly, our “king” room actually had two twin beds pushed together. Since both rooms initially appeared to have a king bed, we double-checked at the hotel lobby to confirm we had the correct rooms. The staff quickly assured us it was indeed the right room and offered to fix the girls’ beds shortly, which worked out perfectly.
Inside, the rooms felt warm and cozy, with wooden beams, soft lighting, and a countryside charm that fit perfectly with the setting. Each room could accommodate two guests, and while cribs are permitted, rollaway beds aren’t available.
Additionally, the rooms at Billesley Manor Hotel had air conditioning, a tea and coffee setup, a flat-screen TV, and good Wi-Fi.
The bathrooms were small but modern, with a tub, fluffy towels, and bath products. Everything felt clean and well-kept, and it was a comfortable stay for a quick night in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Dining options at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa
The Great Hall Bar & Lounge at Billesley Manor Hotel
After arriving and settling in, we needed a quick bite to eat before getting comfortable and exploring the nearby town. The Great Hall Bar & Lounge was perfect for that.
It’s the social hub of the hotel, with cozy seating and roaring log fires during colder months. The lounge offers cocktails, local ales, fine wines, and an all-day dining menu.
We shared a couple of sandwiches with the girls, simple, fresh, and exactly what we needed after a long drive.
Stuart Restaurant Billesley Manor Hotel
Breakfast at Stuart Restaurant Billesley Manor Hotel
Breakfast at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a traditional English buffet with all the classics: eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, pastries, fruit, and strong coffee. It’s not complimentary, but depending on your rate, it may be included or added on.
You can choose to sit indoors or outside overlooking the gardens, which is lovely on a sunny morning. There were also plenty of kid-friendly options, including cereals, pastries, and fresh fruit, which made it easy for the girls to find something they liked.
Afternoon Tea at Billesley Manor Hotel
Another dining option at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is afternoon tea, served in the Great Hall Bar or on the patio overlooking the gardens.
It features finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and unlimited tea or coffee, with a special kids’ version available on request.
Amenities at Billesley Manor Hotel
Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa offers a great mix of wellness and leisure amenities for guests. The property has an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring Stratford-upon-Avon.
The gym is open 24 hours and equipped with Technogym machines, including treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals, and strength equipment — all complimentary for guests.
If you prefer to stay active outdoors, there are tennis courts, a yoga hut, and even group exercise classes offered during the week.
Other amenities: free in-room WiFi, complimentary parking (including EV charging stations), access to gardens and walking paths.
Kids at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa
While Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa doesn’t have a kids’ club, there’s still plenty of space for little ones to enjoy. Our girls loved running around the gardens and maze, chasing each other by the fountain, and exploring the open lawns.
It’s a peaceful property, so it’s ideal for families who appreciate quiet countryside stays rather than structured kids’ activities.
Area attractions & things to do
Staying at Billesley Manor gives you both peace and access to Stratford’s highlights (≈ 5 miles away).
Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon include:
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace — the half-timbered home with rooms filled with life and context
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage — thatched house and gardens
- Holy Trinity Church — Shakespeare’s final resting place
- Mary Arden’s Farm — countryside look into his family life
- Ragley Hall & Warwick Castle — short drives, major interest
- River Avon walks, theatre performances, boutique shops in Stratford
Bottom line
Our stay at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, just five miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, was a lovely start to our UK road trip. The barn rooms were cozy, comfortable, and perfect for a one-night stay with kids. We especially appreciated the peaceful setting, surrounded by Warwickshire countryside and historic gardens.
Booking with Marriott Bonvoy points made this stay even better. We used Free Night Certificates worth 50,000 points each and saved nearly $400 per night. If you’re planning a family trip through England and want a family-friendly Marriott hotel near Stratford-upon-Avon, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a great choice for charm, comfort, and value on points.
