Hotels in Guildford

Enchanting Guildford: Where River Reflections Meet Cathedral Dreams

Discover Guildford, a charming town nestled in the heart of Surrey, England, where history and modernity intertwine. Stroll through the picturesque town center, explore the majestic Guildford Castle, and marvel at the stunning architecture of Guildford Cathedral. Enjoy the serene beauty of the River Wey as you wander along its banks or venture into the stunning Surrey Hills for breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. With a lively nightlife scene and a blend of boutique shops and eateries, Guildford offers a unique escape for culture seekers and nature lovers alike. Experience the essence of England in this captivating destination! For the best hotel rates in Guildford, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Guildford

Some of the best places to stay in Guildford are London City Centre, Covent Garden and West End. London City Centre, Covent Garden, and the West End are vibrant areas perfect for travelers. London City Centre offers iconic landmarks and easy transport, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Covent Garden is known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and dining, while the West End is famous for its theater scene. Accommodation in these areas ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, ensuring something for every traveler’s preference. For a stay in Guildford, consider hotels like the Guildford Manor and the Harbour Hotel. These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Guildford:

1. London City CentreOpens in a new window: The vibrant London City Centre is a fantastic base for exploring iconic attractions like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. This area is perfect for families, business travelers, and couples alike. For accommodations, consider The Rubens at the PalaceOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5-star hotel offering exceptional business amenities, childcare services, and romantic packages. Another great option is Hyatt Regency London BlackfriarsOpens in a new window, also a 5-star hotel, which features multiple meeting rooms and high-end facilities tailored for both business and family stays. Lastly, London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor SquareOpens in a new window provides a centrally located luxury experience with accessible business services, making it ideal for city explorers and professionals.
2. Covent GardenOpens in a new window: Covent Garden is a lively area known for its shopping, street performances, and cultural experiences, including Hyde Park and the iconic Piccadilly Circus nearby. For luxury travelers, Boundary ShoreditchOpens in a new window is an excellent choice, nestled in the shopping district with upscale accommodations. Town Hall Hotel – ShoreditchOpens in a new window, a chic 5-star hotel, offers unique decor and extensive business facilities, perfect for a stylish city stay. Also, consider Canary Riverside Plaza HotelOpens in a new window, which caters to families and business travelers with its child-friendly amenities and comprehensive business services.
3. West EndOpens in a new window: The West End is the heart of London's theater district, offering a lively atmosphere with attractions like Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus nearby. This area is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts. Danubius Hotel Regents ParkOpens in a new window, a 4-star hotel, features excellent business services and romantic packages, making it a great choice for couples. For a more casual stay, Three Falcons HotelOpens in a new window provides complimentary breakfast and entertainment options, while London Marriott Hotel Regents ParkOpens in a new window caters to families and shoppers with its extensive business facilities and child-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Things to do in Guildford for first time

Three days in Guildford offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Travelers can enjoy serene river views, explore lush parks and forests, and partake in activities like boating and theater. With its charming atmosphere and vibrant festivals, Guildford is a perfect getaway. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Guildford:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at Thorpe Park, where thrilling rides and attractions await. Spend the morning enjoying the exhilarating roller coasters and family-friendly experiences. Afterward, make your way to Chertsey Abbey, an enchanting site steeped in history. Wander through the remains of this ancient abbey and soak in the serene atmosphere. Conclude your day with a visit to the Shah Jehan II Mosque, a stunning architectural gem that offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Islamic culture.
• Day 2: Start your day at the magnificent Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Explore its rich history and stunning architecture. Next, take a leisurely stroll through Windsor Great Park, where you can enjoy beautiful landscaped gardens and scenic views. Wrap up your day at Savill Garden, a horticultural paradise with a variety of plants and flowers—perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic.
• Day 3: Your day begins at RHS Garden Wisley, a breathtaking garden showcasing a diverse range of plants and stunning landscapes. Spend some time exploring the various themed gardens and perhaps visit the on-site shop. Afterward, head to Hampton Court Palace, where you can delve into the fascinating history of the Tudor monarchs and wander through the impressive gardens. Finally, conclude your journey at Dunsfold Park, where you can enjoy the expansive grounds and possibly catch a glimpse of some exciting air shows.

5 tips to find a great Guildford hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Guildford is during January, February, and November, when hotel prices are more affordable. For international travelers, it’s advisable to book your flight at least two months in advance to secure great value for money. To fully appreciate the main attractions, plan for at least 2-3 days in Guildford. Notable sites worth exploring include the picturesque river and the stunning cathedral, both of which add to the town’s charm.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: Explore last-minute deals to Guildford for an exciting getaway! To uncover these offers on Hotels.com, check the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could find attractive discounts on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. Consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep informed about flash sales and unique last-minute promotions. This way, you’re more likely to seize opportunities for savings, and don’t forget to look for refundable options to secure your stay with peace of mind.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you are flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Guildford.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Guildford is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further away from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like cars, buses, trains, and walking to explore the area, which is likely to be more affordable.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Guildford and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

What to eat in Guildford

Here are some top-rated dishes in Guildford, England, United Kingdom:

• Sunday Roast: A cherished British tradition, the Sunday roast is a hearty meal often enjoyed with family and friends. Typically featuring roasted meat—such as beef, chicken, or lamb—it's served alongside crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy. This dish embodies the warmth of British hospitality, making it a must-try experience in Guildford.
• Fish and Chips: A classic British dish, fish and chips consists of battered and deep-fried fish, usually cod or haddock, paired with thick-cut fries. Often enjoyed with malt vinegar and tartar sauce, this dish reflects the seaside culinary heritage of the UK and is best experienced at a local chippy in Guildford.
• Cream Tea: For a quintessentially British experience, indulge in cream tea, which consists of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, alongside a pot of tea. This delightful afternoon treat showcases the region's baking traditions and is perfect for a leisurely pause during your culinary exploration.

Best time to go to Guildford

Guildford experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 40.1°F (4.5°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 63.5°F (17.5°C). October is usually the wettest month. April, July, and September are the peak travel months in Guildford, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with dry to light rainfall. On the other hand, October to December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.