Other attractions worth seeing include the beautiful parks and the award-winning gardens, of which the Shakespearean Gardens are most famous. Did you know that the swan is a symbol of the town? Every spring, Stratford residents release swans into the Avon River. Stratford is also the hometown of the famous pop star Justin Bieber.
Before the town became known for the arts, it was primarily a major railway center. Cool fact: When Thomas Edison was 16 years old, he briefly worked there as a telegraph operator. Furniture manufacturing was another main source of income for residents. When the furniture makers went on strike in 1933, the Canadian army was actually called in to try and stop it!
When to Visit Stratford, ON
Summer is the best time to visit if you want to attend the festivals. The Stratford Blues & Ribfest takes place at the end of June, while the Stratford Summer Music event runs through July and August. While you're at it, you can catch one of the performances at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. The weather is also warmest at this time of year: The average temperature in July is 63 degrees Fahrenheit.
October is another great month to visit Stratford. On average, the temperature is a cool and refreshing 48 degrees Fahrenheit. You can snap photos of the colorful fall leaves or attend the indie theater and arts festival, Spring Works. For the lowest hotel rates, visit between November and April. Winter may not be festival season, but you can browse the local shops, do a winter sport like cross-country skiing, or relax all day in your hotel's hot tub.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Stratford, ON:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Stratford, ON. Analyze these charts to calculate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Stratford for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Stratford, ON
For a comfortable hotel with all the bells and whistles, look no further than Forest Hotel & Woodland Retreat. Its three buildings with 19 rooms are right on Lake McCarthy and surrounded by 32 acres of woodlands and wetlands. The spacious, comfortable rooms have either queen or king-size beds. Depending which room you go with, you could also get a kitchenette, private propane barbecue, or fireplace. The queen suite would be great for a romantic getaway; it has a private deck with an outdoor saltwater hot tub.
The coolest thing about the Forest Hotel & Woodland Retreat is that guests can use sports equipment at no additional charge: snowshoes, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, a paddleboat, cross-country skis, and more. At any other hotel, extra fees would apply. Other activities include swimming, ice fishing, and hiking.
Not really into the great outdoors? You may prefer Mercer Hall Inn. It has an on-site restaurant that customers rave about, and every guest room has modern amenities like a mini-fridge and Keurig coffee machine. Go with a deluxe room to make use of a private Jacuzzi and an electric fireplace. The downtown location lets you walk easily from place to place. Concierge service is also available.
Affordable Options in Stratford, ON
3 Star Average Prices: £103.02
Albert Street Inn LTD offers reasonable rates for clean rooms that include air conditioning, cable TV, and outdoor swimming. The building is smoke and pet free. Conveniently located within walking distance of several theaters and restaurants, Albert Street Inn has five types of rooms that include some combination of single, double, queen, or king-size beds. If you book a suite, you'll also get a pullout sofa and a separate sitting area. Albert Street Inn is open all year.
As You Like it Motel is a fun choice. The 18 rooms are categorized into four different styles, and each style is named after a Shakespearean character: Romeo, Juliet, King Lear, and Oliver. Fittingly, you'll find the motel on Romeo Street North. The neighborhood is quiet, but it's only about 1 mile from the Stratford Festival Theatre. This family run motel provides free breakfast for each guest. The only downside is that it's only open from April to early November.
For downtown accommodations, try the Stratford Hotel. Every room has queen-size beds, cable TV, internet, and air conditioning. You'll get great value for your money here, and that's not just because of the affordable rates. Guests will also enjoy free parking, complimentary coffee and cookies, and free transportation from the Via Train Station to the hotel. It's open every month except December.
Best Discounts in Stratford, ON
One of the best places to get a discount is Best Western Plus the Arden Park Hotel. AARP members and seniors can get 10 percent or more off room rates. If you're a CAA or AAA member, you could get up to 15 percent off room rates. Do you ride a motorcycle? Best Western's Ride Rewards Program gives motorcyclists a discount of 10 percent or more on room rates. Veterans, military personnel, and government employees also get a discount of 10 percent or more off the Flexible Rate.
As if that weren't enough, Best Western offers a program called Business Advantage for small to medium-sized businesses. If your business qualifies, you and your employees will receive a 10-percent discount on room rates. There are also special rates for groups, though you'll have to contact the company to get more information. And, of course, if you already frequent Best Western hotels, you already know it has a loyalty program. Collect and save enough points, and you can redeem them for a free stay.
If you want an alternative to Best Western, Queen's Inn offers corporate guest rates as well as meeting rooms that fit up to 50 people. Along with the standard high-speed internet, companies can also make use of audio-visual equipment, the copier, and fax machine, and on-site catering with group menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you're finished with meetings for the day, you can relax with a drink and some dinner at the Boar's Head Pub.
Best Value Options in Stratford, ON
If you're looking for a mid-range hotel, consider staying at the Parlour Inn by Vintage Hotels. It was built in 1871, and the decor reflects its long history; each guest room has beautiful antique furnishings. However, that doesn't mean that it's stuck in the past. Guests can access the high-speed internet, brew java in the Keurig coffee machine, and watch movies on the flat-screen TVs that are in every room. If you book a premium room, you'll also get to use a Jacuzzi tub.
Other great options include the Festival Inn, which has an indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sauna, meeting and conference rooms, and complimentary breakfast. The newly renovated rooms come with double, queen, or king-size beds. If you have your heart set on a place with a mini-fridge, try the Annex Suites. Every room has either a king or queen-size bed, and certain suites have gas fireplaces. It's the perfect combination of amenities you love and reasonable prices.
What to Do in Stratford, ON
There are plenty of things to do in Stratford besides the festivals already mentioned. Foodies should sign up for the Flavours of Stratford walking food tour. Depending on which of the two tours you choose, you could visit a distillery, try delicious soup, or eat some local gelato. If you'd rather go on a self-guided tour, buy a Savours Stratford Chocolate Trail pass. You'll get vouchers to six different shops, which you can then visit to get samples of chocolate. Not in the mood for sweets? Try the Savour Stratford Bacon & Ale Trail pass instead.
Stratford also has family friendly attractions. At McCully's Hill Farm, the kids have the chance to pet animals. Adults can browse the available homemade products like fruit pies, preserves, and maple pork sausage. Different events go on all year. In March, you can bring the family on a sugar bush tour and learn how maple syrup is made. In the fall, the farm holds a festival where kids can go through a corn maze, get their faces painted, and launch the pumpkin catapult.
People of all ages can appreciate the Wildlife Conservation Area. It has walking and biking trails as well as the option to rent bikes. There are picnic areas, canoe rentals, and volleyball courts. There is also a playground for the kids. Are you a fan of the supernatural? If so, you may enjoy the Ghosts of Stratford walking tours. The guides wear costumes and share true stories of creepy events that happened in town. Some residents believe certain places are haunted. Do you dare to find out where?
Stay at a hotel, motel, or inn and enjoy the attractions while you're in town. Stratford is a wonderful place for exploring nature, eating local food, going to the theater, or catching a live concert. Whether you're here on business or simply getting away for the weekend, there's something just right for your budget.
FAQs about hotels in Stratford
What did travelers think of the city of Stratford?
Below are reviews of the city of Stratford, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
"A Special City Worth Visiting"
Score
5.0 / 5
Stratford is a special city and well worth visiting. From heritage buildings including the City Hall clock tower and public art and fountains at the Festival Theatre, it seems like Stratford treats its guests with respect and an invitation to come back again.
Mary V., from 12-Nov-2023
"Stratford is beautiful and very nice to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Stratford is beautiful and very nice to visit!
Lorie W., from 04-Nov-2023
"Great Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything is a close drive. A nice shopping district.
Nancy B., from 18-Oct-2023
"Beautiful Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful place!
Peter J., from 26-Sep-2023
"Lovely Old Town!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It is a lovely old town with many great shops. The buildings are so historic as well. Sitting by the river at a park or along the walkways is a great experience as well.
Sandra C., from 06-Sep-2023
"Tom Patterson Theatre"
Score
4.0 / 5
Visited the river area and the new Tom Patterson Theatre which is quite stunning!
Jeremy G., from 17-Aug-2023
"Nice people, beautiful scenery and great theatre!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice people, beautiful scenery and great theatre!
William H., from 10-Aug-2023
"Plays, shopping, restaurants, parks."
Score
5.0 / 5
Plays, shopping, restaurants, parks, old buildings.
Laurie T., from 16-Jul-2023
"Lots of Shops & Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of shopping and restaurants. Loved a new store called Daisies & Doilies!!
Cathy B., from 28-Feb-2023
"Stratford is a Wonderful Destination!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The theatre, the downtown, the shops and restaurants, the places to stay, the countryside...all make Stratford a wonderful destination.
Jack W., from 01-Feb-2023
"room was clean and quiet"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Stratford and the community it is.
Allison B., from 12-Nov-2022
"Small city charm with a world class theatre!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Small city charm with a world class theatre!
Valerie J., from 25-Sep-2022
"Beautiful Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful, clean hotel. Good restaurants downtown. 5/5
Al A., from 21-Sep-2022
"Avon River!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The restaurants were amazing (didn't have one mediocre meal here), the boutique shops, scenery and the Avon River. The paddle boating was one of the highlights of my trip!
Shauna R., from 27-Jul-2022
"Quaint town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Bustling small quaint town with convenient parking and a variety of food choices.
Linda K., from 17-Jul-2022
"Lovely area "
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean with many beautiful buildings, lots to see and do in the area as well.
Martin D., from 07-Aug-2019
"Stratford Festival is the best! "
Score
5.0 / 5
Stratford Festival is the best!
Michael B., from 05-Aug-2019
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Charming little town. Lots of cool little shops.
Bill F., from 19-Nov-2017
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Charming little town. Lots of cool little shops to visit.
Bill F., from 19-Nov-2017
"Great Area To Visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
The world class theatre options. We also found a lovely yarn shop. The owner was friendly and very helpful.
Marianne R., from 21-May-2016
"Overall Beauty"
Score
4.0 / 5
A beautiful city with gorgeous gardens and a lovely river walk. The homes and stores are so well kept. There are plenty of restaurants and eclectic boutiques. We make a yearly trip to Stratford for its professional quality plays, its culture, eateries, great shopping and overall beauty.
E Gail L., from 29-Aug-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Stratford, ON shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 21 reviews