What is it about Winchester, situated at the edge of South Downs National Park? The surrounding landscape lends itself to romance and drama, just like a Jane Austen novel. And, It just happens that Ms Austen is buried at Winchester Cathedral. This city is a blend of Gothic, Georgian and Victorian alongside modern and cosmopolitan architecture. A modern romance indeed.
Open since 2009, Holiday Inn Winchester falls into the modern side of the equation and it is conveniently situated just 1.5 miles from the centre point of the city. The hotel is easily accessed from the A34, M3 motorway, train, or bus and has plenty of free parking on site for wedding guests, travelling from afar. The closest international airport is just 20 minutes away at Southampton International and Heathrow is 50 miles away.
There are 131 luxurious and contemporary bedrooms kitted with complimentary wi-fi, super comfy beds, power showers and lush toiletries. The rooms are a mixture of standard and executive, offering lots of sharing options including double, twin and family rooms for three, four and even five (up to 4 adults and 1 child under 12 sharing).
The hotel is a purpose built ‘Green’ hotel, with green credentials and sustainable working practices perfect for the discerning climate conscious couple.
In 2017 the Holiday Inn Winchester underwent refurbishment and the light, bright, contemporary design open lobby made the lobby area, bar, and restaurant warm and welcoming.
You can relax with a drink, in the open lobby or weather permitting on the sunny terrace and your guests can have their fill if needed at the Odyssey Restaurant, Bar and Pizzeria.
Ana Spa is the jewel in the crown. Purpose-built the spa includes a sauna, steam room, seasonal shower, and a large thermal spa pool. You can chill in the relaxation room and lounge area, and there are six treatment rooms, fully equipped for all types of pre booked treatments with qualified therapists.
Catering for weddings of up to 200 guests they can also accommodate pre-wedding parties or post wedding day celebrations. If you have a smaller and more intimate celebration in mind, this four star property is ready to help you plan your dream day.
The Hampshire Suite is a large, bright room with direct access onto the aforementioned terrace. The terrace is ideal for photographs, arrival drinks or a BBQ. There is a private reception area and private bar. The Suite can work well for parties from 50 to 200 guests, as the room can be divided if needed.
The hotel is fully licensed to host civil ceremonies. The Monarch and Emperor Suites are both suitable for smaller or multi faith ceremonies or celebrations. They can seat up to 35 guests comfortably on four round Tables. The team at Holiday Inn Winchester are also used to hosting vow renewals, reception only and even dry hire of the event spaces or indeed even exclusive use of the entire hotel.
They’ve really thought about easy organisation and clear pricing for you. They offer three main packages, but can also offer a BBQ or afternoon tea for more contemporary or retro styling. For example their Infinity Package starts from £3495.00 and caters for 50 Day Guests and 80 Evening Guests. It is however, possible to design your own bespoke day with their expert wedding coordinator, happy to advise you along the way.
Wedding couples receive the use of a complimentary Executive room or upgrade to the Suite subject to availability and package. The Holiday Inn Winchester also extends a preferred rate to your wedding guests and each guest can book themselves quoting the reference. It’s also possible to avail of smaller deposits (e.g. £250 – £500 per event depending on numbers) and a flexible payment plan if required.
The team has many years of experience and would love to help you celebrate your day. The highly trained team of chefs offers top quality food, delicious menus for your two or three course wedding breakfast, all presented with first-class service, and excellent attention to detail.
The events team can recommend some fantastic local suppliers who can help to add those finishing touches to your wedding day. If you need a Photographer, chair covers, live band, or decorative ideas such as flowers or centrepieces, they can point you towards the best companies that can help you.
If you are thinking of modern luxury for your wedding, then Holiday Inn Winchester could be just the shout. Don’t take our word for it…
“The Team at Holiday Inn Winchester made this happy occasion even better with their attentiveness and care. Fantastic food, served efficiently and piping hot. The master of ceremonies was welcoming and professional and Bar staff were friendly and helpful, a huge thank you to all that were involved.”
