Steeped in more than five centuries of history, the Castle Hotel Windsor will embark on a new chapter when it relaunches in summer 2026 and unveils a £9.5 million refurbishment. Every bedroom has been carefully updated, public areas have been revamped and an exciting new brasserie and bar will open, positioning the landmark hotel as a vibrant hub for visitors to Windsor and meeting organisers looking for a venue close to London and London Heathrow. The launch comes just a few months after the Sutton Hotel Collection successfully completed the £14million reimagination of the Francis Hotel in Bath and opened a new brasserie Emberwood, which has already been recognised in the Michelin guide and The Times Top 50 places to visit in 2026.
Located moments from Windsor Castle, the Castle Hotel traces its origins back to 1528, when it first opened as The Mermaid Inn, making it one of the oldest inns in Windsor. Today, it holds the largest event space in central Windsor and has 108 bedrooms. The refurbishment balances this rich heritage with a contemporary approach to British hospitality, which alongside a renewed guest experience, will celebrate the building’s past while welcoming its future.
Once again, the extensive refurbishment has been carefully curated by interior designers 3DReid and will include all guestrooms and public area, each thoughtfully redesigned to bring a fresh identity. Interiors draw inspiration from classic British design with a nod to the hotel’s Georgian heritage, with layered textures, chintz fabrics, and brass detailing, alongside reinstated architectural features including traditional wall panelling. All bedrooms will combine bold patterns, playful colour and contemporary artwork with thoughtful updated amenities such as Roberts radios and in-room coffee machines.
The Mews bedrooms, located on the site of the hotel’s former stables, will offer six elevated guestrooms including suites with separate lounge areas, providing a more secluded stay. Throughout the hotel, artwork and detailing will weave in subtle references to the building’s history and Windsor’s character, offering guests a glimpse into the hotel’s long-standing role in the town.
INTRODUCING PENNINGTON’S: A NEW BRITISH BRASSERIE FOR WINDSOR
At the heart of the hotel’s next chapter is Penningtons, a new restaurant and bar opening alongside the relaunch. Named after 17th-century innkeeper George Pennington, who introduced the locally used Pennington Penny token currency in 1656, the restaurant celebrates the hotel’s heritage as Windsor’s original inn.
Developed in partnership with Auden Hospitality, Penningtons will champion British cuisine and local provenance in a relaxed yet polished setting.
The menu will be rooted in familiar British classics with playful twists. A signature feature will be a collection of reimagined British pies, alongside seasonal dishes, a traditional Sunday roast and a dessert trolley. Afternoon tea will also form a central part of the experience for visitors exploring Windsor.
The hotel’s bar will revive the spirit of the hotel’s original tap room, once a gathering place for travellers and locals alike. Designed with zinc bar tops, tiled floors and classic pub references, the space will offer a contemporary interpretation of a traditional British pub, serving cocktails alongside craft beers and local brews. The innovative cocktail list will be designed by renowned flavourist and author of The Cocktail Cabinet; Zoe Burgess.
Beyond the restaurant and bar, the hotel’s public areas will be refreshed to create a more fluid, all-day experience. The lounge will evolve into a versatile space where guests can enjoy morning coffee, working lunches, afternoon tea or relaxed evening dining beside the fire. Outside, renewed kerbside appeal and landscaping will enhance the arrival experience, ensuring the hotel makes a confident first impression for guests arriving in the heart of Windsor.
With its summer 2026 relaunch, the Castle Hotel Windsor will usher in a new era for this historic address. Combining thoughtful design, vibrant dining and centuries of hospitality, the revitalised hotel will offer a stay that feels naturally British; welcoming, characterful and deeply connected to this time-honoured town.