voco Winchester Hotel & Spa
celebrating the prestigious Green Key Certification
Set on the edge of England’s ancient capital, understated voco Winchester Hotel & Spa has a new reason to bask in glory. It’s celebrating after being awarded its prestigious Green Key Certification, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism.
The hotel has demonstrated that its morals run far deeper than its overtly charming, vibrant and colourful interior design. Visitors stepping through the doors of voco Winchester Hotel & Spa into the expansive open-plan lobby now have peace of mind that the hotel is committed to reducing its environmental impact without compromising the guest experience.
Green Key Certification is a globally recognised eco-label awarded to hospitality businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Sustainability initiatives are evident throughout the hotel, from energy-efficient systems and water-saving measures to waste reduction and responsible sourcing.
Lobby
As a conscious traveller, the hotel’s commitment to these practices aligns with my own ethical hospitality values, and I must admit, they elevated my experience during a recent stay. I liked the subtle encouragement for guests to participate in these efforts through optional linen reuse and eco-friendly amenities. It felt like a shared effort. As Joe Davidovitz, Hotel Manager of voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, said: “This is the first step in not only reducing our carbon footprint but also encouraging our guests to make more sustainable choices during their stay.”
The hotel was first built in 2010 and has 131 stylish bedrooms consisting of double, twin, accessible, premium and grand rooms. It was rebranded to voco Winchester Hotel & Spa in 2024 following a refurbishment programme costing £2 million. voco hotels was voted the number one premium brand and is IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand.
First impressions are important, and voco Winchester knows how to wow its guests from the outset. The open-plan lobby is bright, cheery and incredibly cosy. A palette of warm neutrals and muted earth tones is punctuated by pops of deep blue and soft terracotta in the upholstery and accent pieces.
Plush sofas and armchairs, arranged in intimate seating groups, coexist harmoniously with high tables and sleek work points, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Artwork and decorative elements draw on local influences, subtly alluding to Hampshire’s landscape and heritage. The space is designed to accommodate everything from informal catch-ups to work meetings (separate meeting rooms equipped with modern audiovisual technology are also available).
Bar and Kitchen 21
This fluid layout extends to the bar and lounge area to the right, where comfortable banquettes and armchairs lie juxtaposed with high stools along the sleek bar. Just beyond the welcoming foyer sits Kitchen 21, which is the heart of the hotel’s culinary offering.
The restaurant occupies a space that feels airy and expansive, yet thoughtfully segmented to allow both social energy and quieter, more intimate dining areas. I was drawn to the seats by the large windows that frame glimpses of the South Downs beyond.
Breakfast is a particular highlight, offering an extensive spread that caters to both indulgent and health-conscious guests, including plant-based options and locally produced items. I was particularly pleased to see health shots being served alongside eggs made to order. There’s nothing better than a protein-packed breakfast to kick-start the day.
The rest of the day’s menu showcases modern British cuisine with international influences. One of Kitchen 21’s standout offerings is its showstopping made-to-order 21-inch pizza — a dish that has quickly become synonymous with the restaurant’s identity. Layered with 15 toppings, it really is something. I couldn’t believe the sheer size of it when it appeared from the kitchen and landed on the table of guests dining across from me.
While the pizza is the main headline act, guests can also choose from a selection of starters, small plates, main courses and side dishes. I was most impressed with my roast chicken, accompanied by a sizeable portion of vegetables. The meat was cooked just right and the vegetables al dente.
Rooms
The hotel’s guest rooms are immediately calming, with a soft, neutral palette accented by warm wood tones and subtle pops of colour. The design is modern but unfussy, prioritising comfort and functionality without sacrificing style. Beds are generously sized and dressed in high-quality linens.
Premium and grand rooms offer complimentary minibars, Nespresso machines and bedding with fillings made from 100% recyclable materials. Bathrooms are sleek and well-appointed, kitted out with eco-conscious toiletries — a further nod to the hotel’s sustainability commitments.
There are 131 bedrooms with premium room starting from £250.00 Bed and breakfast for up to two people sharing in a room.
The ANA Spa
At voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, wellness isn’t an afterthought — it’s a defining part of the guest experience. Anchoring this commitment is The ANA Spa, a beautifully appointed wellness haven tucked down a set of steps from the foyer.
Soft lighting, soothing neutral tones and natural materials frame a series of distinctly crafted areas, while the facilities are arranged to encourage a slow, intentional journey through relaxation. These include a hydro spa pool, Himalayan salt sauna, crystal steam room, sensory shower and bubbly foot spa. Guests wanting a little extra pampering can book massages, facials and specialised therapies.
Whether visiting for a weekend escape, a business retreat or a restorative spa break, voco Winchester presents itself as a modern destination that is both purposeful and indulgent. Importantly, guests can enjoy their stay knowing that sustainability is a shared commitment, thoughtfully woven into every aspect of the hotel experience.
Out & about
Winchester doesn’t try too hard. That’s the first thing you notice. While Bath preens for Instagram and Oxford drowns in tour groups, Winchester just quietly gets on with being one of England’s most pleasant cities. It was the capital of England before London muscled in, and there’s a faint air of “we were here first” that permeates the place without ever becoming insufferable.
The cathedral is the main event, housing the longest medieval nave in Europe. If you like to hang around in graveyards, you can visit Jane Austen’s grave. The crypt floods in winter, creating an eerie underground lake with Antony Gormley’s Sound II sculpture standing in the water. Worth timing your visit for if you can.
Beyond the cathedral, Winchester rewards wandering. The high street has the usual chains but also enough independents to have a good mooch.
The water meadows along the River Itchen are well worth a visit. A fifteen-minute walk from the centre, and you’re in properly pastoral England with willow trees and trout streams. The walk to the Hospital of St Cross (medieval almshouse, still functioning, serves the “Wayfarer’s Dole” of bread and ale to visitors) is the perfect pre-lunch stroll.
Image Credit: Oliver Hoffmann (Shutterstock.com)
Location: voco Winchester Hotel & Spa, Morn hill caravan club site, Telegraph Way, Winchester SO21 1HZ
Phone: 01962 670700
Website: https://winchester.vocohotels.com/
