Set on the edge of the South Downs, close to Winchester City Centre, the voco Winchester Hotel & Spa blends contemporary style with the comfort of a premium brand. With its modern design and welcoming atmosphere, it is both smart and relaxed – ideal for a short break, a spa day, or as a base for exploring Winchester and the Hampshire countryside.
Disclosure: The voco Winchester Hotel & Spa provided a complimentary stay for me and my husband in return for coverage on this site.
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A Part Of The Voco Brand
The former Holiday Inn Winchester joined IHG Hotels’ voco brand in October 2024. Voco is IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand, a collection that prides itself on individuality, warm personality, and top quality service.
Although they all have the same high standards, voco hotels are individually designed, with stylish interiors, personal touches, and an emphasis on comfort. With its renovated public areas, updated guest rooms, and focus on sustainability and friendly service, voco Winchester is a perfect example of the brand.
A Contemporary Hotel
The purpose-built hotel opened in 2010 and was fully refurbished in 2024. The exterior is modern and understated, opening into a spacious lobby with a relaxed, open‑plan layout. Catering for both leisure and business travellers, there is comfortable seating as well as a dedicated work area with power sockets and USB ports.
There is a bar in the lobby, and an outdoor terrace provides a pleasant spot for drinks on warmer days. Other facilities include a well equipped gym, and the Ana Spa, which has become a destination in its own right.
Staying At The Voco Winchester
The hotel offers 131 contemporary rooms, including doubles, twins, premium rooms, and a suite. I stayed in one of the premium rooms, on the lower ground floor. It was spacious and comfortable, with a coffee machine, tea making facilities and bottled water. The bathroom had both a bath and a shower, and there was a desk to work at.
A welcome extra was the fridge stocked with complimentary cans of red and white wine, soft drinks, and chocolate.
Eating And Drinking At The Voco Winchester
We had an excellent meal in Kitchen 21. This has an open kitchen concept, and a menu with a range of classics and more creative dishes. I had a very fresh salad followed by a beautifully presented root vegetable tarte tatin with blue cheese sauce, while my husband had beetroot carpaccio and seared fish with asparagus. And our desserts – Eton colada and pears poached in absinthe – were particularly inspired.
Breakfast was served buffet‑style, with both hot and cold options. Much of the hot food was cooked to order, and the service was both friendly and fast.
The Ana Spa
The Ana Spa is a perfect place to unwind. Added in 2019, it offers a tranquil environment with a range of facilities including a hydro‑pool, Himalayan salt sauna, sensory shower, crystal steam room, bubble foot spa and several treatment rooms.
There is a small charge to use the Spa, and you will need to book in advance. Hotel guests can also access the fully equipped gym.
Making The Most Of Your Stay
The hotel is situated on Morn Hill, just outside Winchester. It is very close to the Winchester Science Centre (open weekends and school holidays), which is a great destination for families. Winchester itself, with its medieval centre, is a short drive away.
Nearby is the South Downs National Park, with endless trails and viewpoints. Jane Austen’s House at Chawton is 23 km away, and Selborne, home of the 18th century naturalist Gilbert White, is 26 km from the hotel.
Practicalities For Your Visit
- Voco Winchester Hotel & Spa is located at Telegraph Way, Winchester, SO21 1HZ.
- There is an on‑site car park with free parking for hotel guests.
- Some rooms are accessible, and accessible facilities are available.
- The hotel is a ten minute drive from the centre of Winchester. There are also two Park and Ride locations within easy reach.
- There are regular buses to the city from the Science Centre.
- A full menu, including vegetarian and vegan options, is available in Kitchen 21. There is also an all-day dining menu.
- Hotel guests have access to the gym. There is an extra charge for use of the Ana Spa, which needs to be booked in advance.
