THE LOWDOWN

Gloucester’s long overdue glow-up sees no signs of slowing down, and the opening of Hotel Indigo is the glossiest arrival yet. Part of a huge £107m city centre makeover, the new hotel, bar and restaurant combo brings with it a serious shot of boutique glamour.

Rocking up into Kings Square, swinging its Loewe weekend bag in style, Hotel Indigo at The Forum opened in March this year. Owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality giant behind 180 hotels from Dubai to Bora Bora, it’s the first luxury boutique-style stay of its kind in the city.

Inside you’ll find 129 stylish rooms and suites, a bistro for all-day munchies, a cute urban café for on-the-go grazing, and a rooftop cocktail bar with knock-out views of Gloucester Cathedral.

There’s a multi-storey parking underneath and a train station seconds away (handy), so it couldn’t be better located whether you’re up for some city and quays exploring, or want to use it as a base for a Cotswolds’ bucket list.

Set within the new Forum development, which has won multiple awards, it’s a definite gear change for Gloucester ushering in a sharper, much more modern chapter for the city.

THE VIBE

This is no faceless corporate stay, instead, the hotel goes all out to big up it’s Gloucester backdrop. The interiors are inspired by Gloucester’s fabulously rich industrial history, from the docks to centuries-old crafts.

There are quirky nods to the city’s heritage wherever you look, and they’re super fun to spot. From tall ship motifs and seamstresses on cushions to oversized pins for bedside lights in homage to the pin-making industry. There’s even a rather cool customised motorbike in reception from the Cotton Motorcycle Company.

I loved the botanical touches and there’s a palette of deeply relaxing blues and emerald greens with soft pink accents. Combined with the sophisticated low lighting it makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a New York hotel lobby.

From the moment I arrived, cabin case in tow on a sweltering afternoon, I knew I was in for a good stay. As the sliding glass doors swept open, I was greeted by a blast of blissfully cool air and a self-serve station stocked with chilled lemon water which felt wonderfully welcoming.

The service was impeccable too, from start to finish, with warm smiles, genuine friendliness and attentive staff. If nobody had told me otherwise, I’d have sworn I was checking into a five-star hotel.

The crowd was an eclectic mix; tourists using it as gateway base to the Cotswolds, laptop professionals, locals eating out at West Window, and couples and mates groups all enjoying sundowners in the bar.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The West Window bistro is one of the most exciting new dining destinations in Glos. Inspired by the cathedral’s Great East Window, it’s open for all-day dining, and has a strong relaxed-chic vibe.

Located on the ground floor choose from a cosy booth, or a table by the glass windows, I loved having a front-row seat for people-watching, Hugo spritz in hand. It’s smart without being stuffy and relaxed but with a buzzy atmosphere.

The menu is a curated selection of locally-sourced dishes that lean into the region enthusiastically, from Cotswold Lakes beer-battered haddock to an award-winning Cotswold charcuterie sharing board.

Settling in for a lovely sunset-lit dinner with Mr Muddy, I kicked things off with the crab cake, served with pickled green chilli, gochujang and curry leaf mayo (£11). Crab cakes can be a bit of a gamble – all breadcrumb and no crab if you’re unlucky – but this one absolutely delivers, it was totally delicious.

My other half went classic with Severn & Wye smoked salmon (£11). This locally produced fish is always top notch, silky smooth with thick slices of seeded bread and Netherend Farm butter.

For mains, I had the free-range chicken schnitzel (£16.50). Crispy, comfort food at its finest with salty parmesan and punchy capers cutting through, and a generous helping of fries. Sometimes you don’t need foams and edible flowers – just a really good schnitzel done properly.

Across the table, the spaghetti alla norma (£12.50) was proof that vegan dishes don’t have to be bland. Rich tomato sauce, meltingly soft aubergine, bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes and garlic – he doesn’t know, but I was stealing forkfuls every time he looked away.

For desserts, the tarte tatin with clotted cream ice cream (£9) was everything you’d wish for – featherlight spongy pastry and sticky caramelised apples – just divine. Meanwhile, the crème brûlée with fresh berries (£8) was pure pudding joy, if perhaps just a tad skimpy on the berries.

As for the quaffing? The wine list is thoughtfully curated and doesn’t leave you flicking through endless pages wondering where to begin. We opted for a couple of glasses of the Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon (£10.50 a glass), which were utterly delicious and paired beautifully with both our mains.

Some stars from one of the local award-winning vineyards would have been perfection but I love this place, the food is really reasonably price and it’s got a fabulously chic but laid back atmosphere.

CRIMSON SPIRE ROOFTOP BAR

After dinner we headed skywards to Crimson Spire – Hotel Indigo’s swanky rooftop bar – and what a place! The first of its kind for Gloucester, it has a balcony with panoramic views of Gloucester Cathedral (which it is named after).

It’s open to both guests and non-residents, and is the most stylish hang-out for cocktails, craft beers, and seasonal small plates. A long, light-filled space that somehow still feels tucked away and intimate, it’s the kind of place you almost don’t want to talk about in case it gets too busy.

The icing on the cake is the long terrace, settle in to one of the chairs and drink in those views, it’s the perfect spot for a sunny day, but also really comes into its own in the evening – catch the sunset here over the skyline.

PILLOW TALK

The rooms are spacious, modern and thoughtfully designed. A palette of blush pinks, deep blues and rich velvet headboards. The heritage theme continues here too, such as the tribute to Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tailor of Gloucester’ with playful mice dotted around.

Take your pick from two types of room and two types of suite, with either courtyard or city views. I stayed in a suite overlooking the newly revamped Kings Square with its dancing fountains which are mesmerising to watch.

Sleek floor to ceiling windows turn your bedroom into prime people-watching territory (just remember to close the curtains well at night, I nearly got caught out!).

In-room luxuries include Nespresso coffee machines, a tray of treats, clothes steamers, divine smellies from Biology and rainfall showers. My biggest ‘oh yeah’ moment was the cool double-sided TV in the centre of the room, which is very boujee.

Despite being in the most central spot in the city I had an amazing, peaceful night’s sleep so safe to say this place has built in some top soundproofing.

It feels super modern too, with a dedicated desk workspace spot on for flipping open your laptop if you have to whack out some emails.

I loved the soft linen on the bed and the four totally blissful feather and down filled pillows. They are bedrooms built for a fantastically good night’s sleep.

WHAT ELSE?

The hotel has its own little cafe, Terraé, where you can pick up freshly brewed barista coffee, snacks and grab-and-go bites from the hot plate counter. Located in the ground floor lobby area, head here for breakfast, lunch, and handy takeaway dinners when you can’t be bothered to cook.

Plus, we love that the coffee is made by Change Please Coffee, which donates 100% of its profits people experiencing homelessness.

Got an event? On the lofty fifth floor, there’s a cool new events space located in the glass-fronted bridge, with those views of the cathedral again, or hire the private room for a special dinner or gathering.

KID-FRIENDLY?

Absolutely. Although it’s not a ‘kids-first’ hotel in the way a resort or family-themed hotel would be, it’s ideal for city breaks with kids who are used to a more grown-up environment. The hotel felt really friendly though so I’d feel very relaxed bringing kids here.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Bring your best furry mate. Treat your pup to the hotel’s pet package, including a dog bed, bowl, treats, and a custom guide for dog-friendly spots in Gloucester. Up to two dogs are allowed per room (15kg limit) which costs £30 per dog, per night.

ACCESSIBILITY?

Excellent. Hotel Indigo is highly accommodating for anyone with disabilities. The property offers ADA-compliant/accessible guest rooms, roll-in showers with built-in transfer seats and lowered bathroom sinks. Accessible parking routes and full elevator access are also box tickers.

There’s also the aforementioned car park underneath at The Forum, while it’s not free for guests, if you pre-book a space you do get a nice 20% off.

OUT AND ABOUT

Perfectly placed in the heart of the city, the hotel puts you within easy reach of Gloucester’s best bits. The city does have some urban challenges, like any other big city, but it’s having a renaissance, and lots of investment is pouring in. Wander the beautifully restored Gloucester Docks, dip into Gloucester Quays Outlet for All Saints & Hobbs at a snip and while away hours at the brilliant Food Dock.

Explore the spectacular Gloucester Cathedral and Roman history at Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery, or follow the canal paths for an easy riverside stroll that shows the city at its most relaxed and scenic.

It’s a great base as a gateway to the Cotswolds, head out into some of England’s most picturesque countryside and villas such as Painswick, which is just 20 minutes drive away.

THE DAMAGE

You’re quids in here (more cash to splash at Gloucester Quays we say). A three course meal for two came in at £68.50, and two large glasses of wine, £16. A stay in a suite starts from £148 – which is amazing value.

MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR

City-breakers after a slick, design-led stay right in the thick of it; couples looking for a rooftop cocktail or two with cathedral views; business travellers wanting something more than a beige chain hotel; Cotswolds-bound explorers using Gloucester as a springboard; and locals keen to reclaim the city for drinks or food in a genuinely world-class new hangout.

NOT FOR

Anyone expecting country-house cosiness or chocolate-on-the-pillow tradition; families after kids’ entertainment on tap; or those who prefer their hotels full-on historic and slightly faded rather than clean-lined, contemporary and metro-fabulous.

Hotel Indigo – The Forum, 4 Cathedral Walk, Gloucester GL1 1SZ

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