Historic Hotel in Windsor | The Story of Castle Hotel

It's almost 500 years since the Mermaid Inn served its first guest in Windsor. We are the original hotel in the town and have centuries of fascinating history woven into our fabric.

How it all began

The origins of the Castle Hotel can be traced back to 1528. That makes us nearly 500 years old. We started life as the Mermaid Inn, a popular tavern in the heart of Windsor that served its then small population of 1000. Over the next two centuries, inn keepers came and went, all with their own intriguing story and significant part to play in our town's history.

George Pennington is remembered as the original innkeeper. He ran three bedrooms. There were several beds in each room. Privacy wasn't what it was today and guests were happy to share a room. George was in charge during the English civil war. There was a currency crisis so he created the Pennington penny which became the local currency to spend in Windsor in exchange for goods and services. You may be lucky enough to be given a Pennington penny during your stay with us.

Eight of our innkeepers were awarded Royal Warrants. Many held office in town including Mayor of Windsor. Our Mews building was home to royal thoroughbreds and one innkeeper started a post office in the hotel. We're the only hotel in Windsor to have seen it all.

Our innkeepers

We honour the innkeepers that made the Castle Hotel what it is today. Dining with us? Penningtons is named after the original innkeeper. Richard Martin was an entrepreneurial landlord. He became the postmaster and delivered mail to local dignitaries like Lord Walsingham from Old Windsor. He renamed the Mermaid Inn to the Castle Inn and was awarded the first Royal Warrant. We've named a suite after Richard.

William Want, innkeeper from 1793 was both hackneyman and postmaster to George III. It was George III that reimagined Windsor Castle from its many years of neglect making it his primary residence. Stay in suite 102, we've named it after William.

From John Clode to Frederick Fleck, our landlords have been key in creating local stories and we continue that legacy. We're invested in the community and we provide great employment opportunities for the locals.