Choosing a hotel in Lichfield city centre means weighing location, history, and price. The Best Western The George Hotel on Bird Street earns a 9.3/10 location score from Booking.com guests, making it a frequent starting point for visitors. This overview compares the main city-centre options, using verified guest reviews and official property details, to help you match a hotel to your trip.
Last checked: 2026-09-19
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Target property: The George Hotel (Best Western) · Nearest landmark: Lichfield city centre · Number of bedrooms: 45 · Hotel type: 3-star family owned · Notable amenity: Beauty function room, cosy lounge bar, stylish restaurant · Alternative hotel: The Hedgehog Hotel (18th-century building)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-19.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK meta-reviews, Expedia listing, Trip.com listing, Hotels.com overview.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Key facts at a glance
- Booking.com guests rate the location 9.3/10, praising proximity to shops, restaurants, and the cathedral (Booking.com).
- Dramatist George Farquhar stayed at The George in 1707 and wrote The Recruiting Officer and The Beaux Stratagem, the latter based on life at the inn (The George Hotel).
- TripAdvisor shows 3.9/5 from 1,834 reviews, while KAYAK reports 7.9/10 from 1,720 verified ratings (TripAdvisor; KAYAK).
- A 2025 TripAdvisor review reproduced on the hotel’s site calls the accessible bathroom “definitely the best accessible bathroom we’ve ever found in a hotel” (The George Hotel).
| Target property | The George Hotel (Best Western) |
|---|---|
| Nearest landmark | Lichfield city centre |
| Number of bedrooms | 45 |
| Hotel type | 3-star family owned |
| Notable amenity | Beauty function room, cosy lounge bar, stylish restaurant |
| Alternative hotel | The Hedgehog Hotel (18th-century building) |
| Alternative hotel 2 | Cathedral Hotel (3-star, family owned, near gothic cathedral) |
What are some good hotels in the Lichfield city center?
Lichfield city centre has a handful of hotels within walking distance of the cathedral, shops, and restaurants. The most frequently mentioned options include The George Hotel, The Hedgehog Hotel, The Cathedral Hotel, and Premier Inn. Below is a closer look at each.
The George Hotel
A Best Western property at 12–14 Bird Street, The George is a 3-star family-owned hotel with 45 bedrooms. It operates as both a chain-branded hotel and a historic coaching inn. Guest reviews on Booking.com highlight the location (9.3/10) and breakfast quality, while KAYAK notes that some rooms feel dated and parking carries a fee.
“Superb location in town center and excellent breakfast.”
— Jonathan, via Booking.com
The Hedgehog Hotel
Part of the Innkeepers Collection, this 18th-century restored building offers a more boutique experience. It sits slightly outside the immediate city centre but is still within a short drive or taxi ride. Its historic character appeals to guests seeking a quieter, more independent stay.
The Cathedral Hotel
A 3-star family-owned hotel located a 5-minute walk from the city centre and the gothic cathedral. It competes directly with The George on location and price, often appealing to visitors who prioritise proximity to the cathedral.
Premier Inn Lichfield City Centre
A modern budget chain hotel in the heart of the city. Known for consistent room standards and free parking at some locations, it attracts cost-conscious travellers who prefer predictable quality over historic character.
| Hotel name | Star rating | Location | Key feature | Price range (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The George Hotel (Best Western) | 3-star | Bird Street, city centre | Historic coaching inn, function rooms | from £50/night |
| The Hedgehog Hotel | 3-star (approx.) | Outskirts of centre | 18th-century restored building, Innkeepers Collection | from £70/night |
| The Cathedral Hotel | 3-star | 5-min walk to centre | Family owned, near cathedral | from £45/night |
| Premier Inn Lichfield City Centre | Budget chain | City centre | Modern rooms, free parking (some locations) | from £35/night |
Price bands: The George from £50/night, Cathedral Hotel from £45, Premier Inn from £35, Hedgehog from £70 – these are starting rates and may vary seasonally.
What is The George Hotel Lichfield known for?
The George Hotel is known for its dual identity: a family-owned historic coaching inn that also carries the Best Western brand. It has 45 bedrooms, a function room used for weddings and events, a cosy lounge bar, and a stylish restaurant. Guests consistently mention the breakfast as exceptional, and the staff as friendly and attentive.
“This is a wonderful, classic hotel with amazing staff and service. Whatever you need can be provided.”
— Richard B, via Google Reviews
| Property name | The George Hotel (Best Western) |
|---|---|
| Address | 12–14 Bird Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6PR |
| Star rating | 3-star |
| Room count | 45 |
| Key amenities | Beauty function room, lounge bar, restaurant, accessible rooms |
| Historical note | Coaching inn rebuilt after 1838; site where George Farquhar wrote plays in 1707 |
Pros and cons of staying at The George
- Pros: Central location (9.3/10), excellent breakfast, historic character, praised accessibility, friendly staff.
- Cons: Parking fees, some dated rooms, noise in certain areas, mid-range ratings (3.9/5 TripAdvisor, 7.9/10 KAYAK).
The bottom line: The George delivers a strong location and a genuine sense of history, but don’t expect luxury. It’s best suited to travellers who prioritise walking access over modern decor.
What is the best Western hotel in Lichfield?
The George Hotel is the Best Western property located in Lichfield city centre. It operates under Best Western branding while maintaining its independent family ownership. This means it benefits from Best Western’s distribution and loyalty programme but retains the character of a historic inn. For guests looking for a consistent chain experience, the Best Western label provides a baseline of standards; for those seeking local flavour, the hotel’s history adds value.
The implication: If you are a Best Western loyalty member, The George offers points-earning potential in a setting that feels less generic than many chain hotels.
Is Lichfield a nice area?
Lichfield is a compact cathedral city with a walkable centre. The gothic cathedral is the main attraction, surrounded by independent shops, restaurants, and pubs. The city centre has a range of accommodation, from the historic George Hotel to budget-friendly Premier Inn. Most hotels are within a 10-minute walk of the cathedral. The area is generally considered safe and pleasant for short breaks.
Lichfield city centre amenities
Bird Street and the surrounding streets have multiple restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The Lichfield City railway station is a short walk from the centre, making day trips to Birmingham or London feasible.
Proximity to the cathedral
The cathedral is the dominant landmark. Both The George Hotel and the Cathedral Hotel are within a 5-minute walk. The Hedgehog Hotel is slightly further but still within a 15-minute stroll.
What this means: Whether you choose The George or another hotel, you will have easy access to the cathedral and the main shopping streets.
Best for your travel style
- Families: The George has family rooms, but its central location means noise may be a factor. The Cathedral Hotel may offer quieter surroundings.
- Couples: The George’s restaurant and lounge bar suit romantic evenings, though the décor is not luxurious.
- Budget travellers: Premier Inn and the Cathedral Hotel (from £45–£50) beat The George on price. Watch for parking fees.
- History enthusiasts: The George’s 1707 Farquhar connection and coaching-inn heritage are unmatched in Lichfield.
The trade-off: Budget and quietness often go together (Premier Inn), while history and central location cost more but deliver character (The George).
Location and getting there
Lichfield is in Staffordshire, about 30 minutes by train from Birmingham. Lichfield City station is a 10-minute walk from The George. By car, the city is accessible via the A38 and M6 toll. Most hotels offer paid parking; The George charges a daily fee. Check car park capacity when booking.
Alternatives worth considering
Besides the main four hotels listed above, other options include the Hedgehog Hotel for a quieter historic stay and the Cathedral Hotel as a direct competitor to The George. If you are willing to stay slightly outside the centre, there are additional guesthouses and B&Bs.
Our pick
Our recommendation for first-time visitors and city-centre convenience: The George Hotel (Best Western). Its location, breakfast, and historical character make it the most interesting choice for a short stay. For budget-conscious guests who prioritise modernity, Premier Inn Lichfield City Centre offers the best value.
For history enthusiasts: The Hedgehog Hotel provides a different historic atmosphere in a quieter setting.
Related reading: Black Swan Hotel Comparison: Which UK Inn Suits You · The Royal Hotel Cookstown: Dining Prices, Weddings & History
expedia.co.uk, bestwestern.fr, thegeorgelichfield.co.uk, us.trip.com, trip.com, us.trip.com, thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is The George Hotel Lichfield known for?
It is a 3-star family-owned hotel in Lichfield city centre, with 45 bedrooms, a function room, lounge bar, and restaurant. Historically, George Farquhar stayed there in 1707 and wrote plays based on his time at the inn.
What is the best Western hotel in Lichfield?
The George Hotel is the Best Western property in Lichfield, located on Bird Street.
What hotels are in Lichfield city centre?
The George Hotel, The Cathedral Hotel, and Premier Inn Lichfield City Centre are all within walking distance of the centre. The Hedgehog Hotel is a short drive away.
Is Lichfield a nice area?
Yes, Lichfield features a historic gothic cathedral and a walkable city centre with accommodation options like The George Hotel, shops, and restaurants.
What is the hedgehog hotel in Lichfield?
The Hedgehog Hotel is an 18th-century restored building in Lichfield, part of the Innkeepers Collection, offering a quieter historic stay.
What is the cheapest hotel in Lichfield?
Prices start from £35 per night according to trivago data; Premier Inn Lichfield City Centre often offers the lowest entry prices.