Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum Review
Just under 2 hours from London, Gloucester is a British city famed for its historic cathedral, which has stood on the site for almost 1,000 years. Famed more recently as a location in the Harry Potter movies, add in the Beatrix Potter Museum and Gloucester Quays Outlet Shopping and you have the makings of a great overnight trip from London. Or, in my case, I was passing through from Wales to see a friend when I heard Gloucester’s first rooftop bar had opened on a brand new hotel. So, naturally, I went (independently) to stay to find out whether it is worth booking for the rooftop. So read on to find if this hotel is for you:
⭐ Quick verdict
Best for: 🚞 🛌🍸
Not ideal if: You want to be in the centre
Rooftop value: Good
Who this hotel is for: Commuters, professionals, weekenders to Gloucester
Overall feel: Thoughtful, modern & new
🛏 Room Details
Type: Queen Standard
Size: Average
Storage: Good enough for a night
Bed: Super comfy
Table: Yes
Blackout curtains: Yes
Air con: Yes
View: N/A
Balcony: No
Water in room: Yes – still and sparkling in the fridge (I did not clock they were different!)
Kettle: Yes
Coffee machine: Yes
Mini bar: No, but an empty fridge
Any extras?: Milk in the fridge, cookies with the tea
🛁 Bathroom
Style: Modern
Shower pressure: Good
Hairdryer effectiveness: N/A
Shampoo & conditioner: Yes
Bath robe: Yes
🏨 Hotel Logistics & Practical Info
Distance from station: 4 minute walk
Location: Within The Forum, Kings Quarter area
Getting around: Walkable
Hotel size: Medium – 129 rooms
Communication prior to arrival: Good
Welcome drink: No
Local Supermarket:
Staff: Helpful
🏖️🏋🏼♀️ Workout, Rest and Play
Gym: No
Spa: No
Pool: No
Beach: N/A
🍽️ Restaurant & Bar
Breakfast: N/A
Bubbles at Breakfast: N/A
Bar: Rooftop
Restaurant: 2 and snacks at rooftop
🥂 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Crimson Spire
Size: Inside good – outside smaller. More wrap round terrace
View: Gloucester Cathedral
Bar: Yes
Pool: No
Shade: No
Best for: Catch ups
Read my full rooftop bar and restaurant review
💰 Cost & Value
Cost: Fair
Worth the money?: Yes
Would I stay again?: Yes
✍️ Hotel Indigo Gloucester Review
I had heard a lot about this new hotel opening and that they boasted the only rooftop in Gloucester, so I had to check it out. It also just so happens to be the city where one of my best friends lives – with furry friends I am allergic to, so this was a welcome way I could see her!
The hotel is shiny new, only 2 months old, and still a little green. But being able to walk out of the station, cross the road and voila! This was ease I like. The room was an average size with thoughtful touches such as milk, rather than those ridiculous long-life pots! Cookies and still AND sparking water! But special attention needs to go to the bathroom. A shower where you can control the water without having to test out which is the big shower by getting soaked.
The rooftop was a very good decision and addition due to the location of the hotel. It is not the best area for being based but it is practical. However the rooftop bar did feel a little soulless and, as most of it is indoors which, is wise, it also felt a shame. That said, when I visited we had rain and sunshine! So was grateful for both in and out options. Read my full rooftop bar and restaurant review.
Is it worth staying for the rooftop? No. It’s not that special, but the proximity to the station does give you another reason to stay and the rooftop does add value. It was ideal for me to meet my friend on and have a lazy evening catching up, then being able to roll into bed!
Would I stay again? Yes, if I was this way and needed accommodation. If you are looking for accommodation in Gloucester then it is a good choice.
📝 Admin
Date Stayed: May 2026
Information check/updated: 2026
Hotel Indigo Gloucester: website
