High Street and the castle side
Macdonald Windsor is the hotel comparison for keeping the upper town and castle visit at the centre of the break. Choose it for the surrounding streets, then treat a castle-view room as a separate decision.
Good for: A castle-led first visit and town evenings.
Before you choose: A hotel close to the castle does not include admission. Confirm the castle’s actual visiting arrangements before fixing the trip.
Thames Street and Eton Bridge
Sir Christopher Wren places the river and pedestrian crossing into Eton in the plan. It can suit a break that gives the riverside as much attention as the castle interior.
Good for: River-focused visitors and time on both sides of the bridge.
Before you choose: The hotel occupies several buildings with different access. A generic reservation does not guarantee a lift-served room.
Eton and the Long Walk as separate outings
Use the Eton Walkway for one part of the visit and the Long Walk for another if time and energy allow. They offer different perspectives, so there is no need to combine every route into one long circuit.
Good for: Two-night stays with room for an outdoor half-day.
Before you choose: A footbridge crossing does not grant entry to Eton College, and the Long Walk is not the same booking as a castle tour.