Staying in Montpellier

Staying in Montpellier, Cheltenham

The stylish heart of the town, where Regency elegance meets modern living

Montpellier is widely regarded as Cheltenham’s most desirable and vibrant district. Known for its elegant Regency architecture, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining scene, this beautiful neighbourhood blends historic charm with contemporary lifestyle — making it one of the best places to stay in Cheltenham.

Whether you’re visiting for business, a festival, a weekend break, or a longer stay, Montpellier offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with everything within easy walking distance.

Why stay in Montpellier?

Montpellier offers the perfect balance of convenience, culture, and character.

Staying here places you within minutes of Cheltenham’s best restaurants, independent shops, parks, and major event venues. The area feels lively and sophisticated during the day, yet calm and elegant in the evenings — ideal for both work and leisure.

It’s particularly popular with:

• Festival visitors

• Corporate travellers

• Couples and weekend visitors

• Guests wanting central but peaceful surroundings

• Longer stays and relocations

If you want to experience Cheltenham at its most stylish and walkable, Montpellier is the place to be.

Atmosphere & lifestyle

Montpellier has a distinctly European feel, with wide tree-lined streets, pastel-coloured Regency terraces, and relaxed outdoor dining. The neighbourhood has a strong sense of identity — creative, independent, and effortlessly elegant.

Days often begin with coffee at a local café, followed by boutique shopping or a walk through nearby gardens. Evenings bring a vibrant dining scene, wine bars, and cultural events — all set against the backdrop of stunning historic architecture.

It’s lively without feeling crowded, central without feeling busy, and refined without being formal.

Best places to eat & drink

With the best dining and cafe culture in Cheltenham, Montpellier has everything from artisan bakeries and cafes to fine-dining experiences and relaxed outdoor terraces, all within walking distance.

Our top recommendations:

• Best coffee – For the Saints – 22 Montpellier Walk
• Best bakery – Otis & Belle – 6 Montpellier Walk
• Best bar – No.131 – The Promenade
• Best restaurant – Sam’s Montpellier – Montpellier Courtyard

Shopping & boutiques

Montpellier Walk and the surrounding streets are famous for their independent boutiques and specialist shops. Rather than large chains, you’ll discover carefully curated stores selling fashion, homeware, gifts, and lifestyle items.

This makes the area one of Cheltenham’s best destinations for unique shopping — ideal for browsing, gifts, or simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Parks & green spaces

Despite its central location, Montpellier is surrounded by beautiful green spaces.

Montpellier Gardens

A peaceful and beautifully maintained park featuring:

• The iconic bandstand

• Seasonal events and markets

• A café and gallery

• Tennis courts

• Plenty of seating and open lawns

Imperial Gardens

Located just moments away, these formal gardens are famous for their spectacular floral displays, often featuring tens of thousands of bedding plants. During festival season, they become a lively hub for events and entertainment.

Culture & festivals

Montpellier sits at the centre of Cheltenham’s world-famous festival culture.

The area plays host to annual major events, including:

• Cheltenham Literature Festival

• Cheltenham Jazz Festival

• Cheltenham Science Festival

• Cheltenham Music Festival

During event periods, the neighbourhood comes alive with pop-up venues, performances, and outdoor entertainment. Seasonal attractions — such as winter ice rinks or festival installations — add even more atmosphere throughout the year.

Transport & getting around

Everyday life in Montpellier is highly walkable, with many of Cheltenham’s amenities accessible on foot. Residents benefit from easy access to supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and fitness studios, while the Promenade and town centre are only a short stroll away. The area is also well connected to travel links such as Cheltenham Spa station and the coach station.

• Cheltenham town centre —  short walking distance
• Cheltenham Spa railway station  ≈ 20 minute walk
• Cheltenham Spa bus station ≈ 10 minute walk
• Cheltenham Racecourse — short drive or bus route
• Airports: Bristol ≈ 80-minute drive (train 90 minutes)

Birmingham ≈ 80-minute drive (train 65 minutes)

Apartments in Montpellier

Our carefully selected apartments epitomise the refined elegance associated with Montpellier living. Situated within the famous Regency townhouses that line the gardens, many of our apartments enjoy views over the central square. We offer properties from 1-4 bedrooms in the area, all including free parking.