Visiting The Tortoise Hotel: What to Expect

Welcome to The Tortoise Hotel, nestled in the picturesque Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. Since 1996, we’ve been providing a safe, loving, and enriching environment for tortoises across the UK. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning friend, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your tortoise’s stay.

Preparing for Arrival

Secure Transport: Please bring your tortoise in a sturdy, well-ventilated box or plastic container to prevent any unexpected leaks.
Personal Touches: Feel free to include familiar bedding or potted plants to make your tortoise feel at home. Ensure all items are clean and placed in a sealed plastic bag for biosecurity reasons.
We offer a free pick-up and drop-off service from Maidenhead Train Station, which is on the Elizabeth and Paddington lines.

A Little Note on Biosecurity (aka: Sorry, No Garden-Walking!)

To keep all our tortoises safe, healthy, and happily plodding along, we operate under strict biosecurity protocols. This means that guests are not permitted to enter the tortoise enclosures or indoor facilities.

If our resident tortoises are out enjoying their free-range time (which they often are on sunny days!), we kindly ask visitors not to walk through the garden unless you’ve booked a prior appointment. This isn’t us being stuffy—it’s to protect both our own tortoises and those staying with us from any risk of cross-contamination.

We promise you’ll still get a warm welcome—even if it’s from behind a little biosecure boundary!

Our Facilities

Indoor & Outdoor Enclosures: We offer spacious indoor tables and outdoor areas designed to mimic natural habitats, complete with basking spots and grazing areas.
Climate Control: Our facilities are equipped to maintain optimal temperatures year-round, ensuring your tortoise’s comfort in all seasons.

Health & Well-being

Pre-Arrival Health Check: We’ll conduct a brief phone consultation to discuss your tortoise’s health history and any special requirements.
Monitoring: Throughout their stay, we perform regular health checks and provide prompt care if any issues arise.
Diet: We serve a variety of fresh, hand-picked weeds and flowers daily. If your tortoise has specific dietary needs, you’re welcome to bring their preferred foods in a labelled container.

Bedding & Comfort

Based on expert advice, we use scrunched-up newspaper as bedding, which many tortoises find comfortable. This material is safe, absorbent, and easy to replace, ensuring a clean environment for your Tortoise.

Booking & Deposits

We require a 50% deposit to prepare and reserve the appropriate accommodations for your tortoise.

We look forward to welcoming you and your tortoise to The Tortoise Hotel, where every guest is treated like family.

Note: For more detailed information on our services, please visit our Tortoise Boarding and Tortoise Hibernation pages.

Contact Us

We’re always here to answer your questions and provide updates during your tortoise’s stay.

Phone: 07782 345 935
Address: Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

For more information or to schedule a visit, please get in touch.