Under an hour out of London and right on the River Thames is this beautiful hotel. Featured in many a past film it’s a maze of little rooms and corridors.
The house
The main house dates back to 1859 and over the years has had many famous visitors including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who visited by boat from her nearby home at Windsor Castle.
The rooms
There are 118 beautiful rooms across different wings of the hotel – the recently refurbished Mansion House, Boathouse and Garden bedrooms – all with baths, plenty of space and Cowshed products. Prices start at £250 for a night.
Also they are dog friendly!
Where to eat?
The River House, part of the SoHo House brand, which you access by walking across the garden has ample outdoor seating and a large covered bell tent. They had a fresh buffet salad bar (£35), pizzas and a pastas, fish dishes, burgers and pizza there was plenty of options. This place is amazing in the sun with a lot of seating areas available and live music.
You can book a Japanese 10 course tasting menu at Akira – the onsite restaurant, which offers a fusion of Japanese cuisine, with local British, European & Japanese ingredients. In a quaint room it is intimate affair with only 12 spaces available.
In the house there are loads of different lounges and rooms to chill in. Also, the cocktails are incredible and there are a good few mocktail options! You can order from an all-day menu in any of the rooms in the main house.
Breakfast the next morning in The Parlour was delicious. Maybe not surprisingly, the breakfast is fairly healthy, with options of yoghurt pots and berries, chai pots and a small choice of pastries. Highlights included peanut butter and banana breads, overnight oats and the fresh OJ.
Our waiter at breakfast remembered us from the night before and asked how our sleep was as well as a ‘nice to meet you’ when we left. The little touches!
What else is there?
With a great location just downriver from Windsor, you have multiple options for a bike, boat, or stroll. You can also visit the royal residences in Windsor, one of the famous racecourses close by or for those with small ones, Legoland Windsor Resort is a 10 minute drive away.
Location
Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR
Getting there
1 hour train from Bond Street to Maidenhead on the Elizabeth Line & a 15 minute taxi or under an hour train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside station followed by a 10 minute taxi. Ubers available!
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