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LUXURY TRAVEL - ENGLAND
RELAIS HENLEY HOTEL - HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Historic Riverside Style Fit for a King
The Relais Henley is a luxury hotel located in the charming town of Henley-on-Thames. It bills itself as a “new style of waterside escape”, offering elegant accommodation, fine dining and a range of leisure facilities. The hotel's location in the heart of the historic market town makes it an ideal base for exploring the local area and its many attractions, including the famous rowing regatta. Just steps from the Thames River waterfront, it is a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway to explore south Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, conveniently located just 25 minutes from Heathrow airport for international arrivals and within an hour by train from London Paddington.
The 40 guest rooms and suites are individually designed, inspired by the river scenes as it flows through the verdant English countryside, featuring a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings. Each room features a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, and en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, and Suites, some of which offer river views.
For almost 300 years the Relais Henley Hotel (not associated with Relais & Châteaux) was known as the Red Lion, a one-time coaching inn recently rebranded and re-imagined, but still identified by the rampant red lion which stands on its haunches above the entrance. The historic inn has been at the center of life in Henley since it began as housing for the masons and craftsmen who built the Saint Mary the Virgin village church in the 1530s. The property became the Red Lion hotel in 1732 and the familiar red brick façade was added in the Georgian era.
It's location along the Thames road to London has made it a stopping point for historic figures, and several of the rooms are named for the famous names who have stayed in them. King Charles I, rested his regal head here on his way from London to Oxford in 1632, and once again in 1642 in the company of Prince Rupert during the English Civil War. His painted Royal Coat of Arms is preserved in a cabinet over the fireplace in room 108. The inn was regular stop for the 1st Duke of Marlborough on his way from Blenheim Palace to London. He had room 109 furnished for his frequent stays.
Dr. Johnson and Boswell stayed in 1776, and King George III stopped for breakfast, in 1788, with his wife, Queen Charlotte, and his daughters, Princesses Augusta and Elizabeth. The Prince Regent, later George IV, is said to have also visited, downing an extraordinary number of chops noted in the record. Actress Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco, visited in 1947, staying in room 114, the year her brother Jack was competing in the Henley Royal Regatta.
The historic rooms at the Relais Henley offer a perfect sanctuary for long weekends to escape the city. Enjoy a romantic stroll alongside the river or take a chauffeur-driven boat for a cruise. The hotel will pack a picnic so you can find the perfect spot to roll out the picnic blanket.
Clipper Restaurant
You may not feel inclined to beat the Prince Regent’s meal of 14 chops, but the hotel’s prime Clipper Restaurant offers elegant all-day dining, with a menu created by Mosimann's of London. With its connection to the river rowing culture the 'cuisine naturelle' that allows the best of locally-sourced ingredients to shine. The Clipper has the casual atmosphere of being in an English country house, connected to a charming courtyard. Sample the Eggs Royale for breakfast or a brasserie-style lunch party with as many courses as you feel like. Make a date for a quintessential Clipper Afternoon Cream Tea.
Quarterdeck Bar
Found in oldest part of the hotel with original wood beams, the intimate Quarterdeck Bar has the style of an old English pub, reimaging as a chic, eclectic bar inspired by its namesake. Taste the fine local craft beers and ales, while sinking into a velvet couch. Take a nightcap, when a tot of rum or brandy ends a busy day exploring the river or antiquing.
The Clip Bar
The Clip Bar feels like an elegant drawing room a charming fireplace, restored wood paneling and comfortable furniture. Enjoy the riverside views while sipping an aperitif or sip on a martini, whether shaken or stirred, served with the local gin, Mr Hobbs.
Relais Henley offers a range of leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym. The hotel's spa offers a range of beauty treatments and massages, as well as a relaxation area for guests to unwind. Relais Henley is also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with many walking and cycling trails in the area. © Bargain Luxury Travel
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See Also:
Compleat Angler Hotel - Marlow
Oakley Court Hotel - Berkshire
Thornbury Castle Hotel - Severn Valley
Ettington Park Hotel - Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Grove Country Estate - Hertfordshire
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel - London
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