Just a short train ride from Paddington and you’re in Henley on Thames, a small town with a romantic, old English feel. The streets are home to many a tea and cake shop, welcoming pubs, and bits and bobs just waiting to be explored.
Surrounded by the River Thames and green fields – this place is the ideal choice for an easily accessible break from city life. LondOnTheInside checked-in to the Hotel Du Vin, located in the old Brakspears Brewery. The hotel has 43 rooms and suites (most of which are bigger than our flat!), French bistro, bar, cigar shack and courtyard.
A warm welcome greeted us at reception as we were given a quick tour. The lounge with its big sofas looked relaxing and cozy. The traditional French bistro boosted impressive deco and sexy art work. The billiard room got our hopes up for a game of pool but unfortunately we didn’t get chance. A shame as we still have score to settle from The Cadogan Arms.
Our studio suite for the night boasted a king sized bed, a lounge with a huge suede corner sofa, two plasma TV’s, an open bathroom with freestanding bath and monsoon walk in shower. We were more than impressed and like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone we ran around the room jumping up and down on the bed. We didn’t but you get the picture, it was swell!
Before we left we had a quick peek at a River Suite with uninterrupted views over the river (it‘s in the name!). These were the snizzle especially the baths on the balconies – yip one of the baths is actually located outside on the balcony and has a heater fixed above it so you can take a dip all year round.
We dinned in the bistro which offers a variety of dishes, fine wines and impeccably dressed staff with thick French accents, well some did and we liked it. We ate Tiger Prawns, Steak and Belly Pork which went down a treat.
This was our first Hotel Du Vin experience and we give it a big, fat thumbs up! If you’ve cash to splash and a guest to impress book a River Suite because they‘re well sweet.
Room Rates from: £145 but worth checking the website as they have some great promotions.
Get There: First Great Western Train, London Paddington to Henley on Thames (changing at Twyford) approx £24
Hotel Du Vin New Street, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 2BP