Our indulge in an overnight stay at the Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel, Egham, Surrey, on the Thames riverside, was a truly delightful experience. Set in a very picturesque area, complete with its own private jetty, it is hard to believe that London and the hectic M25 are only a short distance away, states Terry Stafford.
Arriving at lunchtime to a warm greeting from the friendly reception staff, our overnight bags were delivered efficiently to our room and our two delighted children were given a cuddly toy duck each along with a goody bag.The Duplex room we resided in was detached from the main hotel, with its own front door and an accompanying parking slot.
Decorated smartly, with a huge bed and a wall mounted LCD TV, its own dining area possessed a fabulous view of the river.
Ideal for families, a separate twin-bedded room, with another wall mounted LCD TV, adjoined ours and was ideal for the evening,
when the children slept, allowing us to watch television and relax. Our first activity was to commandeer the hotel’s electrically powered boat for a gentle cruise along the Thames. It was the perfect chill-out, as we viewed lovely scenery and dined on a generous picnic, ordered earlier from the hotel.
An alternative vessel, the ‘HotTug’ boat is also available. It is unusual, because you cruise the river in a wood-fired boat-cum-hot-tub that allows a relaxing soak combined with a cruise. Naturally, the children wished to explore the outdoor play area and, afterwards, with energy levels still abundant, we paid a visit to the hotel’s spa and its warm and inviting indoor swimming pool. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts to play on, when the weather permits.
Dinner was taken that evening in the smart Leftbank restaurant, which, unsurprisingly, overlooks the riverside. The atmosphere was relaxed and the waiting staff were ever-helpful. Our children sampled the Ducklings buffet dinner (fantastic for even the fussiest of eaters). We enjoyed a perfectly cooked beef roast dinner, from an extensive menu, concluded with the most scrumptious homemade desserts I have ever eaten, while coffee was accompanied by mouth-watering handmade chocolates and jellies.
Following a blissful sleep in our comfortable surroundings, we partook of the extensive buffet breakfast prior to checking-out,
although we wished that we had booked another night. The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel is very special and a perfect base for
families wishing to explore the many nearby attractions. A weekend stay at the hotel starts from £169 per room, per night, based on two sharing a standard double on a B&B basis, while a Duplex room starts from £235 per night, also on a B&B basis.
standout feature: its superb riverside location along with excellent amenities and food.
Factbox:
The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel
01784 220961