It was another inspiring journey as I left behind the lights of crowded London for a night of relaxation and luxury by the River Thames in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, England. While I took in the sites of Berkshire, I stayed in the exquisite and elegant Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.
The Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is a luxurious 4 star hotel on the River Thames and its benefits range from a great central location to design, history and architecture to food, events, romantic getaways and weddings. The hotel is situated overlooking the River Thames, which makes for excellent views, quiet strolls and a decent place to watch sunrise or sunset.
From the outside:
A standard room…
From the moment I stepped in the door, Natasha at reception and the managers and waiters always greeted me warmly. Managers Jutta and Jill have been working in the hospitality trade for years and “get” customer service.
Wren’s Club Spa: it was Friday afternoon so what a better time to truly relax and ease my battered travel muscles by enjoying the outdoor saunas and Jacuzzi of the Spa! Pure travel bliss. There’s also a huge gym and massages are available.
For the avid worker on the move, the Sir Christopher Wren also has a business centre and upon check into my room, I received a welcome plate of fruit. The healthy option! Nice touch all around!
In the main restaurant, there’s a massive buffet breakfast with a broad selection. This is a great place to try a traditional English breakfast – they even had black pudding (dried pork slices) which is one of my personal favourites. I washed it down with a juice (they offered strawberry, pear, apple and orange) and a pot of English tea.
The architecture — both inside and out — of the hotel can best be describe as “old school English.” The interior decor is elegant throughout and you can relax in one of the lounges. One, has a fireplace which would be a top spot on a cold winter night and of course, there is also a classic traditional bar.
One of the relaxing lounges.
Another lounge.
Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi – while it should be automatic in all hotels, we all know that sadly it isn’t always reliable. They delivered.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa also offers all types of functions, private rooms and parties and host a lot of weddings. During summer months with the Thames just out the window and a massive beer garden, it’s a perfect place for your party. Celebs are also known to stay here from time to time, a nice factoid for those who love to people (or celeb) watch!
There’s a lovely area outside to sit and relax at night as well with nice side views of the bridge and other old historical architecture nearby.
I recommend staying at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa if you’re heading to Windsor or are in London and would like to try something a little bit out of town and Windsor Castle and nearby attractions are on your list. I also had a tasty dinner in the hotel which I will feature in my Friday’s Featured Food series at some point.
Details:
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa
Thames Street, Windsor
Berkshire SL4 1PX ENGLAND
t: +44 1753 442400
f: +44 1753 442490
e: wrens@sarova.com
Photo credits: Fist shot from World Spa Resorts and last photo (small shot at night) from Guides for Brides (guidesforbrides.co.uk). I took all the other shots.
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
