Escapes

The Runnymede on Thames Hotel Review

Taking a break from London and booking into a hotel outside of the city is an absolute treat. I was recently booked in to The Runnymede on Thames hotel in Egham. I got a warm welcome and was booked into my room with the river view nice and efficiently by the lady at the front desk. The room was a spacious size, stylish and decorated in neutral colours. The room came with complimentary tea, coffee, water and wifi. Along with a TV, fridge and study area.

The bathroom again a nice spacious size, modern and equipped with ESPA toiletries (nice touch).

The hotel has two riverside restaurants, for a causal dining experience you can head to the restaurant Leftbank, which offers a grand buffet, or if you prefer à la carte dining, head to The Lock Bar and Kitchen.

I was booked into The Lock bar and kitchen for dinner, it had a nice relaxed atmosphere, it wasn’t very busy for 7.30pm which I quite liked. The waiter that greeted me was very friendly and was happy to go through his recommendations, when asked.

For the starter I had the grilled salad of tender broccoli, pine nuts and pomegranate. It was a nice petite dish, I liked the idea of a a nice warm salad, and this dish didn’t disappoint, in fact I would have been happy with another plate.

For my main dish, I had the stone bass, buttered leaks and parsley, potatoes and bisque sauce. The fish was nice and fresh and the vegetables were cooked perfectly, seasoned well and the bisque sauce complemented the fish and vegetables nicely.

For dessert I had the apple crumble, being lactose intolerant, I had to steer away from custard, and in the past in some restaurants, having a crumble with no custard can be very dry. However I’m pleased to say with The Lock, they made their crumble perfectly, a nice crunch to it but also very moist. Happy days!

If you have time to relax and pamper yourself, I highly recommend you go visit the hotel spa. Where you will find a couple of beauty rooms, saunas, steam room and an indoor swimming pool. Gym bunnies you will be happy to know they have a gym too. After the gym or your pampering session, head on over to the chill-out and relaxing room, where you will find newspapers and complimentary drinks

What I loved most about this hotel was the location, the doors at the back of the hotel leads you to the River Thames. You can hire a riverboat for a trip along the Thames, or if you prefer walking like me, take a nice stroll along the river. Boats can be hired from mid-April until October. They are available on a self-drive basis or you can hire a staff member to take you out on the river.

I was very fortunate on the morning after my stay, as the weather was spectacular, nice and sunny and very warm, oh how I love Spring!

Only a twenty minute walk and you will find yourself at The Magna Carta Memorial – which commemorates the sealing of the Charter by King John in 1215 and then a five minute walk from there I came across the John F Kennedy Memorial. This walk really made my stay that much more special, I recommend you take that walk and explore, you won’t regret it.

I had a nice and comfy sleep and in the morning I skipped going downstairs to have breakfast and had breakfast in bed. They delivered a healthy breakfast, which of course I devoured in about 10 minutes… and then packed away the croissants and flapjack, so I could take them on my morning walk to the Magna Carta memorial.

Rooms start at £158

Website: www.runnymedehotel.com

Address: The Runnymede on Thames Hotel and Spa, Windsor Road, Egham, TW20 0AG

Written by Nyla S.