Christopher Wren Hotel Review
Mimi ON Oct 08, 2009 AT 12:03 pm
The Christopher Wren Hotel
By Tamara
After a manic few weeks, I was desperately in need of some “me time” so, when my boyfriend announced that he’d be spending the weekend at a family golf tournament, I decided to head to Windsor for the weekend and treat myself to some R & R.
Besides the being visually stunning, Windsor also boasts some fabulous bars and shops – all in the shadow of the castle. Naturally, this would have been my preferred choice of accommodation, but as this wasn’t an option, I opted for the next best thing – the Grade II listed Sir Christopher Wren’s House Hotel and Spa. In addition to boasting an impressive 96 rooms, spa, gym and award-winning restaurant, Strok’s, the hotel is also surprisingly accessible –under an hour from central London and a short walk from both of Windsor’s stations.
The Spa
The hotel’s close proximity to the river – it’s literally perched on the banks of the Thames – means most rooms offer spectacular views, and those that don’t look out onto a pretty, tree-lined side street. My room boasted a generously sized balcony and a large, Molton and Brown stocked bathroom, along with generous supplies of tea, coffee, bottled water, and fruit. Before long it was time for dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Strok’s. When it came to choosing my starter, the Foie Gras sounded shamefully tempting, but try as I might, I simply couldn’t do it. Instead, I went with the smoked salmon –the best I’d ever tasted – followed by a delicious entrecote of steak served with chanterelle mushrooms, rosti potato and fantastically fresh sugar snap peas, finishing with a delicious slice of chocolate cake presented with a medley of summer berries. Throughout the meal, I was treated to the kind of service that puts other restaurants to shame. When three beautifully presented, unbelievably delicious courses are served one after the other, you can’t help but wonder why other restaurants can’t do the same.
The Bedroom at Christopher Wren
After gorging myself silly, I headed back to my room and crashed out in front of the TV. Although the bed scored top marks in the comfort stakes, various factors mean that light sleepers should choose their room carefully. Noise from the street outside the hotel can be quite loud (admittedly it was a Saturday night) and I lost count of the times I was woken from my slumber by the squawkings of various swans and geese (perhaps I should have eaten that Foie Gras after all) although to be fair, slightly higher noise levels must be part and parcel of staying in a hotel in such a great location and such impressive historical credentials. The next morning, I rose early and, all in the name of research obviously, treated myself to a delicious full English breakfast.
Despite some minor criticisms, Christopher Wren’s House is definitely my new favourite thing about Windsor. It’s a fabulous hotel that ticks all the boxes at prices that offer genuine value for money. Whether you’re looking for a weekend spa break or simply in need of some therapy of the retail kind, I honestly can’t think of a better place to spend the night. Unless, that is, the Queen wants to consider dipping her toe in the hotel industry – times are tight after all, and those corgis must get through an awful lot of pet food….
Price guide: Although the starting rate for rooms is listed as £170.00, under the “best available rate” deal you can pay as little as £80.00 per single room. Expect to pay around £60.00 for a three course meal with drinks and cheeseboard.
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