Staying by The Thames at the Elegant Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa, Windsor, England
Life has a funny way of going full circle on me. 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. I stayed in the exquisite and elegant Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.
The Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa in Windsor, Berkshire.
I’d been to Windsor once before, back in the year 2000 when I visited Legoland with my family. This time I was a backpacker turned flashpacker as I headed to Windsor to check out the sights of the town and two reunions with friends. The Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is a luxurious 4 star hotel right on the River Thames. You’ll have noticed these days that I like to mix my backpacking hostels with 4 stars, with mates floors, with night buses and trains. It was time for some luxury again for a night and here are 10 reasons why you should stay in the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel.
1. Location on the River Thames
The Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is situated overlooking the River Thames. This makes for excellent views, quiet strolls and a decent place to watch sunrise or sunset.
Sunset at the River Thames by the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.
2. Luxury Rooms
The rooms are pure luxury here and there was that “wow” factor when I entered my room – Room 8 with a view over the main street and a cosy bed and bathroom.
My room.
My bathroom.
3. Friendly Staff
From the moment I stepped in the door and met Natasha on reception to the way the managers and waiters were always saying hello, this is such a friendly place. Managers Jutta and Jill have been working in the hospitality trade for years and know all about customer service.
Reception at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.
4. Wren’s Club Spa
It was Friday afternoon and what 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.
Relaxing in the Jacuzzi at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.
5. Business Centre
For the avid worker on the move, the Sir Christopher Wren also has a business centre.
The Business Centre.
6. Welcome Plate of Fruit
This was the first time I’ve ever checked into a hotel room to be given a welcome plate of fruit. The healthy option, nice touch guys.
A welcome plate of fruit.
7. Buffet Breakfast
I went on a pub crawl in Windsor on the Friday night and on Saturday morning, I got up early ready for the big breakfast. In the main restaurant is a massive buffet breakfast with a huge range, this is a great place to try a traditional English breakfast – they even have black pudding (dried pork slices) which is one of my personal favourites. Washed down with a juice (they had strawberry, pear, apple and orange when I was there) and a pot of English tea.
8. Relaxing Lounges
The Sir Christopher Wren is a pretty old school English building. The interior is one of elegant décor and you can relax in one of the lounges. One, has a fireplace which would be a top spot on a cold winter night. There is also a bar.
One of the relaxing lounges.
Another of the relaxing lounges.
Lounge and bar
9. Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
You knew I wouldn’t pick a hotel where you have to pay extra for wi-fi and the in room Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, plus you can get wi-fi basically anywhere in the hotel.
My room with its Wifi corner and desk.
10. Functions
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa offers all types of functions, private rooms and parties and they do a lot of weddings. In Summer months with the Thames just out the window and a massive beer garden, it’s a perfect place for your party. There are also some rumours that celebrities have stayed here, so you might bump into someone famous, you’re staying in the town of the Queen, after all…
A great place for weddings and parties.
So on another fast journey in life, that was that – a quick but pleasant stay here in the Sir Christopher Wren and I headed back to London for my best mate’s 30th birthday next. Windsor is a really cool town to stay in and I recommend staying at the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa when you come here. I also had a tasty dinner in the hotel which I will feature in my Friday’s Featured Food series at some point:
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PX
t: +44 1753 442400
f: +44 1753 442490
e: [email protected]
Here are some videos from my stay in the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa: