Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa

About this hotel…

It’s a beauty. Housed in an 18th – century property just steps away from Richmond Park, this hotel has created the perfect blend of country retreat and contemporary luxury. The interior is vibrant and whimsical making a stay here feel like a real escape from daily life.

First Impressions…

Amazing. Stepping over the threshold into the lobby and is like stepping into a different world. You are greeted with the most amazing centrepiece of greenery and candles. Through a lounge area filled with beautiful books, art and accents. And then on to the warmest of welcomes from reception. Check in wasn’t a process, it was a genuine welcome.

Location, Location, Location.

The hotel is literally just across the road from the gates of Richmond Park with its famous resident deer, who are celebrated throughout the hotel interior. It’s a pleasant fifteen minute or so walk into the centre of town via Richmond Hill, with the route taking in the views across parks and gardens to the Thames. With all of its parkland and river walks, Richmond itself has a country town feel yet London is just twenty minutes away by train.

What About The Rooms?

We opted for a Superior Room and it was a little haven of loveliness. Spacious enough to spread out and relax, cosy enough to make us feel cocooned. In room tea and coffee, a Nespresso machine if you prefer. A well stocked mini bar, but also complimentary gin and sherry in pretty, deer topped decanters. Night cap, anyone?

A bed so comfy it felt like a nest. I slept very well, and I don’t always. A spacious bathroom with clean lines, fluffy towels and White Company Toiletries. A word on the towels; they were like stepping out of the shower and into a cuddle. Bliss. I even looked at the tags to see if I could get my hands on any for home. No bath tub, but a monsoon shower big enough to dance in that meant I didn’t miss having a soak.

And the rest?

As mentioned, the lobby is a dream. The bar and terrace are something else too, think Secret Garden meets Bohemian hideaway. Lots of greenery, a flower swing. Colours and cushions. Textures and textiles. A warm welcome and impeccable service. A lovely place to end the day, or begin it.

Best thing about this hotel?

Beautiful to look at, a delight to stay in. The relaxed Richmond location with Central London on the doorstep is a dream. But the jewel in the crown are the staff. I was beyond impressed with the warm welcome, the level of service and how genuinely invested all the staff are in making your stay feel special.

The lady who checked us in remembered my husbands name hours later and recalled that we’d been cycling round Richmond Park. She asked how we’d enjoyed it. The bar staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive. We got a bit lost and a young guy working housekeeping greeted us, showed us back to where we needed to be and checked if we needed anything else. As he was directing us, A colleague came past with a heavy bag. He told her to wait, he’d come back and help. I didn’t get his name, but if he was working for me I’d be proud of him.

Anything else of note?

The little touches. Complimentary gin and sherry in the rooms. A chilled bottle of water on each bedside table. Hunter wellies in reception in a mix of child and adult sizes- no such thing as the wrong weather. Complimentary bicycles so guests can go off exploring. These are the things that elevate a standard hotel stay into something special.

Any negatives?

Not a negative as such, but a little disappointment. The hotel spa is not currently open. When it is, it will boast a sauna, a steam room, pool and space to relax both indoors and out. It looks very promising and once it’s up and running, it will make the Harbour the only hotel in Richmond with a luxury spa. It was forecast to be up and running in September but latest updates suggest an October opening. Fingers crossed. I’d love to return and indulge.

In the meantime a range of wellness treatments are still available to book.

My stay in 3 Words?

Luxurious, warm, welcoming.

Want to know more?

Find out more about Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa directly here, and on Instagram here.

Helen x