DISCLOSURE – THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER + GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE REVIEWER WRITING A REVIEW
Reviewed by Alison Crook
I was fortunate to be gifted a stay at The Lensbury Hotel, London’s Riverside Resort, in Teddington, Middlesex so booked for a one night stay for two guests including dinner, bed & breakfast.
Prior to travel to the hotel, I called to confirm my booking and was pleasantly surprised at the great customer care that I had received. The receptionist who answered the call greeted me in a cheery manner and pro-actively confirmed details about my stay. She answered my questions about what facilities I might expect, assured me there was adequate free parking, describing the car park layout and overflow directions too, whilst also asking my expected time of arrival. She booked me into the restaurant at my preferred time. After the call, I mentioned to my husband that it was good to have such pro-active person on the end of the call, who had clearly been given good training on customer service etiquette.
On arrival, we were welcomed and were advised that a bottle of the best house wine was gifted to us in the room. A lovely touch! We were advised how to access the spa, gym and pool areas. We confirmed our check out time and took the stairs up to our room, although there was a lift if we had wanted one. The wooden staircase was a lovely feature, showcasing the beautiful building we were staying in.
Our room was a deluxe ensuite, with such beautiful array of lamps and lighting, ample for reading, working or low light for relaxing. Having 2 cosy sofas and a coffee table, plus the large bed at the far end, ensured everything we needed in the room – plus of course a good sized TV and view overlooking the back of the hotel towards the tennis courts and river.
The shower room was a good size with plenty of complimentary showering goodies including a shower cap which is ideal for someone like me who doesn’t want to spend time drying long hair after a quick shower.
On arrival in the bar lounge, we were met with roaring fires and lots of family chatter; the hotel had people of all ages including small children whose parents were relaxing in the comfortable lounge area. We had drinks in the lounge before being shown to our table in the conservatory restaurant. It was a little chilly initially for me, but it was one of the coldest days of the year so far and soon felt warm whilst we were eating.
There were several other tables of guests, however the waiter did acknowledge a quieter time of year so reduced menu (not a la carte). The menu was original and intriguing – some unique recipes which was good to see, perhaps with a Turkish twist. I am no foodie but I enjoyed the variety of dishes on offer and chose a starter, main and desert. Not only was the presentation good, but the waiting staff were attentive, and ensured we had everything we needed, checking in at times to make sure were happy.
After coffee we retired to our room and slept so well that we woke later than expected, and arrived down at breakfast for the last half hour. Again, the variety of food on offer was huge, with fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, hot choices which were all available to help yourself. We chose the full English breakfast which was made to order – a perfectly cooked meal and welcome start to the day.
We finished eating and explored the hotel, grounds, spa and pool/gym areas. We wandered down towards the river, where we stood and watched the water rushing through the lock and weir, intrigued by the wildlife making their home in the trees lined lawn area, including some beautiful large ruddy ducks and squirrels too, which was fascinating to watch in the crisp morning air.
Although we didn’t use the spa, pool or gym facilities, we did take a browse across the lawn to the building where the pool and gym were. The small pool was providing swimming lessons to children but the larger pool was quieter. Upstairs the gym was in full use by members of the community, with a bustling reception area. Sunday mornings are clearly time for exercise! A Pilates class was taking place through the window and a room full of exercise bikes for other activities. Outside was a large children’s play area and plenty of lawn spreading across to the tennis courts.
Before we left the hotel, we checked out the Spa – again quietly busy with attentive staff answering my questions about booking should I want a treatment. The Spa can be used by members of the public as well as Members and guests of the hotel.
A thoroughly pleasant stay, highly recommend and considering how close to London it is, the prices listed on the website were surprisingly really good value.
I can highly recommend a stay at The Lensbury for either work or pleasure, couples, singles or families.
Thank you for a beautiful stay.
Rating: 5/5
For more information or to make a booking, visit www.lensbury.com.
The Lensbury, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9NU
T: 020 8614 6400 | E: hotel.reception@lensbury.com