Henley-on-Thames gains new luxury hotel

New boutique hotel The Relais Henley has opened in the English market town of Henley-on-Thames in time for the Henley Royal Regatta on August 11-15.

The 16th-century coaching inn was originally built to house the craftsmen who constructed the parish church of St Mary the Virgin. The property has played host to royalty and nobility including King Charles I, whose Royal Coat of Arms is preserved over the fireplace in the room he stayed in; Grace Kelly, who visited during the Henley Royal Regatta in 1947; and poet William Shenstone, who reportedly carved a poem into a pane of glass in 1750.

The grade II listed building has since been renovated and rebranded under international hotelier Grace Leo, who was drawn to the property’s riverside setting and the town’s "bustling" atmosphere.

“There is a great air of excitement around Henley in the run up to The Royal Regatta and we are so pleased to open our doors ahead of the much-anticipated event,” she said.

“Henley-on-Thames has so much to offer year-round and we are looking forward to being a central part of the town’s thriving scene.”

The Relais Henley features 40 individually designed rooms and suites, with each offering a choice of views over the River Thames, the courtyard or the town.

Bold stripes, inspired by traditional rowing club blazers, run through the rich wool carpets and ‘armoires’, while botanical illustrations pay homage to the surrounding countryside. A selection of bespoke furnishings designed by English craftsman are dotted around the hotel.

Guests will find three food and beverage options. The Clipper Restaurant is the new Henley outpost of Mosimann’s in London, featuring signature dishes from the Belgravia restaurant using a selection of locally grown produce. The restaurant is open all day for breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and alfresco courtyard meals.

The Deli offers gourmet ‘grab and go’ sandwiches, pastries and coffees, as well as picnics for excursions on the river, while the Quarterdeck Bar, located in the oldest part of the hotel, features original beams, vintage photographs of The Royal Regatta and views of Hart Street leading to Henley’s historic market square.

Dedicated co-working and social space The Palm Court offers high ceilings, planter fans, over-sized mirrors and a mosaic of Persian and Chinese rugs. A membership concept will be introduced for this area later in the year.

Courtyard Rooms start from £300 per room per night, including breakfast.