Sir Christopher Wren Hotel — Hotel in Great Britain

We were excited to arrive at this hotel. Unfortunately, there did not appear to be any signage for the hotel, when we arrived in Windsor and although our Sat Nav took us to the street/area it was meant to be, we couldn't find it. It turned out to be down a pedestrian side street, so a sign on the main road would be helpful. The hotel is in various parts, with the main entrance being on one side and the accommodation on the other. No problem with this, but if it was raining, to get from your room to the eating area of the hotel, you would have to walk across the pedestrian road area and get wet. Once you find it, the hotel is in an excellent location. Overlooking the River Thames and right in the heart of Windsor. We upgraded to a more expensive room which was very smart and the en-suite bathroom, whist not overly large was immaculate, with a fantastic shower. We were surprised that the upgraded room, only came with a 5ft (King Sized) bed. When I queried it, I was told that if we had not upgraded, we would have had a basic double of only 4ft 6". No view of the river unfortunately, only an adjoining office block. But very comfortable with tea and coffee facilities and a fridge. On that note, there is the option of ticking a box to reduce carbon, by not having your room cleaned each day (is that really to reduce carbon or to keep the costs down!). Anyway, I am keen to save the planet so we went with it. Because the tea and coffee/milk etc were only supplied for a one night stay, we had to continually ask at reception for a top up, which was a bit frustrating. Perhaps a bigger supply could be left for those guests who are staying for more than one night! The Brassiere where Breakfast was served, was appealing and a good size and with tables overlooking the river (if you were lucky to get one). The breakfast itself, was excellent with plenty of choice. Some of the staff could be a bit happier and attentive but generally very nice. Outside the Brassiere is a large external terrace with tables, once again overlooking the river Thames which was lovely, but sadly food was not served outside, only drinks. Lastly and really disappointing. I booked this hotel for my wife's birthday surprise, especially as she loves the Spa and Beauty Treatments which this hotel advertises it has. The day before we arrived an email came through from the hotel to say the Spa was closed for refurbishment. Strange to do this in the peak season. So generally a very nice stay in a smart hotel with a fabulous location, but held back on a 5 star rating by a few small, but...

We will start with the positive aspects of our stay. The room although musty when we first arrived was comfortable as was the large bed being an Executive King it met with our expectations. The bathroom was also quite large and of a high standard, would have been nice to have been able to open the window for some fresh air though. There was a safe for any valuables, Iron and ironing board, fan and an hairdryer. Our room overlooked Thames Street but that was fine as it sometimes interesting watching the comings and goings outside of the main entrance. As regards the staff the majority were excellent, especially the bar staff, one in particular who seemed to be there from morning to night and always had a smile, very knowledgeable and very efficient . We didn't take note of his name largely because we were put too much at ease and didn't think to take note. The breakfast that we had was fantastic, we had a full English but other selections were available, all of which was in a buffet style which suited us fine. There was nice Drawing Room nearby where you just sit and relax after breakfast or whenever for that matter, which was comfortable and grand looking. We didn't get to try out the restaurant as it was fully booked, so word of advice book early if required. There were things that we believe could be improved upon. When anyone arrives at an hotel that they may be a little unsure of, its always good to be greeted with a friendly smile and a willingness to make one feel at home, that feeling never came across to us when we first arrived. We believe that front of house should set the tone of ones experience, we will add, it was mainly on first arriving that we felt this way and it could have had a detrimental effect on our stay. We of course do understand that we can all have a bad day. Now this may seem really trivial but the tea and coffee making facilities in the room could be improved. We do tend to like our tea and coffee, so when there is only three sachets of milk, two tea bags and coffee much the same, so it was not long before we ran out of tea and coffee, suffice to say. Now although the bed was very comfortable, the pillows weren't great but can't have it all I suppose. Would like to have been able to open the windows in the room a little bit more than we could. Altogether we really did enjoy our stay, but for us to give more than three stars some things do...

I booked Sir Christopher Wren through the Qantas app. The pictures of the view across the Thames and the rooms looked nice and so I was willing to pay more.

We ended up in room 406, which is located on the ground floor in an annex away from the main hotel across the pedestrian street. No view.

Room was clean and cosy and the bathroom was modern. The shower dripped loudly so I had to put a hand towel down to dull the house at night. There is also a fire alarm directly above the bed with a white light that flashes on and off brightly all night. Easy to stare at it and get distracted from sleep.

In fact, this was not what stopped us from sleeping. It was the constant noise of function equipment carts, suitcases, and people chatting in the thoroughfare of a corridor right outside the room. Our room was the last one before the ramp to the opening and closing glass doors that lead to the lifts to upper floor rooms (that probably overlook the river).

It is not the first time we have been relegated to the ‘thoroughfare’ room. I was travelling as a sole Mum with my seven year old son. And I had a feeling once this was identified, we were slotted into this room. Unfortunately, when you have a young son you actually need the extra sleep and it took a few goes for him to rest over the clanking of carts and suitcases from late check-ins. Although I was not on a ‘romantic holiday’ I still paid the money to be able to enjoy some of the view and some sleep of my own. Especially because I was far away from the spa, the restaurant, the bar, anything really. Location was convenient though- short walk to the station, the bridge to Eton and King street right near the castle.

I am asked to rate the service. Well there was any really as we were not in the main hotel. We checked in, were able to leave our luggage early, and then received a request to check out online and drop our cards in a box. So I’m not sure I can rate it.

I was disappointed but we made the most of the location and the lively wine bar around the corner. Be sure to be asked not to be put in a ground floor room along the annex corridor. I hazard a guess this will make a difference in...