Warren House, Kingston | Kingston hotels | Somewhere to stay

Warren House Hotel, Surrey, review, bike riding by the Thames, Jamie's Italian, Kingston - Somewhere to stay - travel - allaboutyou.com

What's the hotel like?

Warren House is a superb country house hotel. Built by a rich businessman around 150 years ago on the banks of the Thames, it is situated just between the upmarket suburbs of Richmond and Kingston on the outskirts of London. It boasts a wonderfully pretty entrance and some beautiful reception rooms with lots of cosy panelling and superb views of the gorgeous gardens.

There are some fine details to this Victorian building – amazing stonework, fine plaster ceilings and wonderful York stone edging.

The gardens are just as lovely with beautifully manicured lawns and perfectly placed tables where you can sit and enjoy a drink.

What are the bedrooms like?

There are 46 bedrooms. Some of them are feature rooms with the house's original fittings, period fireplaces and rolltop baths. Most are more modern, in muted shades of magnolia and cream. But all have large double beds, internet access, free wifi, CD system, flatscreen TV, a desk and tea and coffee-making facilities. And because of the arrangement of the house (sitting in its lovely gardens), most rooms have an attractive view. Our room was small but very, very comfortable with top-quality furnishings.

How's the bed?

Nice and firm with lovely bedding, full pillows and a wooden headboard.

What's in the bathroom?

We found luxurious white robes and an assortment of toiletries by Temple Spa in our neat shower room with toilet. The shower was fantastic - so powerful!

What about eating and drinking?

Warren House does a great range of food. The Orchid Room offers lighter meals, which are available all day – such as salads or sandwiches. It also offers a classic afternoon tea for £24.50 which includes very good finger sandwiches, dainty cream cakes and home-made scones with cream and jam. For £39.50 you can have a Champagne tea with strawberries dipped in chocolate. We sampled the Champagne tea at around 2pm not long after our arrival and it made a delicious and filling lunch.

The Dining Room is run by head chef Paul Bellingham and it specialises in fine dining. Starters cost around £8, mains around £19 and desserts are all £8. The menu changes every week. On the first Sunday of every month, there is a carvery. The carvery menu is also available on special days such as Father's Day. There is a well balanced wine list, with prices from about £25 a bottle and wine is available by the glass.

The breakfast is superb. A wonderful buffet with fresh produce and a fresh supply of eggs, bacon, sausages and more.

Anything else

If you're feeling active, there is a great gym and an indoor swimming pool that's a lovely temperature.

What's nearby?

Kingston has a delightful Victorian shopping centre with plenty of historic buildings and is a mix of the big brands and lesser-known lovely little shops too. There's also a charming historic market. There are lots of great restaurants - we ate at Jamie's Italian, which is right by the river and was fun and atmospheric.

Warren House is just a short walk from the huge and historic Richmond Park, which has herds of wild deer and boasts gorgeous displays of flowers in summer. It's also just a couple of miles from Hampton Court Palace, which is one of the finest – and most splendid – palaces in Britain and which was founded in the reign of Henry Vlll. Hampton Court is well worth a visit.

The Rose Theatre in Kingston has a fine reputation for top quality drama and music and if you're staying at Warren House it is definitely worth checking out what's showing.

You can hire a bike for a cycle along the Thames and I highly recommend this - there's a lovely stretch of the Thames a short drive away. I cycled towards Richmond and if you like you can stop off to visit Ham House – one of Britain's finest Jacobean mansions which is in the same direction. It was so peaceful and beautiful by the river - the path is good and safe and we passed lots of rowers and people in houseboats - all in all, there was a lovely atmosphere.

Find out more

For more information on Kingston Upon Thames, go to www.kingstonfirst.co.uk. Rooms at Warren House start from £129 per room for two, per night including breakfast. Afternoon Tea at Warren House starts from £23.50 for the Classic Tea and £38.50 for the Champagne Tea. For hotel and tea reservations and more information call 020 8547 1777 or go to www.warrenhouse.com. To book a table at Jamie Oliver’s go to www.jamieoliver.com/italian/kingston or call 020 3326 4300. You can hire bikes through the Hawker Centre, Lower Ham Rd for £25 per bike per day. Half day and hourly rates also available. To book call 020 8296 9747 or visit www.ymcalsw.org.