Top 5 Boutique Hotels in Berkshire

Berkshire, or Royal Berkshire thanks to its close association with the monarchy, is a county that is filled with things to do including popular attractions like LEGOland and, of course, historic Windsor Castle. For visitors to the county looking for a boutique hotel, for a romantic, memorable stay, here’s the BoutiqueHotels.co.uk guide to the best 5 places to stay in Berkshire including:

Sanctum on the Green in Cookham Dean

Close to the River Thames in Cookham Dean is Sanctum on the Green (****) – a delightful four star hotel which is part of the popular Bespoke Hotels collection. There are just nine rooms available, each of which is beautifully designed and comes with a King size bed and rain shower. The spacious Sanctum Suite sits at the top of the hotel and has a 6ft bath, and overlooks the hotel’s outside heated pool and hot tub. For a delicious bite to eat, relax in Luke’s Dining Room – an inviting place to eat with an exciting menu put together by chef Luke Smith, the young maestro who puts his name to the restaurant. Cookham Dean is brilliantly located for exploring nearby towns along the Thames such as Henley upon Thames and Marlow.
Sanctum on the Green, The Old Cricket Common, Cookham Dean, SL6 9NZ

Four poster bed at Sanctum on the Green hotel in Cookham Dean

Castle Hotel in Windsor

MGallery is a collection of boutique hotels around the world and in their Castle Hotel at Windsor, they have an elegant place to stay in the heart of Royal Windsor. The handsome Georgian building is just 2 minutes’ walk from the castle and will transport you back in time with its character and attention to detail throughout. The four star rooms are welcoming and comfortable. and hotel also boasts a lounge that which provides a superb vantage point for the changing of the guard, and also a delightfully relaxing Library.
Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery Collection by Sofitel, 18 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LJ

The gorgeous Georgian entrance to the Castle Hotel which is just 2 minutes’ from Windsor Castle’s entrance gate.

River Arts Club ***** in Maidenhead

A Victorian mansion on the banks of the Thames is the setting for the River Arts Club (*****) hotel. The thirteen delightful rooms are all adorned with original art, as is the rest of living room and common areas. The rooms are quirky, colourful and stylish, making this a unique place in which to stay. They’re equipped to a high standard, too, with Nespresso machines, free Wifi, Noble Isle toiletry pampering kits and fresh fruit. The hotel has a garden with 60 metres of river frontage and has its own 7-seater traditional river launch, called Ophelia, which provides an memorable taxi service to some of the local Michelin starred restaurants.
River Arts Club, Guards Club Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8DN

The River Arts Club’s garden has 60 metres of Thames river frontage and they own their own traditional boat.

Malmaison **** in Reading

Malmaison in Reading (****) is thought to be the oldest surviving railway hotel in the world, having originally opened as the Great Western Hotel in 1844. Situated just opposite Reading station, the Grade-II listed hotel welcomes guests with a delicious doric portico entrance. There’s 75 rooms and suites, all with the contemporary style and decadence which is characteristic of the popular Malmaison chain. Rooms range from the standard double up to the stunning Executive Suite with four poster bed, dual drench showers and comfy lounge area with sofa and large TV for a romantic night in.
Malmaison Reading, Station Road, Reading, RG1 1JX

Contemporary boutique style at Malmaison Reading

The Elephant Hotel in Pangbourne

Just six miles from Reading is the lovely village of Pangbourne where the Elephant Hotel pays tribute to a bygone age. Handcrafted Indian furniture and rich oriental rugs are just some of the features which allude to the time of Empire in this characterful and charming three star hotel. All of the 22 rooms are unique in style but each gives a comfortable and memorable stay at this village by the River Thames. The Elephant Hotel also has its own fine dining restaurant which as received an AA Rosette.
Elephant Hotel, Church Road, Pangbourne, RG8 7AR

The Elephant Hotel in the Thames-side village of Pangbourne in Berks.