First Impressions
The Lensbury Resort sits right on the Thames in Richmond upon Thames, and honestly, calling it just a hotel feels like underselling it. This four-star property sprawls across 25 acres of riverside grounds — I mean, you’ve got tennis courts, a marina, and even a gym that locals actually pay to use. It’s one of those places where you forget you’re technically still in London until you see the Heathrow flight path overhead.
Location & Riverside Setting
The location is pretty special, actually. You’re tucked away from the main Richmond buzz but still close enough to walk to Richmond town center in about 15 minutes along the river path. The Thames flows right past the property, and there’s this lovely terrace where you can sit with a drink and watch the rowing crews from the nearby clubs. What’s really nice is how quiet it gets here — the Broom Road entrance keeps you away from the tourist crowds that swarm Richmond Bridge.
The Room Experience
The room I stayed in overlooked the river, which you’ll want to request specifically because the courtyard-facing ones are fine but nothing special. The interiors feel fresh without being trendy — think clean lines, comfortable beds, and those little touches like good lighting for reading. The bathrooms are modern, though not huge, and the Wi-Fi actually works well throughout the building, which isn’t always a given in these older riverside properties.
Dining & Facilities
The restaurant surprised me — it’s called Riverside Restaurant and the food is genuinely good, not just hotel-decent. They do a proper afternoon tea if that’s your thing, and the Sunday roast draws locals who aren’t even staying here. The sports facilities are where this place really shines though. There’s a pool, tennis courts, and that gym I mentioned — it’s like staying at a country club that happens to have hotel rooms attached.
Why Guests Love It
You know what makes The Lensbury Resort work? It’s this weird combination of being both removed from London’s chaos while still being part of it. The parking is free (and trust me, that’s worth mentioning), the staff know their stuff without being overly formal, and there’s something genuinely relaxing about falling asleep to the sound of the Thames. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Richmond — it’s just doing its own riverside thing really well, and honestly, that’s exactly what you want sometimes.
Hotels in London dot historic Covent Garden, royal squares, and creative quarters brimming with artisan markets.
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
