THE HOTEL: Situated on the River Thames, the Oakley Court hotel is ten minutes drive from central Windsor and 15 minutes from Slough. Also conveniently located for access to the M4 and M40 motorways.
The check-in: After being met at the door by the concierge (who also parked our car) a quick and efficient check-in followed and we were propmptly shown to our room.
The room: A modern room with large double bed, work desk, mini bar, TV with satellite channels and movies on-demand, trouser press, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathroom complete with a range of complimentary toiletries. The hotel also has some suites with four-poster beds; the majority of guestrooms have views over the Thames.
The business: There are six meeting rooms in the conference centre, all of which are fully equipped with modern facilities and benefit from natural daylight. For a meeting with a difference, the hotel’s Boathouse offers a unique venue on the Thames. The hotel has wifi access throughout and a computer terminal in the reception area.
The facilities: The hotel has a range of leisure facilities including tennis courts, croquet lawn, snooker room, nine hole golf course and an indoor pool with sauna, steam room and gym. There's also two small launches which can be hired for a cruise along the river.
The restaurant: Tables in The Dining Room have views over the river. A range of modern European dishes featuring local ingredients make up the menu. Breakfast is also served in The Dining Room.
The CHECKOUT: Our bags were collected from the room and after settling the bill our car was ready and waiting to meet us at the entrance to the hotel.
The verdict: An elegant country house hotel set in manicured gardens and situated right on the banks of the River Thames in a suitably peaceful location. It's well located for anyone enjoying corporate hospitality during Henley Regatta and Windsor or Ascot races, or even travellers heading further afield to/from Heathrow Airport.
The details: Room rates from £130 including bed and breakfast and VAT. Day delegate rates for meetings are from £80, and 24 hour delegate rates are from £280. All rates include free use of the health club and golf course.
See www.oakleycourt.com for more information or call: 01753 609988. David Clare
