The Swan at Streatley is in a stunning location on the banks of the Thames. Many bedrooms as well as the dining rooms enjoy panoramic views over the water. The Magdalen Barge, moored alongside, can be used for private dining or meetings. There is a Spa and indoor pool and supervised fishing can be arranged. Weddings and small conferences are also catered for.

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The Elephant at Pangbourne is part of Hillbrooke Hotels, who have bought and converted a series of inns in the South of England. It has 22 eclectic bedrooms, some furnished in Indian, Far East or American Colonial style. Good bar snacks are available or there is the more formal restaurant. There is also a beer garden at the back of the hotel.

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The Vineyard at Stockcross is a modernized former Hunting Lodge just off the Newbury by-pass. Its bedrooms are a mix of contemporary and country house style, all with marble bathrooms. Cuisine, specialising in British and French dishes, has won many awards. There is a Spa, indoor pool, leisure centre and extensive gardens.

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The Bear at Hungerford, dating back to the 14th century, was once owned by Henry VIII and was bequeathed to Catherine Parr on his death. Today it has 40 stylishly furnished bedrooms scattered throughout a number of buildings. There is a brasserie as well as a formal restaurant. Hungerford High Street has numerous craft, sporting and antique shops and the Lambourn Downs are near at hand.

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The Forbury Hotel , Reading, formerly a civic hall, has been converted into a contemporary townhouse bolthole in a town otherwise served by chain hotels. Its modern individual bedrooms have stunning artwork on the walls, the Cerise restaurant has won many awards and there is even a cinema in the basement for film enthusiasts.

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The Sanctum on the Green, near Maidenhaead, offers a classy 9-bedroom retreat with acclaimed cuisine, outdoor pool and dining area. Rooms are divided into crashpads, deluxe and the Sanctum Suite. All are contemporarily furnished, with state of the art entertainment systems, REN toiletries etc. Sister hotel of the Sanctum Soho (see the London section of this website).

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The Queens Arms lies in the heart of the beautiful Lambourn valley. It welcomes riders, shooters and fly fishermen, as well as walkers. The eight bedrooms are named after leading sporting suppliers: Holland & Holland, Orvis etc. Each has the relevant company’s memorabilia on the walls. Most rooms have large showers and all have good writing desks amongst the period furniture.

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The Christopher Hotel is situated on Eton High Street, close to the famous college buildings and Windsor Castle. New owners have recently refurbished the 34 bedrooms which are situated either in the main building or in an extension to the rear. The street-facing Brasserie is a popular meeting place and serves tempting dishes all day. There is also a convivial bar.

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Cliveden, formerly the stately home of the Astor family and much in the news in the Macmillan years, is an iconic hotel set in 400 acres of National Trust land. It has award winning cuisine, a spa, meeting rooms, formally laid out gardens and can arrange Thames cruises. Its public rooms are hung with priceless works of art.

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Coworth Park, Ascot, is a newly renovated Georgian Mansion owned by the Dorchester Hotel in London’s Park Lane. The same standards have been applied.
The hotel sits in 240 acres bordering Windsor Great Park, has a Spa and award winning restaurant, as well as being convenient for both Sunningdale and Wentworth golf courses.

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