Harbour Hotel Richmond

The team made us feel cared for as soon as we arrived, with Myriam especially attentive to the guest experience. The spa was immaculate and well looked after, too. Harbour Hotel Richmond makes for a warm, welcoming break in London. It’s a few minutes from Richmond Park, handy for a morning walk or an afternoon stroll, yet feels away from the city. Our room was spacious and comfortable, the bed was exceptional, and the in-room bar was a nice touch. The food was fresh and thoughtfully prepared. It’d suit families, couples, or anyone wanting a proper break without going far. I’d highly recommend it.

The location worked well for walks. It’s about 15 minutes down Richmond Hill into the town centre, with amazing views, and there’s also a short walk to the towpath, Richmond Bridge, and Richmond Park, with Pembroke Lodge a short walk away. Staff at reception and in the restaurant were friendly, helpful, and efficient. Our Superior room was a good size and had A/C. We had a light lunch on the Terrace and got good service, though you need to ask for the Terrace menu to see the lighter choices. The spa had a nice atmosphere, a good-sized pool, and a relaxing area with swing pods. It was close to our basement room, though the pool was quite busy. I wouldn’t have chosen the basement if I’d known ahead of time. There was a window onto a skylit space between rooms, but its view was a wall. On a very hot day, being downstairs might be a blessing, and the spa is on the same level. If we return, I’ll ask for a room on the 200 floors, or perhaps the 300 floors. The room’s tea and coffee setup was on a fixed shelf in a dim closet. We had to lift it over a narrow bar and carry it to the roomy writing desk to plug it in, although there was space for it on the desk. There was no bedside lamp on my side of the king bed, just a large chest of drawers at a handy height. The powerful monsoon shower was great, but its base felt spongy and a bit unsteady underfoot between the solid edges and centre line, as if it might have been fitted without enough support. It seems like a problem waiting to happen. A few niggles, nothing major, kept this from being five stars.

The beds were genuinely comfortable, and the minibar was well stocked, though it wasn’t complimentary. Breakfast was good quality, with cooked dishes available from a separate menu alongside the standard buffet. The pool was surprisingly spacious, and the spa facilities were well kept, a nice way to clear your head after a long day or night out. It’s convenient for business trips, about a 20-30 minute drive from Heathrow (LHR), so getting there after a flight is easy without being caught in central London traffic. The atmosphere is relaxed, a change of pace from busier parts of London. A professional but cozy place, and I’d stay again for work or leisure.

My visits to the spa sauna in January and February 2026 were very disappointing. The showers had freezing water, so after using the sauna I couldn’t get the properly warm shower that’s essential for a comfortable visit. I reported it to staff, but nothing was fixed while I was there, and they didn’t seem in a hurry to deal with it. For somewhere that promises relaxation and comfort, that was extremely frustrating. The experience fell far short of what I expected, and I hope management maintains the facilities properly going forward.