Royal Retreats at The Relais Henley

March 2023 – The Relais Henley introduces ‘Royal Retreats’ in celebration of the King’s Coronation in 2023 with regal experiences steeped in history – offering guests exclusive access to the historic King Charles’ I bedroom where he once stayed and featuring the monarch’s coat of arms dating back to 1632. 

Available throughout the Coronation year, from 9th March until 30th September 2023, the package includes overnight accommodation in a riverside room, a celebration dinner in The Clipper Restaurant, a special Coronation cocktail, private cruise on the river Thames with a champagne picnic and a viewing of King Charles’ I insignia. 

“We are the custodians of a unique piece of history at The Relais Henley and in this historic year of the Coronation of a new King Charles, we wanted to create a unique experience for our guests.” Comments Grace Leo, Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Relais Retreats. 

It was recorded that in 1632, King Charles I stayed at The Red Lion (as the hotel was previously known) on his journey from London to Oxford. The Coat of Arms was painted above the fireplace in the room that he stayed and has been preserved for guests to view today. The Insignia features the lion, unicorn and a harp.    

Guests checking in for the Royal Retreat will be greeted on arrival with a Coronation Gin Martini Cocktail believed to be the preferred tipple of the new monarch, before settling into their riverside room, with a chance to see the ancient insignia.  Dinner is served in the hotel’s The Clipper Restaurant, the following morning, after a leisurely breakfast, guests depart on a private river cruise along the scenic river Thames, surrounded by beautiful Chiltern Hills, stopping along the way for a Champagne picnic.

For those looking to stay longer and enjoy further royal flourishes, The Relais Henley’s concierge can arrange for guests to visit Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the most cherished residences of the late Queen Elizabeth II. A Royal Afternoon Tea can be taken in the hotel’s Palm Court, with a decadent menu of Welsh Cakes, Plumb Cake, and Coronation Chicken sandwiches, or a private visit to the  beautiful country house and deer park, Stoner Park in the rolling Chiltern Hills. 

During the Coronation Weekend from 5-7th May, a special ceremonial two-night package includes Royal Afternoon Tea on arrival and a screening of the Coronation Ceremony in The Palm Court.

Located alongside the river Thames, the 16th century coaching inn has been reimagined as a stylish waterside retreat and is the flagship property of The Relais Retreats. Henley on Thames is just under an hour from London and around 20 minutes from Heathrow, making it the ideal city escape. 

Royal Retreat –available 9th March – 30th September:

Prices start from £738.00 per night per person based on two people sharing a riverside double room or equal category; viewing of King Charles’ I bedroom (STA), Coronation Cocktail, Three Course Celebration Dinner, Private River Cruise and Champagne Picnic. 

Coronation Weekend Retreat – 5th – 7th May 2023:

Prices start from £1,504 for two people staying two nights in a riverside double room or similar category, viewing of King Charles’ I bedroom, Royal Afternoon Tea, 3-Course Celebration Dinners in The Clipper Restaurant on both evenings, screening of the Coronation Ceremony in The Palm Court, Private River Cruise and Champagne Picnic.  

Royal Flourishes:

Prices on request for longer stays and / or visits to Windsor Castle, Stoner Park or to book the Royal Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court.  

*Viewings of the Royal Insignia are subject to availability.