Monkey Island Estate
Monkey Island Lane, Bray on Thames SL6 2EE England
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About
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.2
Value
4.1
Travelers' Choice
Monkey Island Estate lies on a picturesque island in the River Thames in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire. The island has a rich history centuries old, and has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals and now is home to one of the finest hotels in Bray. The two grade I listed heritage pavilions which form the property were originally commissioned as a fishing retreat in 1723 by the third Duke of Marlborough. These have been completely restored and renovated, with beautifully landscaped gardens and picturesque views of the River Thames. Set across seven acres, Monkey Island Estate features 27 exquisite guestrooms and three sumptuous suites, designed by the award-winning New York-based Champalimaud Design. The furnishings juxtapose timeless glamour and traditional features with a modern, countryside style, creating a unique blend of past and present.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Airport transportation
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary tea
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
Location
36Car recommended
Grade: 36 out of 100
630Restaurantswithin 5 miles
162Attractionswithin 5 miles
Monkey Island Lane, Bray on Thames SL6 2EE England
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We arrived for a wedding decided to stay the day before and day of wedding . Grounds beautiful . We stayed , later discovered in a standard room . We were charged £325 for this room and concession for wedding night - the total was £500 !! There are no facilities for suitcases and very little hanging facilities . A bar on the wall and a very very small cupboard which housed the safe . My husband tripped badly as he tried to get round the bed . He was seen by a paramedic who was a guest . The phone on our room was not working and no staff member on site . I needed ice for the enormous swelling . A pharmacist attended too as well as paramedic both guests . The staff provision was sparse today the least and because of lack of English couldn’t understand our needs . My husband attended the A& E which confirmed broken toes . My husband is going on for 77 and he is still suffering pain and now has mobility problem . They also took £100 on booking in on sept1st this has not been refunded. We had to pay for room as early as May .…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Check out room prices on booking . Com . Inspect the standard room !! We tried to get help but...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
On arrival we had very good first impresssions of this hotel being in idyllic location on the River with its beautiful grounds we had a room with a nice garden view room and a lovely large Bathroom with a Bath. We had booked in for dinner and had a very enjoyable dinining experience our steaks were delicious and the the service was very good and we well looked after by our Waiter Nick who was very helpful, chatty and knew his wines! Breakfast however couldnt have been more of an opposite experience so dissappointing, it was a complete disaster! We got to the dining room at 9.10am to find a more or less empty hot buffet there was hardly any hot food to be seen, no eggs, Bacon, or Hash Browns a few greasy looking sausages my husband asked for some fried eggs which arrived about 15 minutes later and then waited and waited for the bacon which still hadnt arrived by 10 0'clcock, 40 minutes later! So we gave up and left without my husband having any breakfast. This is unacceptble for a hotel of this standard, we did complain to the receptionist on check-out and we given a discount off our Bill but it doesn't make up for the fact the our stay was spoilt by the Abysmal Breakfast!…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Popped in for a drink and food, after all this is a hotel isn't it. Went to the bar but nobody available, so asked one of the staff if they could help. Eventually someone turned up so I ordered 2 glasses of Sauvignon blanc. Sorry came the reply we don't serve it by the glass. I replied we were here 3 weeks ago and it was available by the glass, alas no more, so the waitress suggested an Italian wine!? Okay let's have 2 glasses, unfortunately when she pulled the bottle it was nearly empty. Oh sorry came the reply I will find a new bottle. She disappeared only to return advising she could not locate a new bottle, okay I will have 2 glasses of Pinot Grigio, duly served. I then asked for a bar menu, Sorry we only serve bar food at weekends!!! It was Friday Okay can I have 2 sandwiches, no was the reply, you can have a bowl of peanuts and olives, exasperated I said okay The drinks and nuts were served at our table with the waitress apologising she thought it was Thursday , she showed us a very uninspiring bar menu. She never came back to take our order!! To add insult to injury when I went to place our food order at the bar, sorry the kitchen is closed. Okay I'll pay the bill, 2 glasses of Pinot Grigio and a bowl of nuts and a few olives....£46.13! Unbelievable…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This hotel is a bit of an eccentric oddity floating in the River Thames. You arrive in what looks like a garden centre car park. There is what looks like a parking attendants hut at one end, but turns out to be reception. There is no visible sign saying this when looking from the car park. They need to sort the signage out. You cross the bridge and the grounds are magnificent and beautifully kept. The two pavilion style buildings are also spectacular, with one housing the bar, restaurant and function rooms, and the other accommodation (Temple Terrace) overlooking the river. The room, was bijou but perfectly formed including a comp bottle or Prosecco and other drinks. Nice touch. Good air con and furnishings also. Sadly the promised terrace was covered in leaves with a view of the River Thames obscured by a forest of nettles and other shrubbery. If you say the room has a river view, you better make sure it has. This lack of attention to detail lets the hotel down. Before dinner we discovered the high-ceilinged function room which has the most spectacular view of a fork in the River Thames and a fabulous terrace to watch the boats pass by. It was empty. The Brasserie by contrast was busy and stuck on the side of the building like an after-thought with no real view of the river. It was beyond us why you would hide your best asset from paying punters and keep it only for occasional functions. It's madness - please swap these around. Finally the food in the Brasserie varied from OK to outstanding. I had a stunning chicken dish with a killer hispi cabbage and bacon. Service was impeccable thanks to Nicholas who was on point, charming, and ultra efficient throughout, despite it being busy. With a few minor changes this hotel will be the monkey business. …
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Clearly huge investment has gone into the restoration of this lovely island. The staff were lovely but clearly understaffed everywhere and not a manager to be seen anywhere. Our room was very small and queen bed made for a not very comfortable night. Perhaps investment was trying to pack too many rooms onto the island! Food was fine and given that Bray has some excellent fine dining restaurants it’s sensible they’ve not gone down that route.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
We stopped at Monkey Island as part of a day's boating from Windsor. On arrival we asked if we could sit in the garden for drinks, the barman directed us outside and said he would send someone to take our order. It took a while but eventually we received our very overpriced drinks. We ask for the bill, which the waitress brought to us but said we should go inside to pay as the 'machine wasn't working outside'. I went inside to pay, we then started walking back to our boat to leave. Another waitress rushed over and asked if we had paid our bill, I explained that I had already been inside to pay the bill as requested, she asked me to 'wait there until I have checked". Very rude and made us feel very uncomfortable. We didn't wait as I knew we had already paid. Such a shame as they have an idyllic setting, but obviously their service is lacking which is why on a Bank holiday Monday it wasn't very busy.…
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Fabulous hotel including the location. The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and plentiful! Rooms exceptionally clean with added luxury. I would definitely recommend staying here. It’s calm and peaceful. A special thank you to Karla who was a great host and very accommodating.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip: Follow the signs to the hotel as it is set in a residential area.
Check what time the bar closes...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Perfect destination for a birthday celebration event with family and friends. Multiple options for rooms and dining. The staff were attentive and helpful from start to finish and genuinely tailor to your needs. Could not recommend more!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
A delightful first visit to this beautiful hotel, a treat from my best friend. A warm welcome from Daisy & lovely upgrade was a great start to our stay. Our room was comfortable & had a complimentary stocked mini bar with a Nespresso coffee maker. We enjoyed an outstanding dinner in the Brasserie which had beautiful views of the river, but it was the staff that really made it special - Lilly & Daniela were engaging , hospitable & attentive - excellent hosts. Thank you for my birthday breakfast - it was the perfect start to my day!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I booked a last minute Dinner Bed and Breakfast package for my best friends birthday. Everything was absolutely perfect, Daisy on the front desk was super helpful and professional. We were upgraded upon arrival to a Temple room which was a nice check in experience. Dinner at the Brasserie was simply outstanding, service was impeccable and attentive, the food was faultless and delicious . We were served by Lily and Daniela who were both amazing, the hotel are incredibly lucky to have two such brilliant staff members, they are a credit to the hotel. Breakfast was also fabulous, the poached eggs were excellent. We had a wonderful stay and would have no hesitation to return. It was just a brilliant experience - thank you Monkey Island.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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PRICE RANGE
$224 - $304 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandBerkshireBray on Thames
NUMBER OF ROOMS
43
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Claim Your ListingMONKEY ISLAND ESTATE - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Bray on Thames, England, UK)
Frequently Asked Questions about Monkey Island Estate
Which popular attractions are close to Monkey Island Estate?
Nearby attractions include Windsor Castle (3.7 miles), Escape In 60 UK (2.9 miles), and BCA Zoo (5.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Monkey Island Estate?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Monkey Island Estate?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Monkey Island Estate?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Monkey Island Estate?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gurkha Royale Restaurant & Bar Windsor, Patch On The Plaza, and Palmieri's.
Does Monkey Island Estate have airport transportation?
Yes, Monkey Island Estate offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Monkey Island Estate located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.7 miles away from the center of Bray on Thames.
Are any cleaning services offered at Monkey Island Estate?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Monkey Island Estate?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Monkey Island Estate offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.