Sonning Hotels Continued.

[Phill]

Thanks to all who supplied details of hotels within a short walk from a mooring near Sonning.
We were taking my wifes parents away for two days and they prefered a hotel to my V berth, but as they're in their seventies, it was only to be expected.
We booked the Great House at Sonning and left Marlow Sunday lunchtime. It was a bit gusty but the rain held off for a while. Had a lovely run up through Hurley and Hambledon without seeing another boat under way. A few NB's moored up at Medmenham, most looking smart but not all. One in particular, roof covered in logs with a scaffold over the rear deck with the engine hanging from it.
As we were going through Henley, my inlaws were pleased to see some action from the Regatta, and then the heavens opened. [image]http://

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A few minutes later the shower had passed and we had a dry passage through Marsh and Shiplake locks. We arrived at Sonning bridge at about 5.00 and were pleased to find a mooring outside the hotel.
Because the hotel is a very short walk from the river, its ideal for GD (Granddad) and Grandma who both enjoyed the stay.
A point to note is the restaurant only serves the lunch menu on Sunday evenings but we found that to be good enough given the cost.
Had a quiet trip down on Monday passing three of Kris Kruisers hire boats heading upstream and a NB or two, but not much else. Saw loads of Herons and the only Kingfisher I've ever seen on the river.
Stopped at Henley for lunch in town and got soaked by a hail storm on the way back to the boat. Didn't seem to matter to GD as he was still mesmerised by the busty waitresses serving his food. Got back to base early evening.
It never fails to amaze me how impressed people are with the river the first time they see it from a boat and whilst there is plenty to moan about, its still very special and a fabulous place to be. All the locks we passed through had happy, talkative keepers and well kept gardens.

Anyway, a bit long winded, I know but I only meant to say thanks for your recommendations.

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[Brayman]

That's interesting what you say about the Hotel only serving Sunday lunch all afternoon and evening. We found the same at the Upper Reaches in Abingdon last year when we were stranded in the floods. The all day roast was just about inedible come 8pm and it was noted to avoid on Sunday evenings in future. I hope the Great House fare was better.
Totally agree about people's view of the river when seen from a boat.

 

[Phill]

It wasn't a typical Sunday lunch menu. What I meant was we could only order from the lunchtime menu which was not as varied or comprehensive as the evening menu, but still adequate.
It was all freshly cooked/microwaved/heated or whatever happens these days.
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[DWT]

Glad you had a good trip and visit to the Great House. We have not been in there for a long time and I had a guest on the boat last week who had eaten there recently and was unimpressed so I am interested in reports on it now.

You are right about other peoples view of the river. I think we can all get a bit blase and forget just how stunning it can be.

 

[Doolittle]

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I think we can all get a bit blase and forget just how stunning it can be.

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Oh so true.