Perched on the edge of one of southwest London’s most expansive green spaces, Richmond Hill Hotel immediately feels like a place made for slowing down—made all the more appealing by the fact that it’s dog-friendly. For me, that meant bringing along my dog, Charlotte, who approaches hotel stays with far more enthusiasm than most people and seemed perfectly at home from the moment we arrived.
Set within an elegant Georgian building dating back to the 18th century, the hotel blends period character with a contemporary, understated style—think tall sash windows, original architectural detailing and graceful proportions, softened by calm, thoughtfully designed interiors. Muted tones and natural textures create a sense of quiet, unfussy refinement throughout.
Its location is a large part of its appeal. Sitting above the Thames with sweeping views that have long drawn artists and visitors to this corner of London, it feels distinctly removed from the city’s pace, yet central London remains within easy reach—striking that rare balance between retreat and accessibility.
The Room
We stayed in one of the Georgian rooms, which set exactly the right tone for the stay—striking a careful balance between character and comfort. Set within the original house, rooms in this part of the hotel are individually styled, each with its own quiet sense of identity, where the architecture does much of the work. Soft natural light poured through the windows, giving the space an easy, lived-in feel from the moment we arrived. Though on the more compact side, it felt cosy rather than confined, with a layout that made it both functional and inviting.
There’s a quiet sense of personality in the details: a vintage-style telephone placed neatly by the bed, classic fittings that nod to the building’s past, and a roll top bathtub that adds a touch of indulgence without feeling overly staged. A small coffee station sat on the dressing table, while tea-making facilities were neatly tucked away in the cupboard above a compact fridge. A jar of handmade shortbread biscuits and a small box of artisan chocolates, accompanied by a handwritten welcome card, added a thoughtful touch. In the bathroom, miniature Penhaligon’s amenities provided a polished finishing note, while the super king-sized bed—dressed with a goose down mattress topper, duvet and pillows—was well suited to a deeply comfortable night’s sleep.
Charlotte, meanwhile, settled in immediately, entirely unfazed by the change of scenery—which always makes travelling with her feel effortless. Dog bowls and a bed were provided, though the latter felt rather old and tired, and the overall amenities were fairly basic compared to other dog-friendly properties we’ve stayed at. That said, it was adequate for a short stay.
The Food
Food at the hotel is centred around 144 On The Hill. We were seated in the dog-friendly lounge, where the ambience mirrors the rest of the property: polished yet unpretentious, with soft, muted interiors, comfortable seating, and large windows that flood the room with natural light.
The menu had just shifted to its spring/summer offering, highlighting lighter, seasonal dishes. I began with the monkfish scampi and a crispy duck bao bun, before moving on to the chilli prawn linguine, accompanied by rosemary skin-on fries and zesty pickled summer vegetables. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the show-stopping Eton Mess knickerbocker glory—a treat I’d been eyeing from the very start.
That evening, I headed down to the bar for residents’ cocktail hour, Charlotte in tow. I sipped on a classic Negroni and an Espresso Martini, while she enjoyed the attention from fellow guests, sneaking in the occasional nap between admiring glances. Later, we strolled to the viewing point just in time to catch the sunset—a quiet moment that felt quintessentially Richmond.
The following morning, we opted for breakfast in the room—one of my favourite indulgences of any hotel stay. There’s something about in-room dining that encourages a slower, more relaxed start to the day. A full English arrived alongside a selection of pastries and a fresh fruit bowl, laid out simply but generously, allowing us to linger over the morning at our own pace.
Getting There
Richmond Hill Hotel is well connected, whether you’re travelling by car or public transport. If you’re coming by train, Richmond station is the nearest mainline stop, and from there it’s roughly a pleasant 25-minute walk up to the hotel. For those who prefer a gentler approach—or, in my case, have a four-legged princess with high standards—there’s a convenient bus right outside the station. I hopped on the number 371, which drops you at the Richmond Hill stop, just around the corner from the hotel, sparing Charlotte any unnecessary exertion.
From the moment you step through the doors, Richmond Hill Hotel sets an easy, unhurried tone—equally suited to exploring the surrounding area or simply settling in and enjoying a slower pace.
A word of thanks to Richmond Hill Hotel for hosting us.
View rooms at Richmond Hill Hotel here.
- My experience at Richmond Hill Hotel was complimentary – all views and photos are my own.
