2 Best Hotels in Henley-on-Thames, The Thames Valley

A sprawling brick brewery near the river has been transformed into a distinctive modern architectural showplace, where guest rooms have dark carpeting and whitewashed walls, and furnishings are tan, white, or black. The original brewery windows appear in strange places, and staircases are contorted to fit the space, but a feeling of warmth and comfort prevails. The bar and bistro is very good, and the wine list, unsurprisingly, is excellent.

This historic, 15th-century pub certainly looks the part, with low-beamed ceilings and a fire crackling in the grate, though the uncommonly large guest rooms upstairs are a pleasant surprise, with a contemporary design that retains a few original features, such as exposed woodwork. The inn also serves good, unfussy British classics (beef and Guinness pie; sausages, mash, and gravy) which you can enjoy in the lovely terrace garden if the weather's good. On Sunday, stop in for the popular weekly roast.