The Mitre

The Mitre, a Michelin Key Selected property in Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom, consistently receives high praise for its charming blend of history, luxurious modern design, and exceptional riverside location. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's unique character and attentive service, making it a distinguished choice for both leisure and celebratory stays.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Mitre generally garners an "Excellent" sentiment from guests, with an average rating often around 8.9 out of 10 on review platforms. It is frequently described as "fabulous," "wonderful," and a "charming retreat," reflecting its sophisticated yet relaxed luxury boutique hotel status. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its high quality and unique appeal.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by the hotel's prime location directly opposite Hampton Court Palace and on the banks of the River Thames, offering picturesque views. The design, overseen by Nicola Harding, is a significant draw, featuring "cheerful, maximalist interiors" and a "quirky British sensibility with elegant authentic luxury" that celebrates period features alongside modern touches. The individually designed rooms, excellent dining options, and the genuinely friendly and attentive service are consistently cited as key highlights. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly options, and available parking also contribute to a comfortable stay.

3. Room Quality

The Mitre boasts 36 individually designed rooms and suites, each offering a unique character and "faultlessly comfortable" accommodations. The design incorporates bold wallpapers, luxurious fabrics, antique pieces, and playful royal nods. Many rooms feature indulgent touches such as deep soaking tubs or rainfall showers, some even with impressive copper baths or four-poster beds. Guests appreciate the premium, hypo-allergenic bedding and thoughtful amenities like custom Bramley toiletries, a bottle of King's Ginger liqueur, and homemade gingerbread. While most rooms are highly praised, some may experience noise from the road.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a notable dining experience with its two main establishments: the 1665 Brasserie and The Coppernose Café. The 1665 Brasserie, overseen by culinary director and Gordon Ramsay protégé Ronnie Kimbugwe, provides modern European cuisine in a stunning riverside setting with a majestic bar and alfresco terraces overlooking the Thames. Reviews frequently laud the "exceptional food" and "fabulous" dinners.

Breakfast is generally described as "excellent," "wonderful," and offering a "good selection to suit everyone's requirements." However, some guests have noted that hot buffet items occasionally need more frequent refreshment to maintain warmth and appetising quality. The hotel also offers traditional afternoon tea and features unique additions like the World's first Whispering Angel Wine Concession on its riverside terrace.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at The Mitre consistently receive glowing reviews for their "superb," "friendly," "attentive," and "helpful" demeanor. Guests often mention being greeted with a complimentary drink upon arrival, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. The team is praised for going "out of their way to ensure a perfect stay" and for their overall engaging hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Mitre boasts an "amazing" and "ideal" location directly opposite the historic Hampton Court Palace and nestled on the River Thames. This riverside setting provides opportunities for boat trips and scenic walks. The hotel is highly accessible, being a short three-minute walk from Kingston Upon Thames Hampton Court Station, which offers convenient train links to London Waterloo. Nearby attractions include Bushy Park (a five-minute walk) and the shopping amenities of Kingston upon Thames, a short bus ride away.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury boutique hotel, the Michelin Guide notes it is "reasonably priced." Booking.com rates its value for money at 8.4. Guests have described it as "upmarket" but "worth it for the experience and setting." Stays can start from approximately £150 per night. Self-parking is available for GBP 7 per day.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few recurring minor criticisms include:

• Inconsistent warmth of hot breakfast buffet items.
• Limited room service choices beyond the main restaurant menu.
• Occasional noise from the adjacent road, particularly in some rooms.
• Some older reviews mentioned a lack of air conditioning in certain rooms, leading to guests moving to upper floors.
• It's worth noting that some employee reviews on platforms like Indeed express concerns about management, work-life balance, and overall work culture, which, while not direct guest feedback, could potentially influence service quality in the long run.

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