Our Verdict: Wonderful little gem of a hotel. Tiny rooms aside.
Tucked away on a private island on the River Thames, Monkey Island Estate feels like a well-kept secret, even though it’s a favourite among those heading to The Fat Duck or The Waterside Inn. Owned by Malaysian group YTL Hotels and part of Hilton’s LXR collection, it delivers character in spades. The rooms are compact, but if you’re here for a night or two and planning to eat your way through Bray, it’s a solid pick. Thinking about booking a stay? Here’s everything you need to know before crossing the bridge.
Monkey Island Estate is a charming boutique hotel on a private island in Bray. It blends history with modern luxury.
In this review:
- Hotel Summary
- Location
- Check-in
- Our Room
- Facilities & Services
- Food and Beverage
- Check-out
- BG1 Verdict
Hotel Summary
Name: Monkey Island Estate
Location: Bray, Berkshire, England
Hotel Class: ☆☆☆☆☆
Chain: YTL Hotels and part of Hilton’s LXR collection
Loyalty Programme: Hilton Honors
Room Type: Standard
Price bracket: ££££
Competing brands: The Langley (Marriott Luxury Collection, nearby countryside luxury), Coworth Park (Dorchester Collection)
Good for: Couples
Location
You’re technically in a village, but it feels like you’ve escaped to the countryside. Monkey Island Estate sits on the River Thames, within walking distance of Bray’s iconic restaurants like The Fat Duck, The Hinds Head and The Waterside Inn. The footbridge-only access adds a sense of arrival. It’s peaceful, leafy and picture-perfect, yet close enough to town if you need it. We had a booking at The Hinds Head, Heston Blumenthal’s pub, which serves elevated traditional British dishes in a relaxed setting. Oh, and the island might be haunted, or so the rumour goes.
Check-in
Check-in was polite and fast, though not exactly seamless. There was some confusion about breakfast being included, which should have been sorted with Diamond status. We were also nearly double-charged for a prepaid room, but the receptionist quickly corrected it.
Room
Small… but functional sums it up. The room at Monkey Island Estate was beautifully styled and had a lovely view of the river and garden. We booked a balcony room and it was worth it. The bed was very comfortable with high-thread-count sheets, although it was a tight fit for two. You wouldn’t want to spend days holed up inside, but for one night it served its purpose with a bit of charm.
Facilities & Services
While it doesn’t have the full suite of resort facilities, Monkey Island Estate covers the essentials. The tea and coffee station is stocked, and the minibar includes complimentary soft drinks. The bed and linens are luxuriously comfortable. There’s no on-site spa building, but the floating spa barge offers treatments if booked in advance. There’s also no Executive Lounge, but the service across the hotel is warm and responsive.
Bars & Dining
The bar is a highlight and well worth a visit. With a strong drinks list and cosy atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a nightcap or pre-dinner cocktail. We didn’t dine at Monkey Island Estate since we had dinner reservations in Bray, but the breakfast was excellent.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Monkey Island Estate was great. There was a good selection of hot and cold options, including perfectly poached eggs, fresh pastries, and barista-made coffee. The quality was high and the ingredients felt well-sourced and thoughtfully prepared. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and everything arrived quickly.
That said, at £45 per person, it should be excellent — and thankfully, it was. As Diamond members, ours was complimentary, but if you’re paying out of pocket, the price tag might raise an eyebrow. Still, for a special occasion or a one-off indulgence, it delivers the kind of experience you hope for at that level.
Check-out
Quick and smooth, which is always a win. There were no billing surprises and the process was efficient from start to finish. Leaving the hotel across the bridge felt a little bittersweet, especially after such a peaceful stay.
BG1 Verdict
Monkey Island Estate is a lovely choice for a short countryside break or foodie weekend. The setting is special, and the service feels personal, even if the rooms are on the small side. It’s not the kind of place to spend hours lounging in luxury, but for a one-night base in Bray, it hits the right notes. Worth a return visit for drinks, and possibly another stay if the deal is right.
Read our other hotel reviews here.
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