Coach & Horses is a delightful accommodation within easy walking distance of the beautiful Kew Gardens (Elizabeth Gate).
Getting to C&H can be a challenge with luggage or young children in tow unless you drive or Uber. The Kew Bridge train station just across the Kew Bridge from Kew Green/C&H and the Kew Gardens Underground station when coming from London have many steps to negotiate so as to make them impractical options. That said, a kind local woman told us a clever trick for avoiding the pedestrian bridge steps of the Underground Kew Gardens station--stay on the train to the Richmond station (which has a center platform) and then ride the train back to Kew Gardens. Upon returning from Richmond (a short ride), you are now on the C&H side of the platform with no need to cross over the pedestrian bridge with its many steps. You will walk about a mile from the station to the hotel or you might just Uber the remaining distance.
The staff members of the C&H are very friendly and helpful. The room (in our case, Room 7) was clean, bright and well appointed. Ours was a ground floor accommodation, but there is an elevator for higher floors. The room was quiet and dark enough for a good night's sleep. The bathroom has a toilet, sink and shower with overhead and handheld options. There is a television, a small, well-stocked refrigerator and a radio. Lighting and electrical outlets are plentiful. The double bed was quite comfortable.
We had dinner at the C&H restaurant which operates on the ground floor in the front of the establishment (you actually walk through the restaurant to get to the reception desk of the hotel). After sitting at an outside table for a bit, I went back inside and ordered drinks and food. Our food was quite good (fish and chips for her, chicken for me) with an excellent selection of drinks from their full bar. I recommend the Camden Hells as a solid local beer option.
Our stay came with breakfast. The C&H has a full breakfast menu and we left satisfied with the options available.
We asked for (and received) a late check out so that we could spend the morning at Kew Royal Botanical Gardens before our departure. Kew Gardens opens at 10 am and is a 10-minute walk from the C&H. The Elizabeth Gate of Kew Gardens is located behind the church across the road from the C&H. We spent two hours in the gardens, but could have done much more. Do not miss the Palm House (scheduled for renovation in 2025).
There's an ATM next to the Sainsbury's grocery just across the Kew Bridge on the left-hand side as you approach from Kew Green.
As an unexpected added bonus, there is a recent Banksy artwork displayed on the side of a building in Kew Green next to Kew Bridge. It is a five-minute walk from the C&H.
If I have any compliant, it would be the rate. The hotel says that you will receive the best rate by booking directly through them. I did, but later discovered a better rate. As with most things, it's best to shop around.
As you might have guessed at this point of my review, I highly recommend the Coach & Horses for your next stay in the greater London metro. read more