The two centuries old, Monkey Island Hotel is picturesquely set on it’s own private island making it an unusual venue for all kinds of occasions. Located in the middle of the Thames, near the village of Bray-on-Thames, Maidenhead, the hotel is accessed only by footbridge or boat. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, stunning river boats that ply the Thames and swans that merge elegantly with the scenery, the hotel blends its scenic location, natural beauty and architectural elegance to create a paradise.

History

Monkey Island, near the village of Bray-on-Thames lies one mile downstream from Maidenhead and is within easy reach of Royal Windsor and London. It is generally assumed that the Island takes its name from the monkey paintings in the Pavilion, however, this is a popular misconception. The name derives from the earlier title of Monks Eyot indicating that monks were using the island, probably in association with their fisheries. The monks in question resided on a moated site near Bray Lock on the Buckinghamshire bank of the river from 1197 until the Dissolution.

The island progressed due to the Great Fire of London in 1666. To help in the rebuilding of the City, Oxfordshire stone was shipped down stream to the capital in barges, which on their return carried rubble to be dumped on many of the islands on the Thames, thus providing Monkey Island with a solid foundation for building whilst raising the level to eliminate serious flooding.
In about 1723 Charles Spencer, the 3rd Duke of Marlborough purchased the island. The Duke erected two buildings on the island described as a fishing lodge and fishing temple.

The Lodge (now the Pavilion) was built of wood blocks cut to look like stone and still remains today in its original state. The Temple was originally open on the ground floor like a market stall and the attractive room, above, has a fine ceiling with Neptune, shells and mermaids in high relief plasterwork of Wedgwood style.

The Monkey Room was once used as a banqueting room. The Monkey paintings on the ceiling were the work of French artist Andie de Clermont and were painted before 1738.

By 1840 the Pavilion had become a riverside Inn, which could be reached by ferry from the south bank. Visitors have been staying in various parts of the building ever since. It became particularly fashionable after the turn of the century when Edward 7th and Queen Alexandra often had afternoon tea on the lawns with their children.

Accommodation

Accommodation is located in the Temple building, reassuringly removed from the hustle and bustle of the dining and bar areas. Most rooms have a stunning garden panorama, with three Terrace rooms boasting their own private river view terrace or patio.

The Hotel has a total of two single rooms, nine twin rooms, ten double rooms, three terrace rooms and one junior and one full suite. All have en-suite bathrooms with bath, shower and the following amenities:

Satellite
TV
Trouser Press
Hairdryer
Toiletries
Desk
Minibar
Bathroom Shaver Socket with 100/240 volt outlet
24 Hour Room Service
Analogue Telephone Line
ISDN points
Check-in: 14.00
Check-out: 11.00

Restaurant & Bar

The standard of cuisine in the Rosette award winning Pavilion Dining Room reflects the exemplary service and hospitality of the hotel. Elegant architecture, river views and delightful contemporary world cuisine all mean you can be sure of a memorable meal meticulously prepared by a dedicated team of chefs. Situated at the head of the island the Pavilion Restaurant benefits from glorious upstream views and alfresco dining in warmer weather.

The Candles Lounge and Monkey Room lounge perfectly complement the formal dining room with a selection of lighter meals and bar snacks.

Throughout the summer months business lunches and afternoon tea are served on the outside terrace overlooking riverside lawns and shrubberies. In the winter months we bring in the logs and serve sumptuous meals in front of a roaring log fire.

All the dishes in the Terrace Bar can be pre-ordered on the day if you are short of time but still wish to relax in the very special surroundings.

Conferences

Each of the seven function rooms has its own distinctive style with meetings and private dining welcomed here. Every room has natural daylight and complimentary OHP, screen and flipchart if required.

Check In and Check Out Times

Check-in time is from 2.00pm. If you require guaranteed early check-in we advise that a room is reserved from the night before.

Check-out time is 11.00pm. If you require late check-out please contact reception. There may be a small fee for this service.

Exclusive Use

The island is available for exclusive use and we would be delighted to discuss your exact requirements with you.
Licensing and entertainment laws still apply.

Weddings

Monkey Island provides a picturesque setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. The Temple and Pavilion are both Grade 1 listed buildings dating from the early 1800's when the House of Hanover ruled Great Britain.

Much of the original architecture and elegant décor still remains giving you a unique, interesting and memorable venue in which to celebrate one of the
most important days of your life - your Wedding.

The peaceful landscaped gardens and informal shrubberies provide a beautiful backdrop for your photographs. For those arriving in style there is a helicopter landing pad and two mooring points should you decide to arrive or depart by river boat.

Special Events

Special events in the Pavilion Dining
Room and Terrace Bar:

Traditional Sunday Lunch
Christmas Celebrations
Valentines Dinner
Jazz Barbeque
Caribbean Barbeque
Murder Mystery
New Years Eve Party
Afternoon Tea
Friday Night Jazz Dinner
Fathers Day Luncheon
Mothers Day Luncheon
Islander Club
Paella on the Patio
Easter Luncheon
Wine Tasting Dinner
Champagne Festival

Whether you are thinking of arranging a corporate day, team building activities, private dinner or themed function Monkey Island can play host to no end of exciting and unusual ideas.

Duck Herding
Laser Clays
Boating
Juggler
Bucking Bronco
Falconry
Treasure Hunt
Theme Bands
Wacky Waiter
Marquees
Look-a-likes
Archery
Roving Entertainers
Bouncy Castles
Graphologist
It's a knockout
Speakers
Croquet
Theme Nights
Close up Magician
Ghost Stories
Steel Bands
Boat Hire