Hotel Review: Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa, London

It's on the top of Richmond Hill, conveniently located just across the road from Richmond Park. It gives onto the main road, which can get quite busy, although once you've stepped into the park, you'll feel a world away from London traffic. Petersham Common, which occupies 17 acres of woodland, is across the road, as is Richmond Park, the largest of London's Royal Parks. For rugby fans, Twickenham Stadium is a ten-minute drive away.

By car: the hotel is 4 hours from Manchester, 2 hours 30 mins from Bath and 1 hour 30 mins from Southampton. Paid on-site parking available.

By train: London Waterloo to Richmond takes 20 minutes. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the station. Book trains to London.

It's part of Harbour Hotels, which owns a collection of coastal, country and city properties throughout the UK. There are subtle nods to coastal design, with striped window shades and interiors flooded with natural light - you can easily picture the hotel's all-white Georgian building by Brighton seafront, gulls squawking overhead. It's a welcoming spot, with vibrant furnishings (vibrant fabrics on the walls; sofas in mustard yellow hues) creating a fun, laidback vibe. At the spa, upbeat tunes create a positive and youthful mood.

It's staffed by a decidedly young team who lend the place a friendly, laidback air. Restaurant staff came across as a little amateur, although the warm smiles and friendly demeanour made up for it. Facilities are very good, with a well-equipped spa with 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, spin studios, relaxation room, wellbeing juice bar, treatment rooms and open-air hot tubs.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa
• Fitness centre
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms are tastefully furnished in bold vibrant hues that marry soothing coastal and countryside design: striped pillowcases, throws and matching velvet curtains in bright hues, and colourful canvases depicting foxes and stags - a nod to the animals that call Richmond Park their home. Bathrooms are comfortable enough, some with double sinks and showers inside bathtubs.

Room types: Deluxe Room, Superior Room, Standard Room, Cosy Double Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobe & slippers, TV, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

The Gate has a delightful conservatory setting, with natural light flooding in through large windows. It's a bustling spot, with an open-plan kitchen and a cool, laidback vibe. Sit back in the lounge to sip a pre- or post-prandial cocktail or two, or score a seat at the bar and watch waiters shake up your preferred drink. The cuisine is modern British, with the likes of grilled scallops, monkfish tail and chicken spatchcock featuring on the menu.

The Gate: modern British dishes, all-day dining and afternoon tea. Mains include pork chop with sage mash and monkfish tail with wilted spinach. Open daily. Dishes from £14.