Hotel Boat Kailani

We were so much looking forward to our boat trip on Hotel Boat Kailani from Kingston-upon-Thames to Henley-on-Thames! And it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! First about the boat: it is immaculately clean. The levels of hygiene and cleanliness, along with the COVID precautions measures are extremely high and yet without being obtrusive. Everything is well thought and organized. On this boat you can find everything which you normally would at a 5* hotel. We felt COVID-safe all the way through. The food is Michelin star quality modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The dishes were always very well presented, and very tasty! We gladly crowned Dorenda The Queen of the risotto but she deserves to be The Queen of all dishes and services. Together with her King Gordon they made us feel like royalties, thanks to their first-class service. Along the river Thames can be seen so much wildlife. You will have plenty of time to chill out on the boat and go sightseeing. There is so much to see: historical and cultural sites like Hampton Court Palace, Runnymede (Magna Carta, RAF museum, and Kennedy memorial); Windsor and Windsor castle; River & Rowing Museum. If you like shopping the shopping paradise Kingston is there for you. If you prefer to stay on board there is a good selection of films, DVDs, and TV to watch, and drinks and as well. We highly recommend Kailani hotel boat! Just imagine you have found a nice hotel. Its got everything you want but you want to go further afield. Why not take your hotel with you and book yourself on hotel boat Kailani?
Jun 19th, 2020

The boat, the food, the scenery, the company and the hosts, Dorenda and Gordon, all made this such a perfect experience and one I feel so lucky to have experienced. Dorenda is a fabulous cook and baker and even when doing the locks and having to get so many things ready, everything was done in a calm and seamless way and the never ending, delicious cakes, biscuits and meals, were all served on time. Could not fault anything about such an amazing experience.
Feb 3rd, 2020

I am someone who lives to travel but dont like to repeat trips. However, in May, 2018, my two adult daughters and I spent 6 glorious days aboard this wonderful hotel boat and it was SO fabulous that I had to revisit. A friend and I just finished another 6 day cruise aboard Dorinda & Gordons beautifully appointed hotel boat and it was every bit as delightful as my visit last year!!! Dorinda is a gourmet cook and besides a fully cooked to order breakfast, lovely lunch and a 4 course dinner, she bakes fresh sweets twice a day for morning and afternoon tea. The salon is spacious and comfortable with large viewing windows but most fun is sitting outside and enjoying the canal and river serenity and beauty. Gordon is a superb Captain and ship handles expertly! Everything is perfect and they make each moment magical. GO!!!! Best time ever!!!!
Jan 17th, 2020

When I asked, I was told Kailani meant "where the sky meets the sea." But after my journey aboard, I would add "and where you are treated like royalty." First class accommodations, gourmet meals, and relaxing days with surprises around every bend on the river. Our cruise was a grand experience - a wonderful way to explore the countryside all the while having fun and learning the lock system from the MOST gracious and patient hosts, Gordon and Dorenda. So glad I had the chance to do this!
Jul 2nd, 2019

A truly memorable experience. Dorenda and Gordon are superb hosts and our trip was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Nothing was too much trouble, every need catered for, and my 88-yr-old mother absolutely adored her time aboard Kailani. We were slightly apprehensive about our fellow guests - what would we think of them, or more to the point what would they think of us! - but we clicked straight away and had great fun the whole time. The food was outstanding, the cabins well-equipped and beds comfortable; the journey through quiet and relatively unknown reaches of London via the GU and Regent's Canal so peaceful, interesting and relaxing. The grand finale, the trip up the Thames, was incredible. If you are able to, help with the locks: it's fantastic fun and a good work-out!
Nov 8th, 2018