Describe the best wedding that happened at Hotel Rafayel- Restaurant & SPA?
There have been too many wonderful wedding events to single out one. We may be the venue for average-spend groups but we treat the newly-weds and their guests like celebrities and cater very nicely. The quirky arced design of our venue appeals to many and the river view gives the best backdrop. A testament of our hospitality is the frequent return of the then newly-weds after 12 years of their events at our hotel. We are good for 80-120 max.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Photo backgrounds: Our southwest sunset river views which gives a perfect backdrop for afternoon receptions, or in our verdant Banyan gardens fully facing the Thames which is great for pre-receptions where we can accommodate 80-150 guests. Newly wedded couples can take memorable wedding photos on the 18th floor rooftop that gives a unique 360° panoramic view of London.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
Warmly personalized and individualistic. It’s less corporate and more a family affair and of course good value for money. If the guest is looking for a budget wedding, our venue is the best place to be where the couple can also enjoy the decorated luxury of our Empress suites that are associated with the venue.
Describe Hotel Rafayel- Restaurant & SPA in 5 adjectives
Warm. Comfortable. Scenic. Unique. Fabulous.
Where’s the best photo spot at Hotel Rafayel- Restaurant & SPA?
The venue and the hotel lends itself to photo shoots. By the river, at the Banyan gardens, in the rooms, at the rooftop terrace with a 360° view of London in the background – we get 2-3 photo shoots every week. Foreign movies have been shot here because of the background.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Hotel Rafayel- Restaurant & SPA?
We have had several celebrity guests at our venue but not for weddings. Celebrities like, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Charlie Sheen, .... to name a few
What’s your favourite canapé?
Hands down it is our Banyan Tempura Prawns and Salmon Avocado.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Rafayel Oreo Cheesecake or Sticky Toffee with custard (Masood can change this)
What is Hotel Rafayel- Restaurant & SPA most unique feature?
One of the most unique features is the backdrop of summer sunsets and sunrise from April to August and the 360° panoramic view for photo shoots for guests on their special occasions.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We take pride in our warmth and personalized service to our guests whom we treat as family. We are not in the heart of London but we are the heart in our unique south side location. We take pride that our venue for weddings offers great value for money to our guests and the luxury of a 5-star treatment with wonderful floral arrangements and scenic backgrounds, alongside rooms with breakfast and Afternoon Tea which is perfect for anyone driving out of London. Car park spaces are offered at reasonable daily rates to our guests.