The Liongate

Out of the train station, across the bridge to the right, past the gates of Hampton Court Palace, and just around the corner. Opposite the Lions Gate, funnily enough, (an entrance into the Palace grounds with 2 huge stone lions on the top). The famous maze is just inside too
The Hotel of the same name is reasonably appointed, with friendly staff and good breakfast choice. I slept well, the water was hot, the towels were white and fluffy and there was fairtrade hot chocolate and biscuits on the tray.
My room was at the back, and through the open window, I heard a strange mooing noise coming from the parklands behind. It turned out to be rutting stags! While I had my head stuck out of the window, flocks of green parakeets flew by.
By this time, I started to think I shouldn’t have had the prawn sandwich at lunchtime, but no, there are wild green parakeets all over that area!
I will stay there again if I am ever in the area.