River Garden House
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About
#35 of 57 B&Bs in Stratford
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
If you’re looking for a quaint bed and breakfast in Stratford, look no further than River Garden House.
While staying at River Garden House, visitors can check out Knox Presbyterian Church (0.3 km) and Stratford City Hall (0.4 km), some of Stratford's top attractions.
Guest rooms offer amenities such as a kitchenette, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the bed and breakfast.
Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.
While in Stratford be sure to experience local lobster favourites at Pazzo Taverna and Pizzeria, The Prune Restaurant, or Rene's Bistro.
Plus, during your trip, don’t forget to check out some of the popular art galleries, such as Gallery Indigena, shane norrie contemporary, and Stratford Art in the Park.
The staff at River Garden House looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.
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Property amenities
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Mid-range
Location
53 William St, Stratford, Ontario N5A 4X9 Canada
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 91 out of 100
91
Metropolitan Area Airport
40.2 km•
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Kitchener-Waterloo Regional Airport
49.8 km•
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My wife and I spent a weekend at the River Garden B&B in February, 2012: off-season for theatres but still lots to do. River Garden House is north of Lake Victoria/Avon River in a residential neighbourhood but still only 800 metres from downtown Stratford. We walked downtown to shop and to eat lunch on Saturday and for dinner on Saturday night at the Keystone Alley Restaurant. Christina & George were wonderful hosts and their breakfasts were huge and delicious.
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Date of stay: February 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
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Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Room 2 overlooks the Lake/River.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine and George are warm, welcoming and very accommodating hosts - even when changing the time of breakfast for us at the last minute so that we could get to the Backstage Tour without rushing! Christine insisted on helping us with getting my luggage upstairs, and they were very gracious about accommodating the dietary restrictions for one of my friends. The rooms in this charming and elegant home are lovely, clean and very comfortable - as are the beds (the most important item, in my opinion) and both our rooms had adequate, and clean ensuite bathrooms. There is also a kitchenette with a full size refrigerator available to all guests. There is no/very little traffic noise at night. Also, there is free wi-fi available. There is a delightful garden with tables and chairs overlooking the Avon river that guests are encouraged to enjoy. We took advantage of this lovely location to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and nibbles in a perfect setting. The River Garden House is well situated to allow easy walking access to Ontario Street (the main shopping area of the town), as well as to the Tom Patterson and Avon Theatres, and even the Festival Theatre if you are up for a bit longer walk (about 20 minutes - at least for us....). There is also easy walking access to many of the wonderful restaurants in this charming town. The breakfast provided both days was delicious, and coffee was available about an hour before breakfast (Yea!).
My girlfriends and I spend at least a few days in Stratford every year enjoying the amazing Stratford Festival. We always stay at B&Bs and have had very good luck, for the most part. But River Garden House will now be our "go-to" location...as long as too many people don't discover it!
My girlfriends and I spend at least a few days in Stratford every year enjoying the amazing Stratford Festival. We always stay at B&Bs and have had very good luck, for the most part. But River Garden House will now be our "go-to" location...as long as too many people don't discover it!
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Date of stay: June 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Room 2 is large has a very large washroom, overlooks the gardens and river.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The best part of my trip to Stratford, Ontario was my stay at River Garden House B&B. This gorgeous house built in the 1800s is owned by a lovely Greek couple who are extremely friendly and welcoming. It is elaborately decorated and includes all the amenities one could ask for including wifi, air conditioning, strong water pressure, big fluffy bath towels, comfy beds, and an AMAZING home cooked breakfast. In the back is one of the most beautiful gardens I've seen and a great place to have a cup of coffee. Also, the house is right on the river and just behind Ontario street, where all the best shopping is located!
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Date of stay: June 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of attending a play in Stratford and choose as our accommodation two nights at the River Garden B&B. We enjoy staying in B&B's and in fact this is our preferred accommodation. We have stayed at many over the years. We normally stay in the higher-end B&Bs as we find them to be well worth the extra money through attention to detail, gourmet breakfasts, etc. NOT so with this B&B. The cost was $165.00 plus tax per night ( this totalled almost $400.00 for two nights) and absolutely not worth the cost in any way.
Although the home is lovely and at a prime location to the downtown and the theatres, that is pretty much where the good part in this visit ends. The afternoon we arrived, we were greeted by the owner's teenage son, not the best start but some things can't be avoided so we were ok with that. We were in and out throughout the afternoon and evening with many opportunties for our hosts to make some effort to meet us......did not happen although they were obviously home. Also there is an issue with parking. There are only two parking spaces for the house and there are four guest rooms plus the owners. This means jockeying for a space and having to move your vehicle if another guest needs to get out. Also, the room we were in has NO bath tub, only a shower. This would not be our perference but the website is not clear on this.
So the first morning as coffee is available at 8:00 am and breakfast not unitl 9:00am, my husband went down to the dining area to get us a couple of coffees to enjoy in our room before breakfast. That is when he first met our host as he made the effort to do so, she did not apologize for not meeting us herself the previous day and was less than friendly and did not ask if all was to our liking, did we need anything, etc. He returned to our room where we did not enjoy the very weak coffee. We joined two other couples for breakfast at 9:00am. There was coffee, tea, store bought (bakery?) croissants, yogurt and fresh fruit on the table with no appearance by the host. We introduced ourselves to the other guests and enjoyed our conversation. The host appeared long enough to say, "Oh, you are all here, good". She proceeded to serve to each guest a hot breakfast egg burrito....there was no explanation by the host as to what we were being served. It appeared to be home cooked scrambled eggs, wrapped in a store bought wrap and warmed in the oven. This was served with a very small amount of salsa ( store bought). No salt or pepper in sight. Not very appeaing or appetizing at all. This was the last of any interaction with the host during the actual breakfast, we saw her once more when she announced that she was taking her son to school and would be back shortly...never saw her again. There was never any asking if all was fine, if we needed anything , etc.
The second day was no better except this time we were wiser and walked to the Tim Hortons and got our coffee before breakfast. The breakfast was bakery croissants again, fresh fruit, store bought yogurt and what appeared to be a small cheese and broccoli quiche for each guest. There was little in the way of cheese in it and there was what appeared to be cut up pieces of the stalk of the broccoli. Along with this was served a HALF slice of tomato salted and peppered.........no salt or pepper on the table. Again, the guests were lovely and we enjoyed a lively conversation with no appearance by our hosts to interact or ask if we needed anything, etc. In fact I dropped my fork on the floor at one point and needed a clean one; went to the kitchen area saying and repeating hello, no response, I did retrieve a clean fork, the owner never appeared to assist. I have no idea where they possibly were at that time with a dining room full of guests.
So, some added fun: At the end of day two when we are preparing to go to the play, the water in the bathroom is running dirty and mucky. No hosts around to ask about it, report this, etc. When mentioned by my husband at check-out the male host ( who we never met at all during the two days) said oh, yes, they are working on the lines. This was never communicated to us. He did apologize regarding the water but that was of little value at that point.
The toiletries are sparse; one soap, one shampoo and appear to be a collection of hotel giveaways. The jams, honey ,etc on the dining room table at breakfast is the same; kraft individual servings that you would get at a restauarnt, deli, etc.
Long winded but we want to be accurate and fair to this business. These B&B owners have a lovely home that is in a good location to the theatres and they are making the most of that fact in their pricing. They appear to be interested in collecting big money with little to no effort. As a guest, I felt like an inconvenience. There is nothing about this operation other than location that is positive in our opinion and that is certainly not worth this kind of money to stay there. We would never recommend this location and we would certainly not consider a return visit at a future date.
Although the home is lovely and at a prime location to the downtown and the theatres, that is pretty much where the good part in this visit ends. The afternoon we arrived, we were greeted by the owner's teenage son, not the best start but some things can't be avoided so we were ok with that. We were in and out throughout the afternoon and evening with many opportunties for our hosts to make some effort to meet us......did not happen although they were obviously home. Also there is an issue with parking. There are only two parking spaces for the house and there are four guest rooms plus the owners. This means jockeying for a space and having to move your vehicle if another guest needs to get out. Also, the room we were in has NO bath tub, only a shower. This would not be our perference but the website is not clear on this.
So the first morning as coffee is available at 8:00 am and breakfast not unitl 9:00am, my husband went down to the dining area to get us a couple of coffees to enjoy in our room before breakfast. That is when he first met our host as he made the effort to do so, she did not apologize for not meeting us herself the previous day and was less than friendly and did not ask if all was to our liking, did we need anything, etc. He returned to our room where we did not enjoy the very weak coffee. We joined two other couples for breakfast at 9:00am. There was coffee, tea, store bought (bakery?) croissants, yogurt and fresh fruit on the table with no appearance by the host. We introduced ourselves to the other guests and enjoyed our conversation. The host appeared long enough to say, "Oh, you are all here, good". She proceeded to serve to each guest a hot breakfast egg burrito....there was no explanation by the host as to what we were being served. It appeared to be home cooked scrambled eggs, wrapped in a store bought wrap and warmed in the oven. This was served with a very small amount of salsa ( store bought). No salt or pepper in sight. Not very appeaing or appetizing at all. This was the last of any interaction with the host during the actual breakfast, we saw her once more when she announced that she was taking her son to school and would be back shortly...never saw her again. There was never any asking if all was fine, if we needed anything , etc.
The second day was no better except this time we were wiser and walked to the Tim Hortons and got our coffee before breakfast. The breakfast was bakery croissants again, fresh fruit, store bought yogurt and what appeared to be a small cheese and broccoli quiche for each guest. There was little in the way of cheese in it and there was what appeared to be cut up pieces of the stalk of the broccoli. Along with this was served a HALF slice of tomato salted and peppered.........no salt or pepper on the table. Again, the guests were lovely and we enjoyed a lively conversation with no appearance by our hosts to interact or ask if we needed anything, etc. In fact I dropped my fork on the floor at one point and needed a clean one; went to the kitchen area saying and repeating hello, no response, I did retrieve a clean fork, the owner never appeared to assist. I have no idea where they possibly were at that time with a dining room full of guests.
So, some added fun: At the end of day two when we are preparing to go to the play, the water in the bathroom is running dirty and mucky. No hosts around to ask about it, report this, etc. When mentioned by my husband at check-out the male host ( who we never met at all during the two days) said oh, yes, they are working on the lines. This was never communicated to us. He did apologize regarding the water but that was of little value at that point.
The toiletries are sparse; one soap, one shampoo and appear to be a collection of hotel giveaways. The jams, honey ,etc on the dining room table at breakfast is the same; kraft individual servings that you would get at a restauarnt, deli, etc.
Long winded but we want to be accurate and fair to this business. These B&B owners have a lovely home that is in a good location to the theatres and they are making the most of that fact in their pricing. They appear to be interested in collecting big money with little to no effort. As a guest, I felt like an inconvenience. There is nothing about this operation other than location that is positive in our opinion and that is certainly not worth this kind of money to stay there. We would never recommend this location and we would certainly not consider a return visit at a future date.
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The house was beautiful, the breakfast was excellent, and the host/hostess were gracious and very accommodating. In addition, the location was right next to Lake Victoria, and within walking distance, via a riverside trail, of town and most of the theaters. If the weather is appropriate, by leaving the window cracked you can hear the river flow, and also ducks, geese and other wildlife from outside. To me the sound of a rainstorm provided a relaxing lullaby that brought on a superior sleeping experience. All my ratings here are from very good to very much above average; would certainly stay here again.
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Date of stay: October 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: All the rooms are nice, but selecting the rooms in the back, next to the river/lake would be my...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for 2 nights while attending the Stratford festival. It was delightful. It is situated across the river (lake) from the main town but an easy 5 minute walk into town. It is peaceful and quiet with beautiful views and gardens along the river. Our room was large and sunny and overlooked the gardens and river. The bed was comfortable and the bath large and clean. fresh towels etc were provided each day. The hosts were friendly, helpful with information but not intrusive. breakfast each day was very fresh, filling and delicious. On our last morning we needed to leave early and Christine got up early and prepared us a full breakfast earlier than usual. We will definitely go back again.
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Date of stay: July 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a beautiful peaceful retreat - along side the Lake Victoria, on a quiet tree lined street that houses some gracious older homes and Church. What really impressed me was the terrace and garden - spectacular!
This home gives one the feeling of serentiy, tranquility of being out in the country, yet it's close and convenient to everything. The owners George and Christina go all out to make you feel very welcome in this elegant and majestic home. Very well decorated, with attention to detail we were well taken care of. We stayed in Room #1, which I found very roomy, elegant and cozy and had a lovely large window. Each room had their own unique style. High ceilings, beautiful wood trim, original windows. A lot of thought went into the decor.
Right across from our room on the second floor was a small kitchen complete with all the appliances, dishes, utensils of home including a table and chairs. This was wonderful for the night when we dined in - and brought back some delicious food from one of the cafes in town. The fridge was stocked with bottled water for all the guests and it was large enough for us to store our own food, and so much more.
The downstairs parlor was a relaxing spot to stretch out and unwind and read after our day of touring the town and shopping, giving us some time to take everything in before dinner and the theater. Breakfast beckoned, from the melt in your mouth fresh out of the oven croissants, to the yoghurt, yummy bowl of fresh fruit, muesli, to the specially prepared quiche and orange juice. Help yourself to coffee and tea - they have quite a variety of tea. The location is close to everything in town, so you can walk to whereever you need to go. What a lovely spot - a great find. Would definately go back again.
Do know; there is no tv, so plan accordingly, read, sit on the terrace and enjoy, have games, things to do with family and friends. There is so much to do in town from restaurants, shops, theater, as well as things to do at the B and B, you don't need tv. You can always bring and use your computer - if you feel you really must. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from it all.
This home gives one the feeling of serentiy, tranquility of being out in the country, yet it's close and convenient to everything. The owners George and Christina go all out to make you feel very welcome in this elegant and majestic home. Very well decorated, with attention to detail we were well taken care of. We stayed in Room #1, which I found very roomy, elegant and cozy and had a lovely large window. Each room had their own unique style. High ceilings, beautiful wood trim, original windows. A lot of thought went into the decor.
Right across from our room on the second floor was a small kitchen complete with all the appliances, dishes, utensils of home including a table and chairs. This was wonderful for the night when we dined in - and brought back some delicious food from one of the cafes in town. The fridge was stocked with bottled water for all the guests and it was large enough for us to store our own food, and so much more.
The downstairs parlor was a relaxing spot to stretch out and unwind and read after our day of touring the town and shopping, giving us some time to take everything in before dinner and the theater. Breakfast beckoned, from the melt in your mouth fresh out of the oven croissants, to the yoghurt, yummy bowl of fresh fruit, muesli, to the specially prepared quiche and orange juice. Help yourself to coffee and tea - they have quite a variety of tea. The location is close to everything in town, so you can walk to whereever you need to go. What a lovely spot - a great find. Would definately go back again.
Do know; there is no tv, so plan accordingly, read, sit on the terrace and enjoy, have games, things to do with family and friends. There is so much to do in town from restaurants, shops, theater, as well as things to do at the B and B, you don't need tv. You can always bring and use your computer - if you feel you really must. Sometimes it's just nice to get away from it all.
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Date of stay: October 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: There are many good rooms to choose from depending on how many are traveling and what appeals to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My sister-in-law & I just spent a fabulous weekend in Stratford and stayed at the River Garden House. This was our first stay at this bed and breakfast and I would definitely stay there again.
I stayed in room #1 and which is very roomy. The beds are so comfortable; you’ll sleep like a baby. My sister-in-law stayed in room #2 which has a nice little bay window and overlooks the river and garden. Each room had its own private bathroom. There is a shared kitchenette where the hosts stock complimentary bottled water in the fridge for their guests. Guests are welcome to use the fridge to store any of their own items, such as wine or cheese, etc.
The garden is beautiful and obviously a labour of love. Guests are welcome to sit back and relax in the garden. We had our coffee out in the garden every morning before breakfast.
Breakfast is served between 8 and 9 every morning. We were welcomed with fresh fruit, yogourt, croissants, granola, orange juice, and coffee and tea. This was then topped off with a hot entree. We had quiche and toast the first morning and scrambled eggs with bagels and cream cheese the next morning.
The location is perfect. You can walk to all the theatres, restaurants, and shopping. So, we didn’t use the car all weekend.
Your hosts, Christine and George, are very welcoming and will go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. We enjoyed our stay so much; we would happily stay there again.
Christine and George also own a restaurant called “Downie Street Burgers” located at 107 Downie Street, next to the Avon Theatre. They offer gourmet burgers and a very good wine and beer list. It’s a great place to go before the theatre or after a day of shopping.
I stayed in room #1 and which is very roomy. The beds are so comfortable; you’ll sleep like a baby. My sister-in-law stayed in room #2 which has a nice little bay window and overlooks the river and garden. Each room had its own private bathroom. There is a shared kitchenette where the hosts stock complimentary bottled water in the fridge for their guests. Guests are welcome to use the fridge to store any of their own items, such as wine or cheese, etc.
The garden is beautiful and obviously a labour of love. Guests are welcome to sit back and relax in the garden. We had our coffee out in the garden every morning before breakfast.
Breakfast is served between 8 and 9 every morning. We were welcomed with fresh fruit, yogourt, croissants, granola, orange juice, and coffee and tea. This was then topped off with a hot entree. We had quiche and toast the first morning and scrambled eggs with bagels and cream cheese the next morning.
The location is perfect. You can walk to all the theatres, restaurants, and shopping. So, we didn’t use the car all weekend.
Your hosts, Christine and George, are very welcoming and will go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. We enjoyed our stay so much; we would happily stay there again.
Christine and George also own a restaurant called “Downie Street Burgers” located at 107 Downie Street, next to the Avon Theatre. They offer gourmet burgers and a very good wine and beer list. It’s a great place to go before the theatre or after a day of shopping.
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Date of stay: July 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: I recommend you check out their website http://www.rivergardenhouse.com where you can see all the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This large, beautiful house is on a quiet, tree-lined street backing on to the Avon River. Two of the four rooms overlook the river. The rooms have high ceilings and all but one are quite spacious. The B&B is just across the river from the shops on York Street and less than a five minute walk to the lovely Shakespeare Gardens and downtown. The Avon Theatre is a 10 minute walk away and the Festival Theate can be reached by walking along the river (about 15-20 minutes) or in 5 minutes by car. The grounds of the house have lovely gardens and guests are welcome to sit on the patio overlooking the river.
The hosts, George and Christine are welcoming and charming. Breakfast is simple ( a cooked dish, along with fresh fruit, yogurt, rolls, cold cereal, and toast) but filling.
We have stayed here several times and it is a favorite of ours.
The hosts, George and Christine are welcoming and charming. Breakfast is simple ( a cooked dish, along with fresh fruit, yogurt, rolls, cold cereal, and toast) but filling.
We have stayed here several times and it is a favorite of ours.
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Date of stay: August 2010Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was a first trip to Stratford for my husband and me. Our stay at the River Garden House B&B was a large part of our enjoyment of this lovely town. We arrived 3 hours too early for check-in and the previous guests were just leaving our room. No worries, Christina offered us some coffee and accompanied us to the garden patio. There, under one of the umbrellas and to the sounds of birds singing and a fountain gently babbling, we waited for our room to be readied. The lovely Victorian house is well maintained and delightfully decorated, with a beautifully landscaped garden that slopes gently to the Avon River. In addition, it is within walking distance of the theatres and Ontario Street, the major shopping and restaurant mecca.There was a portable AC unit in the room but we preferred to sleep with the windows open to the gentle breeze coming off the river. The next morning, we met George, Christina's husband. This couple were the most charming and hospitable hosts we could ask for, very helpful but not intrusive. We had room #2 at the back of the house, facing the river and would definitely ask for the same when we visit again.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Rooms at the upper back have lovely views of the garden and the river.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"The two bed (3 person) room is crammed with furniture and not big at all. Choose the other ones."Read full review
"If in room 2 during summer, pull the blinds down when leaving for the day as it faces south and the room will be hot upon your return"Read full review
LOCATION
CanadaOntarioStratford
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about River Garden House
Which popular attractions are close to River Garden House?
Nearby attractions include Rheo Thompson Candies (0.4 km), Shakespearean Gardens (0.2 km), and The Little Prince Micro-Cinema & Lounge (0.4 km).
What are some restaurants close to River Garden House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Braai House, Sirkel Foods, and The Braaibar.
Is River Garden House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Stratford.