Once you have your entries determined, then you need to figure out where you’re going to stay. Henley is a town of approximately 11,000 people, but nearly 3,000 competitors race at Henley Women’s and, if you include those trying to qualify, nearly 5,000 race Henley Royal. Those are just athletes, not coaches, trainers, administrators or anyone else.
But in a town so small the rest of the year, there are nowhere near enough hotel rooms (and the rooms there are command a hefty premium during the regattas). The tradition is that athletes and coaches stay with families in the town, hopefully walking distance from the course.
But how to find that housing? Henley Women’s and Henley Royal each have a dedicated housing officer who can match a crew to a house or houses in the town. Sometimes it is just a room for a coach, or some places can take an entire eight plus cox with everything in between. All prices are set by the hosts themselves, and the housing officer/crew liaison can help you work to stay within your budget. Crew Accommodation & Boat Hire
Prices for crews arranged by Henley Women’s in 2023 topped out at £60 per person per night including breakfast, though reports of private arrangements indicate prices of £90 per person and higher.
It certainly helps to start early as many repeat crews also repeat their housing, so a large swath of houses go off the regatta housing market very early in the year. Consider whether or not athletes can share rooms – coxes of a different gender may need their own space – and whether they can share beds, as some places will offer this option. For three days it might be acceptable to your crew but for a three-week Henley Women’s and Henley Royal stay that’s a big ask of athletes.
Consider also the distance to the courses, pet allergies, kitchen access and whether coaches will live with the crew or be in separate housing.