Help me decide about a hotel in London

[Cass]

I have several choices... I want to know what you think is best? they are are similarily priced.

This is for 7 nights, myself and 12 year old daughter (after a cruise) ... we are going to be doing London sightseeing and day trips (Bath, Stonehenge, hamptoncourt, Windsor, Greenwich.. etc)

The ones I am looking at are Claridges, The Savoy, Four Seasons, Lanesborough A St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Berkeley, The Connaught & The Ritz Hotel

Does anyone know what one is best? or any other suggestions would be great.

 

[Frances999]

Hi

I have only stayed at one of the options you listed, The Mandarin Oriental. I thought it was wonderful. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, even more so than Disney CMs. Every single floor of the hotel had its own concierge-style desk with staff willing to help and offer advice to you. I thought this was a remarkable touch. The hotel has a wonderful spa as well, it isn't cheap but it is wonderfully themed and the detailing and service is second-to-none. I really enjoyed their own "special" treatments they offered as well, very different to the norm.

Our room was on one of the highest floors and it seemed as though it had just been refurbished. The view was sensational - straight over Hyde Park. DH specifically requested this view plus a balcony - and the staff went out of their way to accommodate the request. The balcony was a little small, but the view? Sensational. Newspapers, fruit and bottled water are delivered free-of-charge every day, and there was a refrigerator for snacks.

I was seriously impressed with every single aspect of this hotel and have never stayed anywhere which has matched the service, styling and facilities. I was overwhelmed by the staff, the room, the lobby, the service - everything. All of our future London trips will be spent here, they certainly gain repeat custom. Also, the location is perfect -- Knightsbridge is right on the doorstep.

 

[Cass]

Wow Francis, what a review..! that sounds what I am looking for, great friendly service.

Did they have a swimming pool?

how was the location for sightseeing? (besides knightsbridge)

Thanks in advance for your all your help, I loved your review

 

[Frances999]

I don't remember there being a swimming pool as such, but there was a small plunge type pool as part of the spa, I think called a "vitality" pool.

West End is about 10 minutes trip away in a taxi, Hyde Park is right on the doorstep and you can walk to the London Eye and Tate Modern gallery. Major shopping locations at Oxford and Regent Street are also fairly close, but it would probably be best to take a taxi. The staff will help you with anything and if you need to know how to get somewhere they will invite you over to the desk and drawn on maps, draw out directions, give you telephone numbers - basically do anything they can to help out. If you were planning to take the tube then the Knightsbridge station is just right of the Main Entrance - perhaps a one minute walk. Harrods is about five minutes away maximum.

Have fun planning!

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

All of those are real "top notch" hotels and it'd take a very brave person to try and rank them in any order IMHO.

(living about 30 mins away I've not had the pleasure or need to stay in any of them).

 

[floridalol]

Hi Cass

You have picked some seriously good hotels here, these are amongst the top hotels in London. You will find that each one will offer it's own inimitable brand of service. If you are eating in the restaurants you will have the finest of food albeit with prices to match. Claridges and The Savoy offer superb old-fashioned English service, the food at The Ritz is renowned especially afternoon tea. I think you will be happy with any of the hotels mentioned. Have a great time!

Best wishes

Lol

 

[Cass]

Thanks everyone... I appreciate the help, Francis ~ the Manderin sounds wonderful.

I was leaning towards the Savoy because I am a Fairmont presidents club member and have a 1 night free voucher. which is a savings of about 270ukl.

But I also have another trip I can utilize that on, so I really can pick anywere in London.

Is the london eye near tower bridge? I need to get some maps.. or find some travel planning sites.

Thanks again,

Cassie

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

The london Eye is between Westiminister Bridge (Houses of Parliament, Big Ben etc) and Hungerford Bridge (links Waterloo and Charing Cross stations).

Tower Bridge is a walk away (possibly 2 - 2.5 miles or so)

 

[disney13]

Hi,

You can now get a river boat from Tower Bridge to the London Eye.

Details <a href="http://www.thamesclippers.com/eye_tower.html">Here</A>

Andy

 

[Cass]

I notice the Savoy has River View Rooms... I assume this is the Thames... would this be a nice view?

Thanks for the link Disney13, I will check it out.

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

As a born and bred Londoner - any view of the Thames is great, although it's more of a "Cityscape" view as opposed to rolling hills and countryside as you'd expect.

 

[Cass]

Hi,

As a born and bred Londoner - any view of the Thames is great, although it's more of a "Cityscape" view as opposed to rolling hills and countryside as you'd expect.

I actually didn't expect rolling hills in London

I have been to London before and stayed at the Horseguards Hotel (something like that) - it was just 'okay'

This time I want top notch for comfort/location/service. My daughter would love a pool if possible,

 

[carolfoy]

I have stayed at all except the Mandarin and I would choose Claridges over and above the rest, it has an old fashioned charm and discretion that has made it truly one of the best hotels in the world, also gordon ramseys restaurant is fantastic

 

[Cass]

I have stayed at all except the Mandarin and I would choose Claridges over and above the rest, it has an old fashioned charm and discretion that has made it truly one of the best hotels in the world, also gordon ramseys restaurant is fantastic

Old fashioned charm is a good thing, but what about the room? the location?

 

[carolfoy]

LOcation is great just a few minutes walk from hyde park, also convenient for bond and oxford street. I had a superior king bed room which although wasn't large was beautifully decorated and had lovely little extras, like nice bathrobe and slippers ( also they did childrens sizes) large bathroom, free shoe shine service, nice toiletries. room had dvd tv etc oh, and gameboy! loads of spa and gym facilities. Gordon Ramseys restaurant is very expensive ( I think when I stayed it was around £55 per head) for 3 courses but the reading room is a little better

 

[Candy]

I am a london taxi driver [black taxis]and all the hotels you have listed are fine and central to the west end. but i do have to say one thing if you dont know where you are going just call a black taxi to take you were ever want to go. thats what we are there for.