Another week another hotel review, and one example of the way hotels SHOULD be. As is the case, I was off on an evening of boozing last night and decided to find a place to crash the night. We used Lastminute.com's secret hotels to book the place, described as a contemporary 4-star hotel.
Before I start singing the hotel's praises (since I was overawed by it all really) I just want to go through the booking process, since…. Aaaargh. Ok.
Why so stressed? -----------------------
Like I said, I booked using Lastminute.com's secret hotels service. This means you book a hotel for a cheaper price, but you don't know the name of it. I've used this many times, and it's been fine. Usually you get a nice place, but occasionally misrepresentations do occur.
Anyway, when booking on Weds afternoon I booked Friday night by accident, rather than the Thursday I wanted (i.e. yesterday). Fine, I thought, a quick call to Lastminute and it'll be sorted. The hotel had said they had space, and it wasn't a problem, but Lastminute had to change it.
Ok, no probs. Just call Lastminute.
*Tears hair out*
No chance of speaking to a human. You end up getting lost in a crazy computeried maze and the only way to speak to a human is to go to (you guessed it ) sales. All other requests ask you to go to the bloody website.
Anyway, long story short Lastminute gave me short-shrift and said the hotel didn't have space. A lie. They did. I asked them.
Apex to the rescue --------------------------
After 45 minutes of arguing with Lastminute, I spoke to the hotel, who very kindly offered to speak to them to sort out the whole sorry mess. To their credit, they did, and the booking was changed. It was then I found out I could have booked the room direct with the hotel for £89. Lastminute's supposed 'bargain' rate? £79.
For the sake of £10, book with the hotel. It's worth it for the service that the reservations staff provide. Friendly, helpful and charming, I was sooooo impressed.
Where is it, then? ------------------------
This hotel is situated on Seething Lane in the Square Mile area of London, near the Tower of London and where Samuel Pepy's used to work, fact-fans. It's a very business-y locale, with several big law firms having their offices nearby. The Hotel is a short walk from Tower Hill station, so has easy connections to the West End. Of course, you have the Tower for a bit of sight-seeing if the prospect of hob-nobbing with city types doesn't impress.
The lobby ---------------
Entering the hotel, you can't help but be impressed. It's about as far from a traditional hotel as is possible, with a gorgeous, contemporary theme. All wood and marble, it really does look stunning. On the left you have the restaurant/bar, which has won awards but is pricey - mains go for around £20. Food is of the "posh" variety, including that contentious goose-fat pate - foie gras.
When we arrived at around 12.30, there were 3 receptionists and a porter on duty. Not bad, considering the distinct lack of people milling about. We were allocated a room straight away, despite being a full 2 hours before check-in. We were even offered a hand with the bags - an important touch for me. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I can't praise them enough. There was no pretentiousness or snobbery and we were made to feel very welcome.
The room ------------------
Getting up to the 3rd floor, the corridors are dimly lit and very opulent, in a contemporary way. The rooms all have their own individual lightbox outside displaying the room number - a novel touch. I loved the low lighting and the ambience. It was very smart and chic. The rooms are entered with a key fob rather than a swipe card. Anyone who struggles with getting swipecards in the right way will appreciate this.
The room itself was of average size, but it impressed in its facilities. The décor was fabulous, and extension of the cool modern theme that radiates around the hotel. Pieces of photography from around London adorn the walls, and the rooms is finished with lasings of wood, marble and chrome fixtures. Very smart all round.
So. It looks great. But all style and no substance is a bad thing.
Just as well then that the room had function in spades. Sky TV is provided on a nice widescreen TV, along with a DVD player. DVD's are available free from reception, although you have to leave a deposit in case you run off with that copy of Bridget Jones you wish you bought. The bed was a large King size, fantastically comfortable and with more pillows than I'd care to shake a stick at. I honestly had the best nights sleep ever in this place, better than at home.
Moving along, the bathroom was equally sumptuous, with separate shower and bath. The shower was a huuuuggggeeee walk-in affair, almost like a mini wet-room. The bath came complete with rubber ducky, which you're allowed to take. Toiletries are provided, and of a high standard. Sizes are good too. At this point I'd like to again mention the staff. After soaping up my face I realised I hadn't brought my razor. A quick call to reception and one was brought up to me, free of charge, within five minutes and with a smile. That, for me, was good service. I'd have looked pretty silly going out with my crazy shaving-foam beard.
Other details about the room include the designer telephones - they look like the Bang and Olufson ones (clearly they aren't, but are still nice), and the book of photography of the city for you to look at. A great touch if you're a local or a tourist.
Rooms service is available, and is competitively priced. Items include standard burgers, panini's and wraps. A burger was around £9 I think, not too bad at all considering. You are given a voucher for 30% off in the restaurant, should you prefer.
Err… (Travelodge take note) Decent tea and coffee are included, as is a safe and an iron and ironing-board. And, bizarrely, an empty fridge. Useful for some, I guess. Actually I lie - I used mine to store an undrunken bottle of Bud :)
The morning after ------------------------------
I was woken up at 9 by a rap at the door. I'd forgotten to put the 'do not disturb' sign up. Doh! Never mind. As I answered, there was no sign, but a copy of the paper at my feet. Genius, and a fabulous way to start my hangover. A good coffee and a good read.
Check out was at 12, leaving plenty of time for a lie-in, and was handled with the usual friendliness I'd come to expect.
The hotel was also more than happy to keep our bags whilst we wondered around the Tower. Now I know what happened to Guy Fawkes…
Summing up m'laud -------------------------------
Right, now this hotel was amazing. The room was comfortable and well specced, the staff friendly and polite, and above all it was only £79.
In fact, I later found out that we were in the bottom of 3 classes of room. I wonder what delights I'd have found in a Deluxe room, or even a suite. Based on my experience in the standard room, I'm gagging to find out.
Highly recommended, just don't book through Lastminute - it's not much cheaper.
More details
Quality of Facilities
Excellent
Family Friendly
Good
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