Holiday Inn Garden Court London - Oxford Circus, London

Author's product rating:   

Advantages:	Close to Oxford Street for all your shopping needs !
Disadvantages:	Expensive, really small reception and bar area

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have stayed in many Holiday Inns around the UK, and this has to be one of the smallest. However, what it lacked in grandeur it gained in location. Situated in Marylebone just 5 minutes walk away from Oxford Street for all your shopping needs!. Also just 5 minutes walk from the nearest underground being Bond Street, Oxford Circus station is a 10 minute walk, this is obviously handy as there is no parking at the hotel.

My main reason and attraction for staying in this hotel was a 2 nights for the price of 1 offer that Priority points were offering. If you have never heard of this, it is a scheme offerered by the Holiday Inn Group which allows you to gain points for staying at Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental Hotel Group. Not just in the Uk either but around the world. Once you have accumulated enough points you can swap them for free nights accomodation. I am honest enough to say that I still haven't reached that point, but luckily the points just carry on accumulating and do not recommence for each new calendar year. I'm hoping to reach a free night soon! Joining does have the added advantage of having any special offers emailed to you, and that led me to book this hotel.

Total cost was £165 for 2 nights so obviously a good saving, the best they seem to offer currently is around £150 per night for a double room without breakfast. I didn't have breakfast as part of this package preferring to go to one of the many cafe's etc nearby.

The entrance to the hotel was small, and the reception was helpful but it would have been easier if they had spoken english more clearly. This was proven when I came to check out and they tried to charge me for the additional nights stay. It took me about 10 minutes to explain that it was a special offer and one night was free. There is a small seating area in reception and a very small bar. Stocked with most spirits but at a higher price that the many bars and pubs within walking distance. It certainly wasn't a welcoming bar or seating area.

The standard double room was small but had enough room for the double bed and usual desk and chair. Bedside tables were provided either side of the bed. In many of the Holiday Inns I have stayed in the room has enough space for a sofa, or 2 comfy chairs and a small table. This room was just big enough for a table and one chair. It was clean and tidy with air conditining, and the built in wardrobe was big enough for a few nights clothing. Ensuite bathroom had bath and power shower over. The usual essentials you would expect in the bathroom were there, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap and tissues.

The room was equipped with information on local tourist attractions which was useful, and the tv had additional sky channels as well as usual terrestrial ones.

The view from our bedroom window left a lot to be desired as it was the back of the building and so just looked out onto a mass of highrise offices, but I should think the front bedrooms didn't favour much better.

There is a fitness suite at the hotel although no pool, but I can't comment on these as I didn't see or use them. I also did not try any of the food at the hotel purely because it was nicer to dine out.

All in all a great hotel in a great location, the main plus was that because it was a few streets away from Oxford Street it was quiet, something I would not have expected.

I would also point out that they don't have any family rooms as such, but you need to pre book a room specifically for up to 4 people.