I travel on business in London and although I have choice over hotels, they are limited to large chains with hotels of normally over 500 bedrooms. Most people find themselves in this type of hotel for similar reasons to myself, or because the hotel has been offered as part of leisure package, or perhaps discounted at one of the many online travel sites. My Star Rating is based upon my experience of hotels of a similar ilk, as they would be impossible to compare to intimate, boutique style hotels and undoubtedly fare badly. If your finger is hovering over the 'Book Now' button somewhere, then I hope this review will prove helpful.
ON A BUDGET? Who isn't? Remember, if you booked this hotel as part of a deal, you can bet room service; restaurant facilities and the mini bar won't be part of it! Aside from planning your visit beforehand, also research local restaurants and pubs in the area - I've provided some links to help. There is a supermarket a minute from the hotel for a swift bottle of wine and in room munchies. I have also provided travel tips later on in this review. Buy a street map - you will be amazed that many places can be walked to and you'll get a better feel for the geography and the city above ground.
I book this hotel when it comes up around £100 per night for a double/twin room from http://www.londontown.com but it is frequently more expensive. I can't comment on prices as part of a leisure package when I suspect it would be more affordable. Other hotels of a similar standard are often cheaper, but don't offer the same superb location.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! (See Map) Possibly the best reason for choosing this hotel is the superb location at Marble Arch, overlooking Oxford Street with Bond Street and Regents Street nearby. Shop until you drop! Hyde Park is a stones throw away and some of the most famous sights and museums in London are local.
SOME BOOKING & ARRIVAL HINTS 1. If breakfast is offered for a couple of pounds more, take it; the Thistle will deliver to your room for a small room service charge, which is a nice start to the day in my opinion. 2. If a 'room with a view' is important, request one, otherwise, you may find the internal courtyard rather dismal, albeit quieter. 3. If you weren't offered a double bed when booking through your agent, give the hotel a ring directly and they will happily amend this for you. 4. Upon arrival, request that you are NOT allocated one of the recently refurbished rooms on the upper floors - these are perfectly comfortable, but smaller than usual for this hotel. 5. Check-in time is 2.00pm, but due to the amount of available rooms, you may find they will check you in earlier. Obviously, I can't guarantee this, but I regularly check-in at 12 noon. 6. In my opinion, there is little point in upgrading if offered. An upgraded room is similar to a standard, with a few more frills and use of hotel facilities gratis. If that's your thing, then go for it. 7. Check-out is 12 noon, however, a later checkout may be arranged for a fee. If the delay is not too long, this will probably be waived. Check costs before making arrangements. 8. If your mobile is important to you, refuse a room on the first floor since there is no signal.
GETTING THERE (See Map) The Thistle is minutes walk from Marble Arch Station, which is on the Central Line. Unless you really do have the kitchen sink with you, a tube journey is feasible. From Heathrow, the Piccadilly Line will take you to Holborn where you can change for the Central Line. Similarly, if arriving at Kings Cross, take the Piccadilly Line and change at Holborn. If you arrive at Liverpool Street Station, perhaps from Stansted, the Central Line will take you all the way. Exit Oxford Street North and bear left past KFC, turn left into Old Quebec Street and you will see Bryanston Street at the bottom - turn right. Incidentally, to find the supermarket, imagine turning right out of the station and you will find it within seconds. Note: Most hotels offer a shuttle service from major airports and this is worth checking before booking any other transfer. The Heathrow Airport Bus stops on Oxford Street.
CHECKING IN When you sashay through the revolving doors, you might be forgiven for being confused as reception is located the first floor and reached by an escalator (although there is a lift). This small ground floor area houses a small shop, an area for the Porter, Left Luggage and travel information only. The large reception/lobby/lounge area also houses a small coffee/bar area and the restaurant and lounge bar are also accessed from this floor. Furnished to a high standard, this is a busy area, with other guests and waiting staff milling about. Check-in is reasonably quick and you will be asked to provide a swipe of your credit card, which will be authorised, but not charged until departure. If you don't have a card, then full cash payment in advance is your only option. Preliminaries over, a keycard to access your room will be provided and off you go, via the lifts (chance to admire your reflection!), to your floor.
YOUR ROOM As previously mentioned, the Thistle is an extremely large hotel and thus, you might find the walk to your room some distance. This isn't a time to test your sense of direction! - follow the directions provided, or I guarantee you'll wander in circles. Corridors are nicely carpeted/decorated and well lit - smoking is not permitted here, or in the lifts.
The Thistle has some of the largest standard rooms in London and in my opinion, some of the largest double beds! Trust me, I've stayed in a few and you'll find plenty of space. Furnished nicely in Mahogany, you'll find bedside tables, desk, coffee table/chairs, chest of drawers and double wardrobe (containing extra pillows, towels and insufferable anti-theft hangers). You will also find, a mini bar with miniatures, wine and snacks (also useful for chilling your own goodies!), safe, trouser press, hairdryer, iron and board, bin, television with remote control cable/satellite/radio (pay per view movies available) and wake-up calls can be programmed (free). In addition, you may view your bill and other hotel services via the television. A phone is provided to contact reception etc. and although you may make outside calls, I recommend you use your mobile, as the cost of calls is extortionate. High-speed Internet access is also available charged at an hourly rate, or capped at £15 for 24 hours. The room is air-conditioned, which is fully controllable from the room, but thankfully, there are also opening windows (with safety locks). The rooms are well lit, with a variety of desk, bedside and room lights and there are plenty of sockets. There are security locks provided on the door along with a peephole and the usual 'do not disturb me' signs. You will also find general hotel information/room service menus, with a slip to hang outside (before 2am) should you wish breakfast delivered, a small amount of stationary and a pen or pencil. Matches and ashtray if in a smoking room :) Tea and coffee making facilities are provided, with a good selection of everything and sometimes even biscuits (sharp intake of breath :)
Bathrooms are average, with the usual marble décor and standard size bath with shower over and separate shampoo hose. However, there's always gallons of hot water at any time and the shower is second to none being extremely powerful! Wash hand basin, toilet, dark marble effect vanity unit, hairdryer, bin, adequate amount of towels and selection of toiletries completes the lineup.
Rooms are serviced daily, but you will not be disturbed if you choose peace and quiet. Cleanliness and décor are of a high standard and consistent - I have never found it necessary to change rooms.
OTHER FACILITIES The hotel has a gym, but lacks other leisure facilities, which is a pity. There are Conferencing and Banqueting suites and Club Business Facilities available for an extra charge. The Glen Miller Bar is open until 2am for residents and is pleasant, as is the Carvery Restaurant, but be warned - both are expensive if on a budget. Some of the rooms are adapted for wheelchairs, and the hotel accepts dogs. Everything is 24 hours and there are the usual facilities like laundry, concierge, porter etc. There is a local car park close by - but again at London prices of £40 per day!!
CONCLUSION This hotel is difficult to fault if you can accept the faceless brand image and lack of originality. Quality, standards of maintenance and cleanliness are high. The staff are pleasant/friendly and normally efficient. Worth staying at for the location alone and the exceptionally large (for London) rooms.
OTHER INFO Location and Map: http://www.viamichelin.com/b2b2c/gbr/dyn/controller/dlPoiAccess?productId=73153&id=00046 Find Local Pubs: http://www.fancyapint.com Find Restaurants: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/eat.asp
UPDATE (19th May 2007): As previously mentioned, this hotel now has smaller rooms (on the 8th floor). It appears that they attempt to allocate these rooms to customers who have booked from discount resellers, such as lastminute.com and sell what used to be a standard room as a deluxe for an extra charge of £15.00 per night. I have complained to lastminute etc. as the theory is that their customers purchase a standard package, at discounted rates, not an inferior package.
I visited the Thistle at the weekend and positively refused to accept a room on the 8th floor - I've been a regular client for five years - and they reluctantly allocated me a 'deluxe' room on the 6th floor. I would suggest others do the same as the 'deluxe' was the old 'standard' room.
In view of the above, I've amended my rating and star rating as the 'standard' rooms warrant no more than average/satisfactory. A pity.
I'd appreciate your feedback by rating this review .... thanks :)
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Quality of Facilities
Good
Family Friendly
Average
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