Went to this hotel for business. Overall the hotel was good but I was unhappy that the prices seemed to have been jacked up for the event I came to attend. Frankly I had paid less in a Four Seasons and even at the Ritz in Tokyo. Hopefully others will have better luck. Had it not been for the price my ratings could be higher but I'll try to put this aside.
Location - D: My plan was to take the Metro (Piccadily Line or Heathrow Express to Paddington) but after the long flight I grabbed a couple of friends and taxi'd in. The ride was nearly 90 pounds or about $150 and an hour drive. The drive takes you through some of the better attractions (depending on the route your driver takes) but you could to see Westminster Abby, The Defense buildings, Piccadily Circus, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye or other sights along the way. Having seen these before I just wanted to get the hotel so it was a long ride. Where you end up is in the old docks area, you know, where Jack the Ripper used to hang out. Don't mis-understand me, they've done a lot to upgrade the area and work continues ahead of the Olympics, but needless to say, you're not close to the attractions of London - although there is a tube station right nearby.
Check In/Staff - B: Front desk was friendly, concierge was helpful, as were the bellmen. If you do go, and you like a good steak I highly recommend the steakhouse around the corner - the bellman will tell you the name. Unfortunately I can't recall it now. Great food, good service, great bar.
Restaurant/Bar: A-: Great breakfast, good atmosphere, great environment. Really well done. In the evening the folks at the bar were really great, but a bit understaffed at times. Again, the food I had here was really good. I had the scallops and the goat cheese and pear salad - YUM! Again, the environment was very accommodating.
Rooms B-/C+: This is a tough one. I have a pretty limited but specific set of needs when I stay in a hotel. I don't ask for much, a good bed, a desk with internet, and a shower with adequate space and water pressure. The bed was a bit firm but decent, the shower was small but acceptable but the water pressure was sub-optimal. Most disappointing was the fact that I had to pay 14.99 pounds (~$22/day) for internet...on top of an already exhorbinate room rate. Another mark down was that the thermostats only went to 24, which would have been fine except the cleaner kept turning it down when she cleaned. Finally, when I checked in they kindly asked me what paper I'd like in the morning. I was there 4 days and never received a paper. The paper to me was a minor detail but for the price I was paying something that I would have expected.
Gym C+: Small, 2 treadmills, an eliptical, a bike, some small dumbells, and a single multi-function machine. Not a lot of room to stretch. The equipment however was in good condition, just not enough of it.
Overall I wouldn't stay here again for the price I paid, maybe I would for half, and only if I had business in the area. That's not a knock on the hotel itself, it's just not in an area condusive to sight seeing. Hope other find this helpful.
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