The Connaught - London, United Kingdom 

As someone who has stayed at The Connaught a number of times in the past l wanted to put down my thoughts after a recent visit. I have also had the good fortune to stay at one of the group's sister properties Claridge's in London.The Connaught brings back many fond memories. The bad points. 1. The hotel remains under construction with the restaurant not yet open (expected in the next month). 2. On arrival we were showed into a brand new room (the floor was opened that day). Workman where everywhere and the there was considerable noise. 3. The room I reserved (Deluxe King) felt very small. There is limited storage (enough really for 1 person only). They ended up bringing in a chest of drawers. 4. On the first day I was greeted by a hotel employee escorting a guest into my room. No knock, only me in my underwear! More a shock to the 70 year old lady than to me. 5. Second day the power keep surging and the fire doors keep opening and closing. (at least 4 times) this caused myself and my neighbor a great deal of stress. 6. The air conditioning need adjusting as on the first day the room temp was 23c. Far too hot! The good points. 1. Staff again very good in handling a guest that was getting more upset by the minute. 2. Wait staff the best I have encountered at a hotel 3. Bathrooms to die for. With the most beautiful white marble and some of the nicest toiletries. 4. The best hotel breakfast that I have ever had. The smoked salmon was beautiful. 5. The carpets,fabrics and overall conditions of the hotel superb! 6. I love the bar! Wonderful Martini's 7. The concierge staff is wonderful! Very helpful. They offered 1 night to be used on my next visit for my inconvienence. I chose to use it towards my bill. Everything considered I will definately come back to stay. A soft opening is always hard. I think the hotel might have been able to handle things a bit better but I did go away satisfied that they had helped. This hotel has the ability to become the best in London. I look forward to my next visit.

This was my second visit to the Connaught since it re-opened from its major makeover. The first visit was nice but I booked through Amex Centurion and none of the deal was included such as room upgrade or breakfast taken off etc. Still despite a small room the hotel is really of a stunning quality; the bar, conservatory and common areas magnificent. So I returned again given I am looking for a hotel to make my base for my monthly visits (previously it was Claridges). Great staff again but also again I got a terribly small room. It was the smallest I have ever stayed in anywhere in the world, even Tokyo. So I did something I have never done, I wrote to the GM. The next day I had a lovely message that seemed heartfelt and responsive. The front of house manager was also very very nice and I moved rooms after two nights to a much better room. The hotel is not finished yet, there is still a lot of noise from workers outside etc but the rooms are so beautifully done I want to know the designer. They are small but the quality is everywhere. I will return and try a final time before I decide where is longer term hotel in London. The staff are certainly terrific.