41 - London, United Kingdom     

I cannot recommend this hotel enough. The staff were very courteous, friendly and seemed genuinely interested in each guest. They remembered earlier conversations and picked up on them later. We arrived early afternoon & so our room was not ready(checkout is not until noon); we were offered a glass of champagne & were happy to pass a plesant hour in the lounge reading the paapers. We had a room overlooking the palace (and would strongly recommend that you request this). It was pristine and, although the decor was black and whire, it was a warm and inviting room. The lighting system was unfathomable as the bathroom light that we'd turned off when we went to bed was mirculously on the following morning. This is by no means a criticism as the mood lighting was excellent - just an observation and a challenge to crack! Nothing was too much trouble and often the staff outnumbered the guests in the "executive lounge" . We stayed for the weekend of the concerts in Hyde Park and made full use of the "butler's pantry" when returning each evening. The spread was superb; meat,cheese, fish and shell fish, followed by fresh fruit. With a large glass of red wine from the honesty bar this made for a perfect end to a perfect evening! The continental breakfast was magnificant; simple but first class in every way. Andrew, the manager, went out of his way to make guests feel welcome, in a quiet gentle way - he never appeared hurried and seemed to be on duty from dawn until midnight! Yes, it is expensive, but it is very special and I will return as soon as funds allow.

The reviews on Tripadvsior were the main reason for us (usually staying at Claridges), choosing this hotel for our short stay in London. First of all, the taxidriver had a hard time finding this hotel. (Ask for the Rubens Hotel which is located next door). Having found the front door, a friendly welcome awaites you entering the small lobby of this hotel. An elevator takes you to the fifth floor where you walk through some narrow corridors before entering the lounge (beuatifully decorated). Very personalised welcome and we believe the other reviewers wehen saying that this place is or can be a home away from home. Only one remark; the Executive Double room we booked is really quite (say too) small for a hotel of this standing. Really everything (and I mean EVERYTHING up to the last detail) you need is in there and the room again is beautifully decorated (mainly in black and white), but one hardly can turn is this room of let's say max 15m2. If you're with your partner, do not start walking around in this room the same time; you keep on bumping into eachother. The size of the bathroom was even worse. However, a nice change to the more established 5-star hotels in London. The staff are great and the Romantic Turndown service we got was most attentive. Roseleaves everywhere and some 20 candles burning. Great surprise. We'll be back (but will book a suite next time)