A Jolly Good Night
05 August 2008
We had booked a standard room, but when we arrived at an admittedly early (for hotel rooms) 12.30pm we were told by the friendly receptionist that there were no standard rooms ready yet. We were happy to leave the luggage and go out, but she pointed out that, since it was the weekend, we could upgrade to a superior room for £15, and could have one immediately. We asked what the difference was, and she said that the superior rooms were 'wider'. I said we would do this, as it was my husband's birthday, and when she head this, she gave us a key to the VIP lounge. our room was very pleasant, although not particularly large (I wonder how big the standard rooms are?), and when we went in search of the VIP lounge we discovered that it was equipped with serve-yourself hot and cold non-alcholic drinks, fruit and pastries, with a large range of English and international newspapers on hand. The public rooms were exactly what you would expect from a former Edwardian mansion block, with flamboyant plaster work and very grand staircase in the lobby, and lots of comfortable spaces to sit. The olny down side was the wine on sale by the glass in the bar, which was very expensive and not at all good. Apart from this, we had a very good stay and an excellent breakfast the next morning. Checkout is a very civilised 12.00 noon, but can be extended to 2.00pm. All the staff were friendly and helpful, it is virtually adjacent to St James's Park underground station, and we shall definitely stay there again.
Jacqueline Simpson, Northamptonshire
Mature Couple (36+)