I had a complimentary night to use at the W London as a result of having a booking for the original opening in October 2009 which was subsequently delayed until 14th February 2010. I opted to use this free night for the opening on the 14th Feb as a good excuse to take Mrs LoM away from home for a romantic evening in town.

As time has gone by I had been wondering if the opening would proceed as scheduled but it seems there was no serious reason for doubt, it has however been a real struggle trying to book the Hotel Restaurant (Spice Market) as they were not taking reservations until 5 days prior to the opening. I had arranged an alternative at the Restaurant in the National Portrait Gallery and am taking my life in my hands switching the reservation as Mrs LoM was quite keen on Plan B.

I had an opportunity to check in just after Midday so wandered over to the property to avoid being one of the last guests to arrive (which has led to some dubious room allocations in the past). As a Platinum I was hoping for an upgrade but unsure whether this would be possible. Upon entering the elevator lobby I was met by quite a large number of staff, it felt like the approach to a busy bar on a Friday night being greeted by very well dressed doormen.

The real Lobby is on the first floor and I had to fight off an attempt to take my Tumi carry on away from me for the 2 metre walk to the check in podium area. There appears to be 3 Podia for check in however one was undergoing some emergency IT surgery upon my arrival, so I had to wait for one of the 2 working staff to complete checking in other customers. I noticed that the guest in front of me was also an SPG Plat and I groaned inwardly thinking they might have got the only upgrade of the day.

I was greeted after a few minutes by a cheery welcoming lady who seemed to be struggling to allocate me a room. I was told I would be “upgraded” and they just needed to check the room was ready (which I thought rather odd in a newly opened property). I was taken to the bar and offered a complimentary drink whilst waiting, as I had a meeting to go on to, I stuck to diet coke. This arrived after around 5 minutes wait in the main bar area and only 3 minutes later I was informed that my room was ready. I was less successful in fending off the assistance of a staff member this time and was escorted to my 6th floor room.

Upon arrival at the room I noticed immediately that it was not a corner room, I had thought the corner rooms offered the best potential upgrade option I would get so was somewhat concerned as to what I might find. I entered a very nicely designed but small room with a King bed, central sink/workspace and a mirrored cupboard containing a toilet and shower. I have to say that I don’t really like the room at all so far which seems to be a continuing theme with W hotels I have experienced (the excellent W Hong Kong aside).

I am now awaiting Mrs LoM’s arrival and to hit the bar and restaurant to get a more complete view of the property and continue with Part 2 tomorrow.