Hi all
I could not see a threat specifically for the CP London Battersea and as I stayed here recently, I thought I would give a little review:
I stayed here for 1 night for a 'staycation'. I wanted to relax, have a spa treatment, some food in the hotel and read my book. I achieved all of this and overall I would say it was a good stay but there were couple of things that I didn't like.
Check in was smooth - I was quickly given my room key (no mention of the room upgrade that I had been given to an Executive room). The corridors to the rooms are very dark and moody - very modern but I am sure not to everyones taste - I must admit though that I quite liked it. The room itself was not huge but perfectly fine - however the bathroom was very large, almost the same size as the room itself and had a separate shower and bath - it looked very modern and well kitted out. The shower was powerful enough and although I didn't try the bath - it really did look inviting! The room looked out over the neighbouring block so the view was not too attractive however it did make for a quiet night!
The bed was super comfy - really really cosy and I had a great night sleep. As mentioned before, the hotel is right next to the London heliport but I did not hear a sound, either from that or London traffic.
The hotel is in a strange part of town - and to get there I had to take a bus then walk. It is not too easy to find (aside from the helicopters pointing you in the right direction) and once here, there is not a great deal to do around the hotel. That said, I was not here to go out on the town so I was perfectly happy with what was on offer in the hotel.
First up I had a spa treatment - book early as it was fully booked when I went for my treatment - I had a great massage and the spa was extremely relaxing - and I did not feel weird going from my room to the spa in a dressing gown - many were doing it and it is quite a discreet route so that was a real plus.
I then dressed for dinner and drinks. The bar does some fabulous cocktails - some of the best choices I have seen at an IHG hotel in London - the Expresso martini is wonderful. I then went through for dinner and although the restaurant was dead, I was given time and space to chose my meal. I went for the curry and this is where it all went a bit wrong! The menu said the prawn curry was to be served with naan bread, mango chutney, raita and popadoms. I got mango chutney, popadoms, humous and pitta bread! When I pointed out that I had humous and not raita the lady looked a little confused and I said that this is not a usual curry accompaniment! I eventually got some raita but made do with the pitta bread - what worried me is that the chef had obviously not noticed and one of the 'star' dishes was served completely inappropriately and it certainly was not busy!
I retired to have a couple more delicious cocktails and noticed that whilst the bar look cool and funky, the chairs in there were completely impracticable. The back of the seat was too far back to be comfortable so I ended up perched on the edge reading my book.
I had been checked in by the manager and he was ever-present hovering around throughout my time here - I think he made the staff a little nervous if I am honest but I guess it was good to see him front of house!
My rate included breakfast and the buffet was laid out really well, with a great deal of choice. I sat watching the river (again in chairs that looked great but were really uncomfortable) and enjoyed some eggs and bacon.
Check-out was quick and I was soon wandering the streets of London to get a bus back to the centre.
The hotel itself is beautiful (although beauty and comfort are not always compatible). It is trying to be a modern hip hotel, which it achieves but there is just a little bit of polish needed if it is to be up there with the best. Although I say it is not good for nightlife and other restaurants, I loved the area for walking - it is right on the Thames path so has a lovely outlook, just don't expect much close by!
aks120