raunow

Introduction About time I reported on my late June one-night stay at the new star in SPG's extensive London presence, The Wellesley Knightsbridge hotel.The Wellesley is an existing hotel that joined SPG's Luxuryt Collextion earlier this year. They market themselves as a "boutique-grand hotel" and is the highst categorized SPG option in London at a category 7 (paid rates often +400GBP). Location Very central in the Knightsbridge area, 50m from Hyde Park corner station (next door is former SPG hotel The Lanesborough. Park Tower hotel is two blocks away and Sheraton Park Lane 10 mins walk in the other direction).Hotel front overlooks Hyde Park across the street. Room Was preupgrade from cheapest room to classy One Bedroom Suite, with seperate living room, bed room and bathroom (think my SPG100 Ambassador pulled some strings). High quality classic furnishing/decoration, huge King size bed and marble bathroom with Hermes toiletries.Didn't see any other rooms, but was under the impression that room layouts differs a lot and furnishing/decoration is bespoke for each room.Roomed contained tablet with hotel/area information and a smartphone that could be used as wifi-hotspot.Times of London is delivered complimentary to room, other newspapers are charged (5GBP for Financial Times). Check In Friendly but still formal welcome. Chose Breakfast as Platinum welcome gift. Front desk employee escorted me to my room. Dining Had Platinujm breakfast in classy ground floor restaurants breakfast room. High quality continental with homemade youghurt, freshly cut fruit, bread, pastries, juice and coffee. Declined very expensive (30GBP) buy-up option to Full English hot breakfast.There is also what seems like a very classy Cigar lounge/bar if you're so inclined. Service High Service level at all functions: front desk escort to room, knowledgeable concierge, front doors held by doorman, waiters, room service etc.Nice cakes and note as welcome gift. Butler service is included for all rooms, but be aware that services like cofee and pressings are charged.Special gimmick (but also very useful benefit) is the hotels Rolls Royce, that will take you anywhere within a 1.5 mile radius (first come first served, no reservations, no luggage).One major short coming IMHO: The hotel has no gym (but do sell day access to a nearby health club). Overall Definitely the most classy SPG room, and highest service level in London (have stayed at (LeM, Sheraton, Park Tower, W, GreatNorthern, Aloft). Nice Platinum treatment with suite upgrade, breakfast and welcome gift.Location is good for tourists, next to a Tube station with direct LHR link, and the Rolls Royce service makes most of central London easily accesible.In comparision Platinum Breakfast is better at Great Northern, and if you prefer club lounge access Sheraton and LeMeridien is where it's at. If you need a well equipped Gym, the W has the best SPG gym in London.A little heavy on the nickle'n'diaming for me, with heavy extra charges for alternative newspaper, simple butler services, health club and upgrade to Full English breakfast.But fully recommended if willing to pay for a Posh London experience.