Originally Posted by
YYJMSP
We chose this property partly on brand expectations, location (unfortunately, it's been 25+ years since I was last in London, and I don't remember this area being anything like this, but that's to be expected after all this time), and level of extra person charges for our daughter (which in my opinion are getting completely out of control at most properties).
We discounted the TripAdvisor reports a bit, as I find that people are more likely to leave negative reviews than positive reviews, skewing the tone. In this case though, that negative tone turned out to be pretty much on the mark.
To top it all off, we had just come from Athens staying at the Grande Bretagne, and that just further intensified the letdown at this same-brand property.
I can absolutely see how you'd be disappointed.
Sadly, Knightsbridge has changed quite a lot in the 20 years I've known it. Though I didn't like it much to begin with, it really is quite an unpleasant area nowadays for most Western visitors (and studiously avoided by Londoners). I can see how it would be fun if you were dropping a 6-figure sum at the Mandarin Oriental or one of the other "super hotels", but being either a hanger-on or none of the above there is not a lot of fun.
Without meaning to go too off-topic, I can also understand your disappointment at the Grande Bretagne. I have proclaimed it my favourite SPG hotel in Europe many times on these forums, but it is becoming overdo a refit and since the merger they have apparently lost all CRM capabilities. I have been visiting 3-4 times a year for over 5 years now and got used to being greeted with everything being arranged after pre-arrival communication with my Butler and the Concierge, but now it's just stand downstairs in the check-in queue behind some cruise shippers on their way to Santorini before being asked if it's my first time in Athens.
I am tempted to try the King George for the first time on my next visit, particularly as I am in love with their restaurant.