BENLEE

Ok, ok, Yes Ma'am!


Yes, location is important esp it's my first trip to London. I check out Knightsbridge, quite nice but the rates are attractive but the room is really small ( only 11m2! ). And their rates for larger rooms are basically on-par with the others 5star hotels. Also, I notice most of hotel rooms in London I've checked on their websites are all with heavy classical/traditional decor, very "gothic" I should say ( sorry, can't think of a better word ).

BTW, what do you think of the Halkin? The rooms looks nice to me.

BENLEE

You're the second person to mention this abt the PH Vendome. Is the "perfume" actually over-dosage of scented air-freshener?

vuittonsofstyle

PH Vendome - they puff out a chemically-made 'fragrance' from various outlets in the ceilings/walls and also spray the rooms. It makes me sneeze and gives me a headache, which is why I will not stay at this hotel. PH Milan does the same thing, but with a different 'fragrance'. Awful! haven't these people heard about endocrine disruptors?

The Halkin, Benlee is in a nice location off Hyde Park corner but although public areas remain quite smart I thought the rooms/suites were looking very tired - not the bedroom areas so much but the bathrooms, which even in suites tend to be very small and with those very old fashioned shower trays.

I also wonder why people like the Halkin's Thai restaurant and why Michelin thought it was so special - maybe they should get out more.

Raffles

Take a quick look at the Jumeirah Lowndes. Whole hotel was redone a couple of years ago so rooms are modern. Boutique property but you can cross-sign at the Carlton Tower across the road and use their fantastic pool and health club. Jumeirah has been pushing a lot of promos online recently so you may get a good deal. One of Londons best Italians, Zefferano, is beneath although not linked to the hotel.

RichardInSF

Maybe I've just discovered why I'll never be a real wine expert: I can't smell good enough. I've never smelled the odor that others above refer to at the Park Hyatt Vendome, for example.

eba205

Going to Paris for 4 nights in February. Staying at Le Meurice (booked a great deal through David O) for the first time in several years. We were able to get an upgrade to a Tuilleries view Executive room for the price of a superior. We are great fans of the George V, and are very curious how we will feel about not staying there this time. I have stayed at the Meurice in the past and have been generally impressed, but have heard some mixed reviews since the updates to the public spaces. Has anyone had any recent experience?

Tanyam99

I stayed at Le Meurice about a year ago, after the renovations. I wouldn't worry too much about the highly "individualistic" decor in the public spaces, as you don't need to spend too much time sitting under that horrible ceiling! I actually liked the decor of the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant and the bar is also still very good. I found the service throughout was superb, very gracious and kind. We had a newly renovated Starck "junior" suite which was magnificent - it had a jaw-dropping dressing room, huge marble bathroom, as well as an entrance hall plus large bedroom. I also very much liked the scent in the hotel corridors. I have not stayed at Georges V (yet) so cannot compare, but I would recommend the Meurice and its matchless location.

Cheetah_SA

Zafferano, I presume? It really is good.

As for perfumes spread via the ventilation systems, it must really be a tricky thing to get right. Possibly more than with any other sense, people have strong preferences regarding smells and smells have such a direct effect on us. Safer to stay away from this or keep it on the bland side, I would have thought. The Renaissance Chancery Court (which BTW is a pretty decent chain hotel by London standards) also uses a fragrance in their lobby area. It is very understated and I find it very pleasant - almost as if the lavish flower arrangement that has pride of place were giving off a scent. The effect is almost subliminal but after a few times it dawned on me why my mood lifted every time I stepped inside.

Completely off topic: I was told once by someone who had experience as a housekeeper that a trick of the trade was always to be liberal with the furniture polish. Nothing communicated "clean house" so powerfully as that smell - and was a good decoy if other jobs had been less than thoroughly done.

FlyerEC

You may like to take a look at Royal Garden Hotel tho' renovations are happening. Can walk through the park to Knightsbridge & limo/taxi back after shopping. Has " high street " shops nearby & Wholefoods too.

8dimsum

spoke with my friends re Auckland plans. We have decided to stay at the Hyatt. Your update helped nudge the vote.

BENLEE

Thanks. Will check it out. But renovation might be a problem. I'm a light sleeper. Need near total silence to sleep.

vuittonsofstyle

Royal Garden is in no way a luxury hotel, despite any renovations.

FetePerfection

Weighing in a little late but leaving for SJU Monday and staying at El Covento a member of SLH collection. Never stayed before but have planned and coordinated weddings there - it's lovely and service is great.

FlyerEC

Should have qualified this in my earlier post ( i.e.No means our usual e.g. Aman/MO.) That said , it does have great park views, contemporary rooms/decent suites ,etc and is rated as such by others.

BENLEE

Just checked the website. The rooms do look more residential than luxurious. Also, the website doesn't list out the amenties available. Since I plan at least to spend my time outside most of the time, it shouldn't really matter, as long as the bed is comfortable, the bathroom clean and good water pressure. How's the soundproofing?

I've checked out a bunch of luxury hotel websites in London and so far, include many suggested in other threads but it seems that London doesn't really have any luxury hotels that can interest me. The're either too "gothic", too retro, too old-fashion, too stuffy or just too small ( Yes, I'm damn hard to please ). I think I will just go for the comfort factor and convenient location as the prime criteria to decide where to stay. Hotels in Paris looks way more promising, with at least Park Hyatt and Four Seasons in Paris for me to splurge.