London Luxury Hotel
Jan 29, 2018, 9:15 am
#856
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
Thanks for the feedback. I tend to prefer larger hotels though I also like to stay at good boutique hotels. Room size and amenities will be what I usually look for follow closely by F&B and service. And in London, I prefer to stay at some place more traditional, ie. "British".
Jan 29, 2018, 10:48 am
#857
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
They are very good indeed. Covent Garden is one of the original hotels and is still my favourite. And yes, they are considered luxury, but their style lacks any pretentions.
Jan 29, 2018, 11:48 am
#858
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Programs: BA Blue, Qatar Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott Gold
Posts: 494
Your advice, if I may....
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
Jan 29, 2018, 1:34 pm
#859
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,600
Your advice, if I may....
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
Jan 29, 2018, 2:11 pm
#860
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Your advice, if I may....
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
Planning on taking the Mrs away for 1 night this Sat-Sun in London. We last stayed in the Shard 6 months ago as a mini honeymoon, and I thought about heading back as we feel in love with this property.... however I am concerned that it won't be what I expect it to be. We were treated so well last time!
What are my options sub £500 (Virtuoso etc.) for a 1 night true luxury experience? I know I could do a cheap and cheerful Hilton with my Diamond status and get some perks, but they lack the true luxury that I'm after. Any thoughts?
You can screen further by selecting certain amenities that you prioritize, like spa, pool, on-site restaurant, etc.
The SL at the Shard goes for US$501...but is ranked even by TripAdvisor at #60, much lower than the others mentioned above. I think you can do much better with any of those suggested above, both in terms of rate and in terms of luxury.
The TripAdvisor rankings are often worthless...but the search tool is quite useful when looking a comparative rates with multiple hotel options. Then you can book with the Virtuoso TA and hopefully get an even better deal or upgrades.
Jan 29, 2018, 2:42 pm
#861
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Programs: BA Blue, Qatar Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott Gold
Posts: 494
a suite. Had the pool to ourselves for an hour. Breakfast was amazing. I’m just confused!
I actually recommend using TripAdvisor's search tool to search for the 1 Sat night and use "5 star" and "luxury" screening categories...and see the resulting price ranges for the best values or the top hotels. I wouldn't worry about the hotel ranking from TripAdvisor as long as the hotel is in the top group you likely hear about anyway. Doing a quick search now shows even the Connaught going for US$566, the Beaumont for US$452, the Lanesborough for US$650, the Halkin for US$387, the Rosewood for US$491, the Stafford for US$369, etc.
You can screen further by selecting certain amenities that you prioritize, like spa, pool, on-site restaurant, etc.
The SL at the Shard goes for US$501...but is ranked even by TripAdvisor at #60 , much lower than the others mentioned above. I think you can do much better with any of those suggested above, both in terms of rate and in terms of luxury.
The TripAdvisor rankings are often worthless...but the search tool is quite useful when looking a comparative rates with multiple hotel options. Then you can book with the Virtuoso TA and hopefully get an even better deal or upgrades.
You can screen further by selecting certain amenities that you prioritize, like spa, pool, on-site restaurant, etc.
The SL at the Shard goes for US$501...but is ranked even by TripAdvisor at #60 , much lower than the others mentioned above. I think you can do much better with any of those suggested above, both in terms of rate and in terms of luxury.
The TripAdvisor rankings are often worthless...but the search tool is quite useful when looking a comparative rates with multiple hotel options. Then you can book with the Virtuoso TA and hopefully get an even better deal or upgrades.
Last edited by RichardInSF; Jan 30, 2018 at 2:09 am Reason: consecutive posts by same member
Jan 29, 2018, 4:04 pm
#862
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Thanks for that. Just after something that bit special. Where staff are just amazing and a room too. We loved the room at the shard because it was so modern and the views were second to none. The breakfast and pool were also amazing. What do you personally think is better? Just after great service, a great room, nice breakfast and ideally a pool or spa.
Or do something different. We prefer modern for sure, but we got married at La Residence in South Africa which is very traditional and overdone and yet the service and setting and food made us love it anyway. Sometimes a change is nice. Go with your gut. It's just one night. Don't overthink it!
Jan 30, 2018, 2:49 am
#863
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
I still need to familiarize myself with the Beaumont, but am not a fan of most of the other hotels that bhrubin has highlighted. For a true luxury romantic night I'd probably choose either the Connaught (all round amazing service, just consider avoiding the restaurant) or the Savoy - not the same level of service, but a stunning building and a real "wow" for tourists visiting London. Depending on your sense of aesthetic, the other two I'd consider are Browns (wonderful boutique feeling) or the Langham (many similarities to the Connaught, just not at the same level).
There will be a sense on this forum that you got rather lucky at the Shangri-La. It has a reputation as being a bit more of a tourist attraction than a viable hotel for someone with expectations of service.
There will be a sense on this forum that you got rather lucky at the Shangri-La. It has a reputation as being a bit more of a tourist attraction than a viable hotel for someone with expectations of service.
Jan 30, 2018, 5:06 am
#864
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Exec, CITI Prestige, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold and all ever changing
Posts: 218
Thanks for the feedback. I tend to prefer larger hotels though I also like to stay at good boutique hotels. Room size and amenities will be what I usually look for follow closely by F&B and service. And in London, I prefer to stay at some place more traditional, ie. "British".
Jan 30, 2018, 6:57 am
#865
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
I still need to familiarize myself with the Beaumont, but am not a fan of most of the other hotels that bhrubin has highlighted. For a true luxury romantic night I'd probably choose either the Connaught (all round amazing service, just consider avoiding the restaurant) or the Savoy - not the same level of service, but a stunning building and a real "wow" for tourists visiting London. Depending on your sense of aesthetic, the other two I'd consider are Browns (wonderful boutique feeling) or the Langham (many similarities to the Connaught, just not at the same level).
There will be a sense on this forum that you got rather lucky at the Shangri-La. It has a reputation as being a bit more of a tourist attraction than a viable hotel for someone with expectations of service.
There will be a sense on this forum that you got rather lucky at the Shangri-La. It has a reputation as being a bit more of a tourist attraction than a viable hotel for someone with expectations of service.
BTW, what's wrong with the Connaught's restaurants? I am actually thinking of trying them.
Jan 30, 2018, 7:00 am
#866
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
I am also not a London expert but we have been there several times and the best experience we had was at Taj 51 Buckingham. This is the main Taj (there are two). Now it is boutique, BUT their rooms are enormous (especially for London standards) as ours was 1000 sq ft. The hard product is undeniably enticing and the service was absolutely delicious. Their high tea is well regarded and we truly enjoyed it along with their Restaurant, Quilon, is Michelin starred south Indian food...a must.
Jan 30, 2018, 7:06 am
#867
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
Helene Darozze is their signature 2* Michelin Restaurant, rated as one of London's best restaurants but I have yet to find anyone who is a fan. It occupies perhaps a narrow niche in offering an ultra exclusive ambiance but offering traditionally inspired and cooked food. After 12 courses cooked in duck fat I felt like I'd just eaten a KFC Family Bucket, rather than invested close to $1,000 in a great experience. I've not yet been to the new Jean-Georges restaurant, but I checked it out last Saturday after drinks at the always exceptional Connaught Bar and found the menu a bit dull and insipid. I've somewhat overdosed on Jean-Georges restaurants at Starwood hotels over the last year, but I am pretty confident Mayfair has better things to offer (and Soho also better places to offer, but at 1/3 of the cost).
Jan 30, 2018, 7:08 am
#868
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: Avios
Posts: 166
I'm not sure if it's been mentioned yet but the Rosewood is wonderful. The location isn't the best but it's within easy reach of the main sites of London.
I live in London and can help with any questions including restaurants etc.
I live in London and can help with any questions including restaurants etc.
Jan 30, 2018, 7:28 am
#869
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
.....although I will definitely take issue with the use of the word “exquisite” describing the lunch. “Adequate” may have been a better adjective. Helene Darroze was not in the kitchen due to having recently broken her arm, but my suspicion is more that she deliberately injured herself to pass the blame of this monstrosity onto someone else. It’s what Jesus would do. And then to add insult to (her) injury, they put the price of £295 on the menu, to somehow make you appreciate it more. If you want me to appreciate it, I would recommend not adjusting the menu for allergies by simply removing the lobster from the lobster dish. Imagine what they would have done were I allergic to turkey: a few pieces of vegetables on a plate?
I would take further issue with their blatant attempt at exploiting the Christmas spirit by forcing a Christmas Eve menu on us at Jean-Georges, only to be willing to change it to a la carte when we started it and didn’t like it. I’m happy paying £300 for a meal – heck we just came back from Tokyo where no meal cost less – just not at the quality offered by the conveyor-belt feeling of Jean-Georges. That restaurant has turned into a brutal mistake – often mine for going there. There is a direct correlation between the amount of time I spend there and the amount of hatred I have towards it.
I would take further issue with their blatant attempt at exploiting the Christmas spirit by forcing a Christmas Eve menu on us at Jean-Georges, only to be willing to change it to a la carte when we started it and didn’t like it. I’m happy paying £300 for a meal – heck we just came back from Tokyo where no meal cost less – just not at the quality offered by the conveyor-belt feeling of Jean-Georges. That restaurant has turned into a brutal mistake – often mine for going there. There is a direct correlation between the amount of time I spend there and the amount of hatred I have towards it.
I have now, somehow, been tricked into going to Helene Darroze 6 times, and only once was it good, all 5 years ago. The first time I visited I hated it so much I felt it destroyed the reputation of Michelin stars. I have been to every 2 and 3 star restaurant in London and feel most of them are not warranting of praise, but Helene Darroze is in a new league of mediocrity by itself. Yes, even after going to The Greenhouse and my ex throwing up during the meal after they smothered a steak in wasabi.
And I say all of this whilst absolutely loving The Connaught hotel and very much looking forward to going back on Saturday for what will be north of our 200th night there.
Jan 30, 2018, 7:46 am
#870
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
To quote myself:
We were offered a free meal in Jean-Georges and turned it down - that's how much we like it. In fairness to them, their pastry chef (stolen from The Lanesborough) is a genius and anything cake related is a work of art, but to remove any credit from Jean-Georges, he actually works for The Connaught and does all the afternoon teas too.
I have now, somehow, been tricked into going to Helene Darroze 6 times, and only once was it good, all 5 years ago. The first time I visited I hated it so much I felt it destroyed the reputation of Michelin stars. I have been to every 2 and 3 star restaurant in London and feel most of them are not warranting of praise, but Helene Darroze is in a new league of mediocrity by itself. Yes, even after going to The Greenhouse and my ex throwing up during the meal after they smothered a steak in wasabi.
And I say all of this whilst absolutely loving The Connaught hotel and very much looking forward to going back on Saturday for what will be north of our 200th night there.
We were offered a free meal in Jean-Georges and turned it down - that's how much we like it. In fairness to them, their pastry chef (stolen from The Lanesborough) is a genius and anything cake related is a work of art, but to remove any credit from Jean-Georges, he actually works for The Connaught and does all the afternoon teas too.
I have now, somehow, been tricked into going to Helene Darroze 6 times, and only once was it good, all 5 years ago. The first time I visited I hated it so much I felt it destroyed the reputation of Michelin stars. I have been to every 2 and 3 star restaurant in London and feel most of them are not warranting of praise, but Helene Darroze is in a new league of mediocrity by itself. Yes, even after going to The Greenhouse and my ex throwing up during the meal after they smothered a steak in wasabi.
And I say all of this whilst absolutely loving The Connaught hotel and very much looking forward to going back on Saturday for what will be north of our 200th night there.
I kind of fancy the JR Suite in the new wing.