MacMyDay

We booked to stay, went for a drink and show around and then cancelled our booking. The hotel is next to a main road, so the disturbance is too much for me. They have a little terrace for the bar facing directly at said road, which must be the worst positioned F&B outlet I've ever seen in a luxury hotel. Instead of being served martinis and champagne, you'll likely get rustled up a nice ear infection from all the idiots in their Ferrari's driving past at 100mph. And incurable diseases from all the pollution. The rooms are very nice though; they made me think of what The Beaumont would look like, had a woman designed it, i.e. much more warm.

offerendum

But Bulgari is Marriott so it could be much better value for bhrubin.

Pausanias

According to their website, The Bulgari does not participate in any loyalty programme. So, in a way, bhrubin is pointless.

bhrubin

offerendum

OK, my apologize

Pausanias

Maybe you should try the Hotel de Paris in Monaco. Actually, as per Col. Kilgore, I like the sound of a Ferrari in the morning . . .

EuropeanPete

RichardInSF

Let's stay on topic folks, this thread is about London hotels.

Thanks,
RichardInSF, moderator luxury hotels and travel

katesy

Can anyone weigh in on Covent Garden Hotel v. Savoy? I'm there next week with my husband and 2 daughters (their first time in London). Constrained by location, budget, and availability, these are our two best options. CGH would be a four poster suite. Savoy would be 2 adjoining lowest category rooms. Based on what I've read on this forum, it seems that CGH is the better choice, but since I haven't come across any head-to-head comparison, I wanted to confirm.

KatW

EmpressRouge

My husband and I are doing a quick 3 day/2-night visit to London at the end of the year. It's been over a decade since either of us have been, so we'll be doing touristy things - like 1 or 2 museums, and shopping. We don't need a suite, so entry level rooms are fine. Unlikely to need any concierge services. One caveat is that we're arriving at LHR on Boxing Day morning, so we will have limited public transit options into London (Yes, I am aware museums are closed on Boxing Day itself). The hotels in our budget are: Baglioni, Shangri La, Beaumont, Rosewood, Corinthia, Savoy, Goring, and Langham. Suggestions?

• Shangri La is probably out because of its location.
• One top choice was the Savoy, but since reading this thread and because we're the stereotypical California casual types, I feel like it might get awkward.
• Baglioni is the cheapest by far but I've only seen one (very negative) comment about it here. Out of curiosity, can someone elaborate on what's so bad about it?
• Right now, the Rosewood seems like best option for us (even though this thread seems meh on it) because it's 1) short walk from a Piccadilly line tube stop (to get there from airport) 2) walking distance to British Museum and Chinatown (better chance of restaurants being open on Boxing Day) 3) and relatively bigger entry level rooms.

Zephyrous

EuropeanPete

Entirely different options. Your preferred style should really seal the deal here.

The Savoy is grand, large, old. I think it's spectacular, others might find it stuffy, out of date. The Covent Garden hotel is young, hip, refreshing. Some might find it lacks luxury (though the service is good) or grandeur.

EuropeanPete

You have some good hotels on that list.
Personally I'd go with the Langham, though I've not stayed there in a while and I have heard a couple of bad reviews recently. In general though, it's a well located 5* with excellent service and F&B
I also really like the Savoy and don't find it in any way stuffy in the way that some people seem to (I used to spend 2-3 evenings a week hanging around at one stage), but if you're going to approach it with a concern that you might feel under-dressed then maybe give it a miss - but do visit for a drink
The Shangri-La is out of the way and has a terrible reputation - I'd immediately strike it off the list
The Goring has raised its profile recently and now has a restaurant from Nathan Outlaw, one of the most en vogue English chefs. Never stayed there as I find the location a bit dull for me (but it's prime American tourist London - a great place to meet Californians on the street!)
The Rosewood is modern, but also quite luxurious. Very good F&B and a pretty happening location. I found the rooms a bit bland, but can't really fault anything with it
The Corinthia is good if you like very modern bling, but I personally find it lacks soul
I've never stayed at the Baglioni, but didn't think it rated alongside some of these other hotels

You'll be fine getting to your hotel on Boxing Day. London's infrastructure pretty much stays open not too different from usual (subject to some restrictions obviously). After a long trip I'd take an Uber in any case. London hint: If you want to take an UberX and see there's Surge, upgrade to UberExec which has surges less often and so can be cheaper than UberX when it's busy.

Pierre&Cédric