The Stafford, London
Sep 10, 2010 | 9:07 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,859
Renovations planned for Q1 2011.... Mainly public areas.
The core product is the same. New hotel owners decided Kempinski Brand was good for attracting more European clients as this hotel has always had a strong American base.
I believe the core product is fanastic... others disagree
The core product is the same. New hotel owners decided Kempinski Brand was good for attracting more European clients as this hotel has always had a strong American base.
I believe the core product is fanastic... others disagree
Sep 11, 2010 | 3:08 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Phila, PA
Posts: 891
Thank you. The Stafford is my favorite hotel, and I always stay there. I have not been there since the new owners. I agree that the public rooms need upgrading, but the staff are the best. That being said, I notice subtle changes such as my email query to host friends at lunch (which I have done before, from afar) has gone unanswered, and the website seems downright rude and 'and in one's face'. I had planned to vist during Q1 '11. Guess I will take my chances. I have not stayed in any other Kempinski hotel. I enjoy the Stafford dining experience, and of course, the American Bar.
Sep 11, 2010 | 4:49 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
while seadream seems to have dropped off, and hebridean was sold, ms europa sounds like it would stack up here.
Sep 11, 2010 | 5:57 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Phila, PA
Posts: 891
>"i doubt seabourn service would stack up here. F&B maybe? thoughts?"
Do you mean Seabourn service vs. Stafford service? I think both services are similar. I am not a real FF but cruise and visit both a few times a year. Seabourn is a better value in many ways. I think that the Stafford's F&B is better than Seabourn, but it's pricier when added to a per diem room cost. Seabourn always lets me have a curry luncheon and the Stafford fixes me bangers and mash whenever I want it.
The Stafford's Concierge staff is superb, while Seabourn's is very good as well.
Never sailed on the other lines, so can't comment on other comparisons.
Do you mean Seabourn service vs. Stafford service? I think both services are similar. I am not a real FF but cruise and visit both a few times a year. Seabourn is a better value in many ways. I think that the Stafford's F&B is better than Seabourn, but it's pricier when added to a per diem room cost. Seabourn always lets me have a curry luncheon and the Stafford fixes me bangers and mash whenever I want it.
The Stafford's Concierge staff is superb, while Seabourn's is very good as well.
Never sailed on the other lines, so can't comment on other comparisons.
Sep 12, 2010 | 11:53 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: amex platinum, american advantage, united, ANA, JAP. SPG, marriott
Posts: 1,262
IMO, it's bit deceptive to compare food and service on a ship to a land hotel. They are completely different animals. Yes, Seabourn is a small line ant the Stafford is a small hotel but one can do things on land that are impossible at sea. That said, I think Seabourn offers the best service and food at sea and I would hold it up against many fine hotels.
Sep 12, 2010 | 4:04 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: The World! Home Base = DCA/IAD + CPT (2026)
Programs: HHonors, Hyatt GP, Marriott, Varying Levels w/ AF / EK / SQ
Posts: 2,722
Love the Stafford, too, but like others, have not been there since they were taken over.
I used to stay at the Lanesborough, but when they joined Starwood, it became unacceptable to me, service wise. A friend suggested the Stafford, and that's been 'home' in London ever since.
If anyone finds themselves there, give room 413 a knock on the door for me.
I used to stay at the Lanesborough, but when they joined Starwood, it became unacceptable to me, service wise. A friend suggested the Stafford, and that's been 'home' in London ever since.
If anyone finds themselves there, give room 413 a knock on the door for me.
Sep 12, 2010 | 5:00 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Phila, PA
Posts: 891
>"I think Seabourn offers the best service and food at sea and I would hold it up against many fine hotels."
I agree with you. And yes, it's a bit of apples and oranges with the cuisine. AND, The Stafford has no breadsticks! (Although their rabbit and foie gras terrine is heaven-sent.)
I agree with you. And yes, it's a bit of apples and oranges with the cuisine. AND, The Stafford has no breadsticks! (Although their rabbit and foie gras terrine is heaven-sent.)