Has anyone had experience at this hotel? I am planning a 10 day stay there soon.

Thank you,

Jane in PHL

Funny you asked. I just posted that same question here.

Maybe we'll see more opinions as a separate thread.

Will

[This message has been edited by TravelinWilly (edited Mar 14, 2004).]

I missed that post and thought about posting there but figured it might get lost! <G>

The hotel was recommended by a travel agent and it got the highest score in the Travel and Leisure mag (or which ever one it is that is always doing 'Best Lists'. I prefer a smaller hotel and the location is great.
We'll see, I leave on Friday.

Jane in PHL

Please let us know - I am running out of London choices, but seem to be happy at the Dorchester for the moment

I stayed there about 5 years ago but in the main building; the carriage houses are supposedly THE places to stay. It's a lot like Dukes: small, very English, famous bar, good (though not outstanding) service. Unlike Dukes , no gym onsite; they send you to Champneys about 10 minutes away (which doesn't open early on weekends). I do like staying in St. James, but I think the Dorchester is a better (though very different kind of) hotel.

Wonderful hotel - only drawback I remember was feeling a little embarrassed at the plethora of US mementos left behind in the bar by previous guests - just a little wierd. That was very minor compared to all the other wonders of this hotel! I remember the restaurant being excellent & service gracious & 'behind the scenes.' Whatever you do, book one of the bilevel suites in the Carriage House - especially for that long of a stay - just fabulous accomodations! Bring your CD's...

Thanks for the heads-up on the CD's.
I opted out of a bi-level suite because I have mobility issues. What sort of momentoes? A spare MIng vase, perhaps?

Jane in PHL

I did enjoy my stay at the Stafford Hotel. I cannot comment on it's comparison with others of the same quality, because I have not stayed at any of them. The location, just off St James was interesting and convenient. My single room, in the main building faced on the Mews 'alley-way' to the street and I never heard any street noise at all. The concierge services were excellent and I utilized many of them.

The service was good, especially in the American Bar, where, the staff were genial and after a drink, knew my preferences. The dining room was good, and twice I had the mid-day meal (Carved Roast Beef) from the trolley. At 25 BP plus, the 3 course lunch was not inexpensive. However, I paid more for lunch at Wilton's around the corner. Smoking and cigars are allowed in the Bar and other public places. As a non-smoker, my clothes were saturated after a day. I know they are closely watching the Irish ban on indoor smoking in public places. It can't come too soon for me.

My only issue was with housekeeping, which did not remove dead flowers or the rotting fruit from my initial welcome gifts. I was there 9 days and that should have been done. In addition, one day, I left the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, went to lunch and found the room cleaned. The keeper said the 'boss' figured it was a mistake. It was not, and one sales slip (small and white) on the bed was lost in the linen, thereby preventing me from getting the VAT on a rather expensive piece of jewelry, to say nothing of not having a claim check or documentation.

That being said, I have re-booked for July and August and am contemplating a Christmas stay. But at $2-1BP, London is less of a bargain than after 9/11.

Jane in PHL
(Off-topic; the lively arts were wonderful and I had great opera, theater, and concerts)