Sometimes London really surprises you – and boy was I surprised and delighted on my recent stay at Belgraves London, a Thompson hotel. The funniest thing? We stayed at this hotel a few years ago (back in the day when it was the Sheraton Belgravia), and exactly in the same room – yet the experience couldn’t have been different. Or better. Here is how my stay at the Belgraves London hotel in London went.
Pre-Arrival
– Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
I did a tweet a couple of days before my arrival, as I was incredibly impressed with the pre-arrival email I received – it was without a doubt, one of the most memorable. And useful.
I also got an email from the concierge asking if I needed any assistance with dinner reservations – the intent was there, but I had actually sorted everything a few days before. It is London, after all.
– Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
I did try and got a response, but no interaction during the actual stay.
– Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
Oh yes, and in a very non-intrusive way, which I really appreciated.
Arrival
– The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
When I arrived by taxi, I wasn’t quite sure if the doorman was actually working there – as his outfit was quite different to normal. I honestly was a bit lost for a second as he was so casually dressed, I just thought he was someone hanging by the hotel door. The hotel is very stylish and it all became clear once I walked in!
The hotel lobby was very cool and also quite cozy, which I liked.
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
It was great, very friendly and efficient. I had received a text earlier saying that my room was ready, so it all worked well.
– Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
Yes indeed and I have to say, the reception and concierge team were always super friendly throughout the stay.
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
I didn’t and I was secretly delighted that that was the case – as I got the exact same room that I had before. A double aspect room is not very common in London, nor its layout and I always remembered it for some reason. I had a studio suite.
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
Yes yes yes. Service was great and very personable – I kind of felt at home!
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
I was escorted to the room by the doorman, who showed me around and took my bag. All quite simple.
– Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
Free and very easy to use. It didn’t work so well in the room when I was on some conference calls, but when I enquired about it, it was reset and back to normal.
Room Experience
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Our room was beautiful and very spacious – yet incredibly cozy and comfortable. The moment I walked in, I recognised it immediately from a previous stay – it was perfect.
– Welcome amenity
I had a fruit platter (nicely prepared actually) and water, which arrived after I had checked in, so it was nice and fresh.
– The bed
It was very comfortable and one of those you do not want to leave.
– Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
All good here.
– Iphone Charger/Dock
Possibly one of the best combos I have seen recently, where for once, I could use my USB cable and connect it to the docking station.
– Bathrobes and slippers
Yes, of course. And I used the slippers for once, as they were my size! It was a small lovely touch.
– Coffee and Tea
I had a Nespresso machine and a wide selection of pods, but I did not use.
– Free bottled water
Yes, and replenished at turn down.
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
There was ‘the’ Caitlin Jenner issue of Vanity Fair, which meant I had to read it.
– Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
Yes yes yes yes yes. Besides the docking station, there were sockets on each side of the bed.
Bathroom
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
I cannot fault the bathroom in any way – it really was excellent.
– Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
Everything I could want and more – the bath did have a view and a half, the shower was outstanding and I was even able to use it without guidance.
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Fabulously soft. And plenty.
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
We had REN, which is a brand I love and I felt it was a good match for the hotel too. We had baby sized toiletries.
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
All there.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
Indeed, but I did not use.
Breakfast
- Breakfast was an interesting experience. It took place at the Pont Street restaurant which is open to non-residents and I quite enjoyed the options – but ultimately I went for the continental buffet (priced at £17.50) as the bread looked excellent, for a change. The interesting thing was that, for a moment, we did not feel we were in London at all – as every other guest, no exception, was American. It was an interesting moment, which I had not noticed at other times during our stay. Quite funny.
Bar
We used the bar quite a bit – and had friends join us at different occasions. We loved the cigar bar / terrace which was really pretty and it felt like a little oasis in the centre of London. After dinner (as sadly the terrace closed at 10pm, which I am not quite sure why), we enjoyed the indoor bar, which was heaving every night. Very lively and the cocktails (priced at £12+) were excellent.
General thoughts
– How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
Overall very decent, except for one particular occasion, but the hotel did sort it out in a timely manner.
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
Not particularly.
– Location
Located on Cheshire Place and Pont Street, I loved being in Belgravia and so close to Chelsea and Knightsbridge. It was excellent.
– Cost – rooms starting from…
Standard rooms start from £250 and my suite from £600 per night.
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
She would LOVE it.
– Would I stay again?
Without a doubt – the hotel was very sexy, service was excellent, the location was unbeatable and good value. Not many around like this one.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Belgraves London and Thompson Hotels during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property.
