I stayed at this hotel during my trip to London in March 2016 (TR here) and I really want to recommend this hotel to you guys! Granted that this is not your Westin or Hyatt, but the service I received was even better than some of the chain hotels out there, and I did had a wonderful stay there.
Hotel entrance
This is a hip hotel and the use of technology is evident throughout. Check in was self-served and done over a tablet (No cash transaction). The instructions were easy to follow and I got my room keys within minutes of stepping into the hotel.
There is a huge LCD wall in the lobby which displays the map of London. The map itself is connected to Google Map so you can search for whatever place you want to visit, and the directions will be shown on the wall. How cool is that?
Room
Note the deep storage space under the bed.
The room was small but functional. I felt that the bed was slightly smaller than a Queen, but was sufficient for two person. There was no wardrobe/closet, but there were storage spaces under the bed and a clothes rack for 3 hangers.
No wardrobe. Just some hangers to hang your coat.
The use of technology extended into the room. There was a control panel on the headboard that controls all the lights and air conditioning in the room. Apparently, I could download an app in my phone (iOS/Android) that connects to the control panel. However, the app didn't work for me during my stay so I can't comment on how useful the app is. Also, there was a huge flat screen TV which could be connected to your smart phone for screen mirroring (I used it a lot to review my photos during my stay).
Headboard with control panel
Standing shower
Service
Although most of the processes in the hotel were highly automated, there was always staff in the lobby if I needed any assistance. The staff were extremely warm and helpful during my stay. I arrived the hotel at 8 pm and was attended to by a lady, Fire (Yes, that's her name). Knowing that it was my first time in London, she went all out to ensure that I get a room with a window. She wanted me to have a room with the view of the Shard but all the rooms were booked. So she ended up giving me a room with a view of the courtyard and she felt bad about it (Note: This was done on her own initiative. She didn't have to apologized as I did not even ask for a room with a view in the first place!). For the rest of my stay, Fire was always enthusiastic and eager to help. She recognizes all her guests and chats with anyone that passes through the lobby. This girl is a true gem and someone from the hotel should give this girl a medal (Although the other staff I met throughout my stay were friendly enough).
If, and only if, I had to be picky, the only downside of this hotel is that they do not provide late check out service. The day before my departure, I checked with the receptionist to see if I could check out at 4 pm as my flight doesn't leave till 8 pm. I was prepared to pay extra for it, but was told that they do not provide such service because there won't be anyone to clean up our room after that hour. I found that reasoning a little weird because during my stay, the maid only came to make up my room at 5 pm although I asked for my room to be made up at 8 am. Anyway, that was not a big issue as they allowed me to deposit my bags at the reception after check-out. Just something you might want to note if your flight departs at night.
Location:
The hotel is about 7 mins walk from Tower Hill underground station (District and Circle Line). To get there from London Heathrow, take the Piccadilly Line from the airport and change at Hammersmith station to the District Line. There are other stations which you can transfer to the District Line, but I recommend changing at this station as it has lifts and also because it is less crowded than say South Kensington or Earl's Court (Good if you have many luggage).
If you are coming from London Gatwick, take the Thameslink (National Rail) to London Blackfriars and change to the District Line.
In conclusion, unless you are a technophobe, I don't see why you won't like this hotel.
Hotel entrance
This is a hip hotel and the use of technology is evident throughout. Check in was self-served and done over a tablet (No cash transaction). The instructions were easy to follow and I got my room keys within minutes of stepping into the hotel.
There is a huge LCD wall in the lobby which displays the map of London. The map itself is connected to Google Map so you can search for whatever place you want to visit, and the directions will be shown on the wall. How cool is that?
Room
Note the deep storage space under the bed.
The room was small but functional. I felt that the bed was slightly smaller than a Queen, but was sufficient for two person. There was no wardrobe/closet, but there were storage spaces under the bed and a clothes rack for 3 hangers.
No wardrobe. Just some hangers to hang your coat.
The use of technology extended into the room. There was a control panel on the headboard that controls all the lights and air conditioning in the room. Apparently, I could download an app in my phone (iOS/Android) that connects to the control panel. However, the app didn't work for me during my stay so I can't comment on how useful the app is. Also, there was a huge flat screen TV which could be connected to your smart phone for screen mirroring (I used it a lot to review my photos during my stay).
Headboard with control panel
Standing shower
Service
Although most of the processes in the hotel were highly automated, there was always staff in the lobby if I needed any assistance. The staff were extremely warm and helpful during my stay. I arrived the hotel at 8 pm and was attended to by a lady, Fire (Yes, that's her name). Knowing that it was my first time in London, she went all out to ensure that I get a room with a window. She wanted me to have a room with the view of the Shard but all the rooms were booked. So she ended up giving me a room with a view of the courtyard and she felt bad about it (Note: This was done on her own initiative. She didn't have to apologized as I did not even ask for a room with a view in the first place!). For the rest of my stay, Fire was always enthusiastic and eager to help. She recognizes all her guests and chats with anyone that passes through the lobby. This girl is a true gem and someone from the hotel should give this girl a medal (Although the other staff I met throughout my stay were friendly enough).
If, and only if, I had to be picky, the only downside of this hotel is that they do not provide late check out service. The day before my departure, I checked with the receptionist to see if I could check out at 4 pm as my flight doesn't leave till 8 pm. I was prepared to pay extra for it, but was told that they do not provide such service because there won't be anyone to clean up our room after that hour. I found that reasoning a little weird because during my stay, the maid only came to make up my room at 5 pm although I asked for my room to be made up at 8 am. Anyway, that was not a big issue as they allowed me to deposit my bags at the reception after check-out. Just something you might want to note if your flight departs at night.
Location:
The hotel is about 7 mins walk from Tower Hill underground station (District and Circle Line). To get there from London Heathrow, take the Piccadilly Line from the airport and change at Hammersmith station to the District Line. There are other stations which you can transfer to the District Line, but I recommend changing at this station as it has lifts and also because it is less crowded than say South Kensington or Earl's Court (Good if you have many luggage).
If you are coming from London Gatwick, take the Thameslink (National Rail) to London Blackfriars and change to the District Line.
In conclusion, unless you are a technophobe, I don't see why you won't like this hotel.
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