I have stayed at Sofitel properties in the past and have had positive experiences. But the Sofitel London Heathrow was horrible, and I had the displeasure of being charged over £700 for 2 nights (6/5-6/7), in a room, not a suite, not with a bottle of champs on ice and a fruit basket awaiting me in the room, just...a...room.
When I checked in, I was told I was being "upgraded" at no charge. I didn't ask questions, who doesn't like an upgrade? And considering how much I paid, I was happy. Initially. Then I got to the room. Unbelievable how little for so much.
The bedside controls didn't work, it was late (10:30PM) and I was tired so I just went to bed planning to deal with it in the morning. Unfortunately I stubbed my toe trying to get to bed in the dark after turning the lights off near the door, and subsequently was smart enough to use my cellphone for light. I didn't sleep well, eventually gave in and got up at 6:15AM. I was hungry and threw on some clothes, brushed my hair and teeth and went down for breakfast. I spoke to someone at the front desk about the fact that the light switches at the bedside didn't work, they said they'd send someone up, and I went and ate (6:45AM).
I returned to the room about 7:30AM and found the aforementioned nonfunctional electronic controls at the bedside left exposed by the maintenance crewman who had come while I was out. Then I waited. The maintenance guy only returned when I called downstairs again (9:30AM) and asked if they'd be finishing the job because they left exposed wires, and also asked if they have an EU adapter I could borrow-they said they'd send over with housekeeping. The guy showed up 5min later, fiddled with the exposed wires, left again for 30min without explanation, only to return to advise he could not repair them as there were no spare parts. He reaffixed the plates and left. I went back downstairs again (no one was answering the phone) to inquire about the adapter, only to be told I could buy one in the gift shop and when I expressed my lack of interest in spending any additional money, one miraculously appeared from the back office. Finally I was able to take a shower! (10:50AM)
Other grievances: there was the surprise discovery while showering of an empty shower gel container as well as the empty lotion container at the sink. I'm now feeling like I received a "downgrade" not an upgrade, and I started to notice other things: the fingerprints and smudges on the mirrors in the bedroom and bathroom, the crushed lampshade to the right of the bedroom mirror, and the unceremoniously opened drapes (they had come in and made the bed when I was at breakfast) just disappointing on so many levels. They use refillable gels & lotions, a cost savings to them, especially if they're not being filled, and this is billed as a luxury hotel???
Also seeing my name listed as "Mr." on the roster at breakfast (I was born and identify as female), then to be told by the manager that breakfast was not included when I know I had clicked the option w/breakfast when reserving (AND I PAID over £700!!!!), it was just all too much or indeed too little considering the lack of attention to detail and service for how much was paid.
I chose to stay at the Sofitel first because of the convenience of being walking distance to the Underground to get back into London, walking distance to terminal 5, and because I have stayed at other Sofitel properties without incident. I regrettably accepted the fact that the price had increased by over £200 because I waited too long to book, but I fail to see how the Sofitel can advertise itself as a luxury hotel with such abysmal conditions and service.
While I appreciated the offer by the manager to move me to another room, & indeed did, this was a new inconvenience since I had to return to the room & pack up things to be moved. The bellhop sent upstairs with me said he'd wait outside for me to pack up, but I had to ask him for the card key so I could turn the lights on to see what I was doing, apparently he saw no problem with me having to pack up in the dark. Another example of lack of attention to detail and service. The new room was nothing special, the lotion and gel containers were full, but surprise surprise, the bedside light switches didn't work here either.
So much time wasted on my last day in London, I didn't make it out of the hotel until 12:30.
I spoke with the manager Abhijit Mufti twice, and he said he would discuss this with his manager. I have sent a total of 3 emails since returning home and they have no interest in putting things right by providing a partial refund. I have not heard anything from anyone.....
I could have saved myself several hundred pounds staying a few minutes down the road and received a more functional less "distressed" accommodation. I would suggest you do too, it is absolutely NOT worth the exorbitant cost. read more