Slightly torn about giving 3 or 4 stars. Could have gone either way. Very quaint, quiet hotel in an intriguing part of London. The staff was young but excellent -- courteous, professional and friendly. Our room was not ready when we arrived early morning, but they kept our suitcases, took down our cell and called us as soon as it was.
We had the Elizabeth Cornock room (they all have names, instead of numbers.) The room was large enough for the fold out couch that my son (age 16 and very tall) used, although that plus our bed took up all available floor space. To be honest, the decor was slightly oppressive -- deep red walls and as another reviewer aptly described, very serious draperies. The furniture was all period / antique, tasteful, but dark. Many surfaces were covered with decorative, old books, but given the lack of space, we stashed them all in the desk drawers. Both the sofa bed and the main bed were uncomfortable. The sofa bed was squeaky and slightly bowed, with a thin mattress. The bed was just plain hard. Really, really hard. On the plus side, the linens and pillows were high quality.
The other main issue was the lighting. Given the dark red walls and the antique-y light fixtures, the room was dark. I had trouble reading in bed. Also, I know it's nice to go back in time, but I absolutely could not apply makeup in the bathroom. Had to take my mascara and eyeliner to breakfast to apply.
I might go back, if the mattress / lighting situation improved. I knew from reviews that furnishings and environs would be period, but even Dickens probably appreciated pillowtop mattresses and make-up lighting. Prices were reasonable and, as I mentioned, staff and location were great. Or, I could recommend it if those items are less important to you. Other reviewers mentioned the lack of dining in the hotel, but I did not find this problematic. There's lots of great options in the neighborhood. Nice cat. read more