Covent Garden and the Strand, United States
A central location adjacent to Charing Cross train station
A short stroll from Charing Cross Tube station, Trafalgar Square, and West End theatre
Distinctive setting in a restored 19th century railway hotel with historical touches
Contemporary boutique rooms with plush beds, free Wi-Fi, and plasma TVs
Some rooms have iPads, iPod docks, and rainforest showers
Fitness room and 24-hour business center
The Terrace Restaurant and Bar serves British and international cuisine
Occasional dinner theater productions
Chic cocktail bar with retro 1950s decor and lounge with afternoon tea
Dedicated concierge service
Nearby public parking (for a fee)
Fee for breakfast buffet
No swimming pool, sauna or full-service spa
Some rooms are a little small
Not all of the rooms are of the quality of the renovated Buckingham Wing rooms
Charing Cross Hotel boasts a central location in the most literal sense, since it's a short stroll from Charing Cross, considered the geographic center of London. The hotel is adjacent to London Charing Cross station and its train lines, shops, and dining. Trafalgar Square is less than a five-minute walk, as are numerous West End theaters. Housed in a listed historic building with period architectural details, the hotel has a contemporary boutique gloss, with upscale rooms with plush beds and plasma TVs. Facilities include a fitness room, business center, two restaurants, a chic cocktail bar and lounge with afternoon tea.
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Scene
Restored grand railway hotel with contemporary feel
Situated next to London Charing Cross station, the Charing Cross Hotel was built in 1864 as one of the first Victorian-era railway hotels. The hotel has been fully restored but retains many of its original features, including a grand façade, chandeliers, sweeping iron staircase, corniced columns, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The restoration gave rooms a boutique contemporary feel. The hotel draws a mix of business types and tourists, who both appreciate the property's location next to the station and within a short stroll of the tube, Charing Cross, Trafalgar Square and West End theatre. Guests mingle in the lobby, in the lounge with afternoon tea, in the restaurants, and in the chic cocktail bar with retro 1950s feel.
Location
Right in the center of London, next to Charing Cross station
The Charing Cross Hotel is right in the geographic heart of London on The Strand next to Charing Cross station. Lots of restaurants, bars, and shops are at the station and in the surrounding area. The hotel is a few minutes' walk from Charing Cross tube station, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery,and St. Martin's in the Field church. It's a five-minute walk to Leicester Square, and theater lovers will be happy to know that many West End theaters are a short stroll from the hotel. The central location also offers easy access to Westminster Abbey (a 15-minute walk) and Buckingham Palace (an 18-minute walk). Heathrow Airport is about a 50-minute drive.
Rooms
Upscale rooms with plush beds and plasma TVs
The Charing Cross has 239 rooms divided between a main wing above Charing Cross station and a Buckingham Wing in the building next door, which features rooms renovated in 2011. Rooms have a contemporary boutique feel, and are done in a largely beige, brown and blue color palette, with dashes of red and purple in some rooms. Rooms start at 200 square feet and come with coffee/tea makers, in-room safes, desks, plasma TVs, free Wi-Fi and plush beds with Hypnos mattresses and Egyptian linens. Many of the rooms have Strand and Trafalgar Square views; some rooms have rainforest showers, iPads with hotel and tourist info, and iPod docks with Bose Surround Sound speakers. Junior Suites have sofa beds. Note that not all of the rooms have been renovated to the high quality of the rooms in the Buckingham Wing.
Features
Terrace Restaurant, chic cocktail bar, afternoon tea, and fitness room
The Charing Cross has no pool, sauna or full-service spa, but it does boast a wealth of dining and drinking options. All the venues have the building's original Victorian floor-to-ceiling windows, affording lots of natural light and views of The Strand and Trafalgar Square. The Terrace Restaurant and Bar serves classic British and international cuisine and offers pre-theater dining. A full breakfast buffet (for a fee) includes a range of hot English and continental fare. The stylish cocktail bar has a retro 1950s feel, while the lounge serves an elegant afternoon tea. The hotel offers 24-hour room service and occasional dinner theatre in its own venue. Also on site are a 24-hour business center and fitness room with treadmills, an elliptical machine, and weights. A dedicated concierge is on hand for dinner reservations, theater tickets, and sightseeing recommendations. Airport transfer is available (for a fee) and parking is available at a nearby public lot for a fee.
