Central
location a block from Oxford Street
Set in an attractive
row of Victorian town houses
Stylish rooms
with designer touches
Marble bathrooms
with high-end toiletries
Business center and meeting rooms
Quality dining
with impressive cocktail list
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
throughout
Faces unattractive back end of store rear and loading bays
Poor sound
insulation between some of the rooms
Some rooms are
tiny
No fitness or spa facilities
This Radisson Blu
is an upscale hotel set in a lovely row of Victorian town houses in the
center of London. While the setting is unattractive -- the hotel overlooks loading bays
and industrial bins -- the location is excellent, with plenty of London's
shopping and attractions within walking distance. Rooms are plush with designer
flair and high-end finish -- though some are tiny. Rates are inevitably high in this central London location, and while the Radisson Blu does have a bit of pizzazz, the nearby Thistle Marble Arch might have lower rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Upscale boutique chain hotel occupying whole Victorian terrace
Occupying a row
of Victorian town houses complete with neoclassical columns topped by
balustrades and wrought iron railings, this Radisson Blu hotel cuts a
particularly refined facade. Stepping inside, the look swings from the prim and
stately to playful and eclectic, a plush oversize velvet armchair and pair of
shaggy metallic poodles accompanying silver statement wallpaper and (the
brand's signature) Asian antiques. Slate tile floors lead to the hotel's
bar-restaurant, further adorned with exotic sculpture as well as Poltrona Frau leather
furnishings adding a touch of Italian chic. Clientele is a mix between business
guests and well-heeled tourists or visitors splashing out on a central London
shopping trip.
Location
Set in unattractive though very centrally-located London side street
The hotel is
situated in a narrow side road in the center of London just around the corner
from the renowned and bustling shopping of Oxford Street. Facing the back of a
row of stores, the setting is far from attractive with industrial trash cans
and loading bays. The vast and pleasant green space of Hyde Park, however, is
just two minutes away on foot, while regular local buses connect throughout the
area. Marble Arch Tube station is also just a block away where trains can whisk
passengers to Notting Hill Gate or Oxford Circus in minutes.
Rooms
High-tech rooms with Sicilian marble and designer touches -- though some are tiny
The hotel's 101
rooms are all decorated in warm earthy tones with shimmering velvety fabrics,
wenge-wood furnishings, and designer touches such as Italian chairs, Andrew
Martin blinds and headboards, and Fabbian-style lighting. High-spec amenities
include free high-speed Wi-Fi and Samsung
Smart TVs which allow guests to play their own content as well as over 400
channels free of charge. Bathrooms are finished in Sicilian
marble with polished granite floors and provide high-end (pump-dispenser)
toiletries -- though some feel cramped. While many of the rooms are relatively spacious for
central London, a few are still very small especially single rooms which can be
tiny (and get hot). Street noise is rarely at disruptive volumes, however
soundproofing between rooms can be an issue and views are typically unimpressive (many rooms, for example, face an adjacent loading dock).
Features
Little beyond the bar-restaurant and business facilities
The hotel has
very little to offer in the way of on-site facilities beyond its
bar-restaurant. There is a decent breakfast service, however, including
continental and full English buffet which is generally (but not always)
included in the rate. The Steak & Lobster restaurant also serves exactly
what you'd imagine as well as good veggie options and impressive cocktail list.
A business center provides three computer terminals and a printer, while a
meeting room is also available and Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the
property.
