Central and Cheap (Regent Palace Hotel London)

Member Name: vintage_laurie

Product:	Regent Palace Hotel London
Date:	22/09/05 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: really convenient location

Disadvantages: a little worn (but not bad for the price)

We booked through lastminute.com for two nights at this hotel in march, paying about £35 a night for a double room without bathroom. The hotel is 2*, with cafes and bars on the ground floor. However, the main reason we booked the hotel was that my OH had plans - without me :( - both nights, so we wanted somewhere central, so I would be safe walking back to alone and so that I wouldn't have to travel too far.

When arriving, it took about 10 mins before we could check in as there were 2 large groups of non-English speaking people trying to book rooms, but once we were served, it was quick and we were soon directed, via the lift, to our room.

The room itself was adequate, pretty good for that price in London. The double bed was comfortable with plenty of pillows and blankets. There was a huge wardrobe and plenty of drawer space, and a sink with a couple of towels and some toiletries. There was an chair with table, and an armchair. The room itself was a decent size - we weren't tripping over our stuff - and was clean. There room was decorated neutrally, with a really good print of a cartoon of London. There were a few scuffs in the paintwork, but for the price, it didn't bother me; I was just glad at how clean it was! The view was of the building next door, so a bit boring, but there was enough natural light. There was a telephone and a TV, with the usual UK 5 channels.

The bathrooms were pristine, as were the bedrooms - there seemed to be cleaning staff everywhere and they did a good job. The bathrooms were plentiful and really clean, so the saving we made by not having a bathroom was worth it.

The best bit tough is the location; it is literally two metres from Picadilly circus and the tube station. We usually end up staying miles out of central London, so it was nice to be in our room at 8.58 and shopping in Picadilly circus by 9am. It felt really safe when walking back there even when very late at night and alone.

In the hotel, there was a small 'fish and chip'/trad English cafe, a coffee shop, mock irish bar, internet terminals and a newsagents, with sweets and cigarettes. We didn't use them though as there was much more choice in the restaurants and shops in the area.

Checking out was also fine, and the staff were friendly and competent. We didn't have any need to have any communications with them apart from checking in and out, but there seemed to be plenty about, they were friendly and they spoke several languages.

Summary: Great location, good for the price.