A sweet review for a fabulous suite (Royal Horseguards Thistle)

Member Name: kirlykird

Product:	Royal Horseguards Thistle
Date:	12/01/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good location & great accomodation

Disadvantages: disaapointing start

This hotel was booked for a February weekend break on our way home from Disneyland Paris. We had booked a deluxe family room for two nights at a special rate of £200 per night including breakfast.
For more than 100 years, The Royal Horse guards has graced the banks of the Thames with its elegant, imposing presence. Its architectural heritage has earned it Grade I listed status, and made it one of London's most iconic buildings.


*Arrival at the hotel & check in*

As mentioned above, we were heading for a London weekend on our way home from Disneyland Paris with two children in tow. We arrived at London Waterloo around 8pm on the Friday evening and promptly took a taxi across the river to The Horse guards.
When we arrived, the concierge came instantly to help us out of the taxi with our bags.
Bearing in mind that we had been out and about plus travelling all day mid February, we were dressed in warm winter clothes, obviously not eh smartest and looking tired and dishevelled, the concierge suddenly seemed to have completely changed his attitude towards us & seemed to have little regard for us due to our appearance. How pretentious!
Not very good first impressions at all.
As we entered the hotel, we were greeted by a large well lit marble and wooden reception area and the public areas were well furnished, comfortably and elegantly.
I was called over by the receptionist and proceeded to check in. It was here that I was yet to be disappointed. When we had booked our family deluxe room over the telephone, as mentioned we had reserved a family deluxe room but it turns out that this particular employee had made a mistake and booked us a twin deluxe room, no wonder it seemed so cheap! Panic attacked as I was told that the hotel had no family rooms left and that she would have to speak top her manager to see what could be arranged. As we waited, I looked around and saw very tired twins whom wanted nothing more than to climb into a comfortable bed, one which at present, we didn't have!
*Did they save the day?*
The receptionist finally came back and very apologetically informed me that she was sincerely sorry about the mix up and the manager had suggested another room, if we were happy to take a sofa bed for the children and also it wouldn't have the London eye views, however if we weren't happy we could change rooms the following day.
Very tired and annoyed, I accepted and we were give our key. Off we went and followed the directions to our room. We left the lift and found the door to our room. We then opened the door and found that there was a flight of stairs. We were baffled but continued up them to find another door in which our other key fitted...

*Our 'new' room*
So we opened the door and found a marble corridor with sculptures and artwork on the walls. There were doors off this corridor which were a large bathroom, an en suite bedroom, a lounge area with sofas, fireplace and magazines and a kitchenette. They had given the suite! Who cared about our view, we were staying here for the next two nights!
So... the suite... well the bathroom and en suite were marbled with robes, slippers and Molton Brown toiletries. The bedroom had a large wardrobe, TV, dressing table, large bed with very comfortable bedding and very well decorated. The lounge area had big comfortable leather sofas which were made up into beds and around 20-30 upmarket magazines to read. The kitchenette wouldn't be used by us but was quite small but with very modern and expensive gadgets and well laid out.
We had hit the jackpot & we couldn't believe our luck!

*bar & restaurant areas*

The bar area in the Horse guards is on the smaller side for the size of the hotel but is comfortable and well furnished with a wide selection of bar snacks and drinks, especially wines. The bar area that I was particularly fond of was the Terrace area and as the public areas in my opinion were a little over heated, but then I guess that this could be a marketing ploy to sell more refreshments. The terrace is very cosy with sophisticated patio furniture and beautiful candles to light up the area in the dark.
The restaurant was superb . We had the pleasure of eating here one of the evenings and experiencing the hotels AA rosette award winning restaurant. One Twenty One Two attracts discriminating gourmets from around the world. With an inviting piano bar, innovative menus, fine wines and exemplary service, One Twenty One Two is contemporary dining at its very best.
This would be a much recommended restaurant for serious food lovers.
As breakfast was included in our rate, we took breakfast in the Horse guards each morning. The breakfast buffet was lovely. A choice of continental or full English breakfast is on offer within a light and airy breakfast room. The table service is fast, efficient and friendly.

*Location*

The hotel is situated in a quiet road in Whitehall. Just off the banks fot he Thames and in very easy walking distance of Covent Garden, Trafalgar square, Big Ben and The London eye. A very central and well located hotel.

* Would we stay again?*

The answer to this question is probably. Although, there were some teething problems to begin with, they were well ironed out by the staff. We had a fabulous room, sorry, suite to stay in plus the hotel was comfortable and chic with friendly and polite staff on hand to make the stay as enjoyable as possible.

Summary: A nice hotel with a good restaurant