I travel to London from time to time for work, so I've had quite a bit of experience with budget options. However, on our trip in April, we spent a few nights in a 4 star hotel in the city center. I came away with mixed opinions.
I headed to Cavendish on Jermyn Street. It's right across the street from the very bougie Fortnum & Mason store. Nestled on a quiet street in St. James, about five minutes from Piccadilly Circus, this building is almost Brutalist in style from the outside. Concrete and glass just don't fit in with the traditional dark brick streets.
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I've long been taught not to judge a book by its cover, so I started reading it with no expectations. After all, despite its modernity, 81 Jermyn Street has been used as a hotel since his 1836 year.
The hotel was also the subject of the BBC documentary The Duchess of Duke Street. The show focuses on the famous owner, Rosa Ruiz. Although he was not born into London society, he worked his way up to the point where he ran his own hotel, hosting poor soldiers in his hotel. During World War I, the hotel offered free accommodation, forcing wealthy guests to pay.
The hotel is currently owned by hospitality company Ascott Limited. Some current staff may benefit from Lewis' generosity training.
Upon arrival, the receptionist told us that breakfast could only be eaten on the morning of the first day of our stay, and then handed us the keys without providing any information about the hotel's layout (restaurant, bar, gym location, etc.). . Not exactly a welcome start.
Thankfully, the room provided was more representative of a 4-star rating. The Executive Room benefits from a towering Brutalist shell, with uninterrupted views of the London skyline.
Looking out over the London Eye and the neon lights of Soho to the north, it's clear this is not a value hotel. Depending on when you visit, a night's stay can cost upwards of £600. Unfortunately, this service is not worth its price.
The exception here is Cavendish's restaurant, Mayfair Bar and Grill. The service and food here are both excellent. Our waiter had a good understanding of the menu and was also able to provide wine recommendations.
We started with an exquisitely crusty truffle and parmesan bread, followed by a hearty leek and potato soup. My main was a perfectly cooked sea bass, some of the most amazing fish I've eaten.
The restaurant's large windows allow you to relax and people-watch along the street as young people in suits head to the pub after work. It's a haven of peace and quiet in the midst of the hectic capital. Maybe a little too quiet. It's a warm April night and it's lively outside, but here we are, eating at one of only three tables.
Hotel bars don't have the same vibrancy. Located in the center of the building, it has no windows and is illuminated by office-style lighting. The staff are charming but not particularly helpful. In fact, both nights I visited, they spent time complaining about other guests and saying that if they became more unruly they might have to cut them off.
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The 4-star rating and price were rattling around in my head again. As for breakfast, on the first morning we were easily seated at a fairly standard buffet style table.
Strangely, when I tried to stir my coffee, I was told they didn't have a teaspoon. I was stunned – this is London, potentially the tea capital of the world. And no teaspoon?
The price-to-experience ratio came to mind again as I mixed a tablespoon of machine cappuccino. That feeling returned the next day when I returned for breakfast, only to be told it was not booked.
After some discussion, we were seated, but in a hotel full of international guests, I wondered how a traveler with poor English would cope in that situation.
Aside from some odd lighting that wouldn't look out of place in an airport boarding lounge, the Cavendish's interior is comfortable, with neutral colors, clean common areas and rooms, and a classy, ​​if slightly dated, feel.
Its size and lack of central windows give it the feeling of being removed from the chaos of the city. If you have money to spare and need a place to rejuvenate after a day on the road or working, Cavendish might be an option for you.
Nevertheless, I can't help but think that other central hotels in a similar price range offer better service.
