Words by Rachel McAlley
We took the opportunity to visit London while there were very few overseas tourists. It was wonderful to see the capital ready to welcome back visitors once again.
The writers at H&N Magazine have always enjoyed reviewing hotels in the big smoke, yet this visit was more rewarding. From the train journey with relatively empty carriages, to no queues for black cabs, and entering a hotel foyer that was quiet, it was a trip to remember.
We checked in to Strand Palace Hotel, just a short 10-minute taxi ride from King’s Cross Station. The check-in staff were all helpful, chatty, smiley, and genuinely happy to have guests staying. At the same time it was nice to spend time talking to staff and finding out about the post-lockdown reopening.
Strand Palace is a big hotel on the Strand, with 785 guest rooms, of which all have been recently refurbished. Now offering a touch of art deco from its historical opening in 1909 to today’s contemporary twist for the 2020s. Each deluxe and superior room offers a touch of luxury, with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, White Company toiletries, and laptop safe. Coupled with Hypnos bed, complimentary mini bar, and Nespresso machine with Sacred coffee capsules, this makes for great amenities. Equally, each room has an HD TV, Bose SoundTouch 20 wireless speaker system, and plenty of floor space.
Location
The hotel is in the heart of the capital, surrounded by theatres, world-famous landmarks, and Covent Garden is just 2-minute walk away. Within the hotel you will find Haxells, the hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar, The Gin Palace, and the Afternoon Tearoom in a room offset from Haxells.
Breakfast is in Haxells and is served by the team at the buffet bar in order to help with social distancing.
We stayed in a Deluxe King, and noticed at each lift there are bespoke floor mats that specify social distancing. Equally, the hotel has placed sanitising stations at all lift entrances across every floor for guest peace of mind.
The room was well thought out with comfy chairs alongside a coffee table, king sized bed (could easily fit four), and soft bed linen for an excellent night’s sleep.
Having a complimentary mini bar stocked with wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and snacks was a wonderful bonus. This applies to every guest staying in a Deluxe Room, they all receive the complimentary mini bar. Moreover, this made for a great talking-point, as we can’t name another hotel where the mini bar is complimentary!
Excellent facilities in the Deluxe King. A well-proportioned shower and pretty toiletries by White Company, large 46-inch screen TV, and Nespresso machine complete with coffee pods. Located in the wardrobe next to the robes and slippers there were extra towels, iron and ironing board plus hairdryer. The room had everything that we could have asked for and more!
Strand Palace is a great hotel situated in the most exciting part of London with easy access to everything. From the bright lights of theatre-land to shopping with independents at Covent Garden, there is something for everyone to enjoy close to the Strand Palace.
Pricing
Prices start at £120 for a Superior Room and comparatively start at £190 for a Deluxe Room with everything included as mentioned above. Furthermore breakfast is charged at £15 per person and includes, a continental selection, full English, hot drink, juice and toast. It’s a great way to start the day.
Visit Strand Palace Hotel and book directly for the best prices plus partner offers to enjoy whilst staying at the hotel.
