So is the Strand Palace a good hotel or not?
Oct 25th, 2008, 01:34 PM
#1
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So is the Strand Palace a good hotel or not?
So is the Strand Palace Hotel a good place to stay or not? I’ve read reviews on tripadvisor, along with a few other websites. Across all of these websites, some people <b>loved</b> it, some <b>hated</b> it.
I realize we’re all going to have different needs but I don’t think I’ve seen such a dichotomy of reviews. It’s as though they’re talking about two separate hotels. The only thing reviewers agreed upon was the location. (That’s my main interest. I’ve already stayed in other areas often enough.)
Is it - to quote reviews - “Absolute Cesspit” or “Pleasantly Surprised” Five Stars!” ?
Can anyone fill me in who has been there recently, or lives in the area and has some inside information?
At about 70GBP / 130 USD, it’s mighty tempting because I really want that location. By the way, my needs are: Comfortable bed and the price in the 70GBP / 130 USD range. I don’t care about room service, TV, breakfast, or whether the carpet matches the drapes.
Many thanks
I realize we’re all going to have different needs but I don’t think I’ve seen such a dichotomy of reviews. It’s as though they’re talking about two separate hotels. The only thing reviewers agreed upon was the location. (That’s my main interest. I’ve already stayed in other areas often enough.)
Is it - to quote reviews - “Absolute Cesspit” or “Pleasantly Surprised” Five Stars!” ?
Can anyone fill me in who has been there recently, or lives in the area and has some inside information?
At about 70GBP / 130 USD, it’s mighty tempting because I really want that location. By the way, my needs are: Comfortable bed and the price in the 70GBP / 130 USD range. I don’t care about room service, TV, breakfast, or whether the carpet matches the drapes.
Many thanks
Oct 25th, 2008, 02:10 PM
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It's a good location. I have often pondered over staying there in the past 15 years, but always opted for somewhere else!
It used to be a good deal, but now I would rather use travelodge.co.uk - cheap, clean and reliable.
Eat in Carluccios when in London for a good reasonably priced meal. We loved our food there in the Covent Garden and oxford street area. Great ambience too!
It used to be a good deal, but now I would rather use travelodge.co.uk - cheap, clean and reliable.
Eat in Carluccios when in London for a good reasonably priced meal. We loved our food there in the Covent Garden and oxford street area. Great ambience too!
Oct 25th, 2008, 05:41 PM
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Yes, the location is great...if you're interested in being near Covent Garden, theatres, Trafalgar Square, etc. I've stayed there twice. The first time I was traveling by myself and got a great price.It is pretty plain, breakfast was very basic (corn flakes, Tang-like oj). However, the second time it was summer and it was so hot inside, the room faced a center area so everyone's window opened up into each other. You could hear everything... and it was unbearable. I always bring earplugs, but those didn't help enough. I would use Priceline.
Oct 25th, 2008, 06:16 PM
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Based on the most recent reviews on Tripadvisor, it sounds like the hotel is undergoing renovations. So if you're not heading there anytime soon, you may luck out and get there after the renovation work is done.
Some of the reviews concern me when people complain about the place being not clean, and one person reported a cockroach in the Room!!!
What "outer areas" have you stayed in?
I've stayed in Kensington, Regents Park, Westminster area. All these places are just a short tube or bus ride from West End. I understand the attraction of staying right near West End IF you're going to lots of shows, but otherwise, a 10-15 min tube or bus ride won't kill you.
I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Kensington soon. I am paying $108/night (all-in) through Priceline.
Several months ago, I stayed at Holiday Inn Regents Park for just under $100/night. That was booked through Hotwire.
The only other "cheap" place I can think of in that vicinity is Club Quarters Trafalgar Sq. You can look into that.
Some of the reviews concern me when people complain about the place being not clean, and one person reported a cockroach in the Room!!!
What "outer areas" have you stayed in?
I've stayed in Kensington, Regents Park, Westminster area. All these places are just a short tube or bus ride from West End. I understand the attraction of staying right near West End IF you're going to lots of shows, but otherwise, a 10-15 min tube or bus ride won't kill you.
I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Kensington soon. I am paying $108/night (all-in) through Priceline.
Several months ago, I stayed at Holiday Inn Regents Park for just under $100/night. That was booked through Hotwire.
The only other "cheap" place I can think of in that vicinity is Club Quarters Trafalgar Sq. You can look into that.
Oct 26th, 2008, 06:17 PM
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A couple of you mentioned Priceline. I've used that website before and Hotwire too with success.
I used Hotwire again, getting the same hotel I had back in April(Holiday Inn Earls Court) at the same 75 USD, all inclusive, rate. Hard to complain about that!
No charm like I had hoped for in the Strand, but at a difference of almost 50% less, I'm happy.
Thanks folks
I used Hotwire again, getting the same hotel I had back in April(Holiday Inn Earls Court) at the same 75 USD, all inclusive, rate. Hard to complain about that!
No charm like I had hoped for in the Strand, but at a difference of almost 50% less, I'm happy.
Thanks folks
Oct 26th, 2008, 07:01 PM
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I believe the property in Earls Court is Holiday Inn <i>Express</i>, which is 1/2 * lower than the Holiday Inn. But on the plus side, breakfast is included in the rate at the HI Express (even if you get it through Hotwire).
I had thought about staying at that property, if the price is right. In the end, I decided to pay a little more for the HI in Kensington, which is a bit closer to town.
I had thought about staying at that property, if the price is right. In the end, I decided to pay a little more for the HI in Kensington, which is a bit closer to town.
Oct 27th, 2008, 05:31 AM
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The Fielding Hotel is close to Covent Garden and might be a better option. It's small and friendly, whereas the Strand Palace is large and busy. See:
http://www.thefieldinghotel.co.uk/
Travelodge Covent Garden is on the other side of Covent Garden and a better deal than Strand Palace. See the website for possible saver rooms from £19:
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/saver_rooms/
http://www.thefieldinghotel.co.uk/
Travelodge Covent Garden is on the other side of Covent Garden and a better deal than Strand Palace. See the website for possible saver rooms from £19:
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/saver_rooms/
Apr 7th, 2011, 11:07 AM
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Not.
I stayed about 6 yrs ago, wrote them complimentary note req. resevation, mentioning great room on upper floor with view St.Paul's.
Am in 2 nd floor with toilet that does not flush
Internet half hour free a day if you can figure how to use it. Otherwise, pay over 50 bucks to make it easy.
Front desk staff snobby. Housekeeping yelled at me because I forgot to remove "let me sleep" sign (despite abject apology and generous tip.
Major attitude issues. I am polite, say please and thank you and try to be aware of cultural differences and this place really stinks the second time around.
I stayed about 6 yrs ago, wrote them complimentary note req. resevation, mentioning great room on upper floor with view St.Paul's.
Am in 2 nd floor with toilet that does not flush
Internet half hour free a day if you can figure how to use it. Otherwise, pay over 50 bucks to make it easy.
Front desk staff snobby. Housekeeping yelled at me because I forgot to remove "let me sleep" sign (despite abject apology and generous tip.
Major attitude issues. I am polite, say please and thank you and try to be aware of cultural differences and this place really stinks the second time around.
Apr 7th, 2011, 11:34 AM
#9
Look at the WORST TA reviews for the place; do the math..what percent of the total number of reviews are poor and terrible? (Well, it is ONE way of looking at it anyway) OR, spend bigger bucks and stay IN Covent Garden at the Covent Garden Hotel.
Oh, and for Traveler7122, please define "snobby."
Oh, and for Traveler7122, please define "snobby."
Apr 7th, 2011, 01:30 PM
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janisj,
what's your problem?
The respective poster apparently is staying there currently for the 2nd time after having stayed there 6 years ago.
So it's relevant info - and any poster surely may bring up any thread at any time - especially welcome with current information and updates.
Reading-Comprehension skills are said to be helpful.
what's your problem?
The respective poster apparently is staying there currently for the 2nd time after having stayed there 6 years ago.
So it's relevant info - and any poster surely may bring up any thread at any time - especially welcome with current information and updates.
Reading-Comprehension skills are said to be helpful.
