Basil Street Hotel
 

Has anyone stayed recently at the Basil Street Hotel? We're looking to book it for June 2005. Are there bar fridges in the rooms? Are double rooms of equal proportion? etc.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I've stayed at the Basil Street Hotel four times in the past two-and-a-half years, which should give you an idea of the high regard I have for it. What I like about it are the old-fashioned, country-house atmosphere, the exceptional service, and the location. It is NOT a hotel for anyone who wants glitz or the most up-to-date amenities.

There are no bar fridges in the rooms. I've always stayed in a single room, so I can't comment about the proportions of the double rooms. The staff are extremely helpful, so if you let them know, when you make a reservation, what kind of proportions you want in a room, I'm sure they'll do their best to accommodate you (pun fully intended).

The position is perfect for a Sloaney stay, near all the shops and plenty of dining nearby.

However, you should be advised that the hotel is next to an arcade that is currently undergoing very major construction works which could provide a disturbance.

What's your budget? There is another property in Basil St. that could be recommended.

Thanks to you both,
m_kingdom2,

The offer I have (if I book now) for The Basil Street Hotel is 152 British pounds - extremely dear by Australian standard. Bree's comments confirm one other I had previously read.
The bar 'fridge was simply so we could keep milk, cheese and snack meals.
Any other suggestions would be most appreciated.

I stayed at the Basil this past June and loved it - it is the sort of place where you expect to see Harriet Vane and Peter Wimsey.

As one of the few remaining independent hotels in London, it has not changed for the past 30 years as far as I can tell.

That said, I understand it is in the process of being sold (!) and this will certainly presage changes.

BTW, the arcade renovation was underway when I was there. The noise was minimal and the Basil was coping by simply not letting out the rooms on the side where the construction work was being done.

The double rooms are of a nice size, and I think the price you've been offered is very good. The hotel is quite pleasant in a nicely old-fashioned way, and tea in the drawing room is a delight. The location of the hotel is excellent, just half a block from the nearest underground station and quite near Harrods.

Perhaps also check out l'Hotel, also in Basil Street. It's a B&B run by the same people as the Capital Hotel, right next door. From 125 GBP per room.

I stayed there once, in 2000, I think. I don't remember much of it though. It's old-fashioned, as people say. Personally I'd prefer something more modern. The location is great though, as it's literally steps away from Harrod's and the Knightsbridge tube.