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When choosing a boutique hotel, travelers expect something unique and special that sets it apart from other accommodations. From a great location to knowledgeable staff and charming rooms, there are several criteria that contribute to an exceptional experience. Unfortunately, not all boutique hotels live up to these expectations. I’ll share an honest review of a disappointing stay at a boutique hotel in London.
Location: The Only Highlight
The Park Grand London Hyde Park Hotel is located on Westbourne Terrace in the Paddington area of London. This area is known for its beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most popular parks.
The hotel is just a short walk from Paddington Station, which offers excellent transport links to other parts of London and beyond. From here, you can take the Heathrow Express to London Heathrow Airport or catch a train to other destinations in the UK.
The area around the hotel is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, ranging from chain stores to independent boutiques. The nearby Paddington Basin is a popular spot for dining and entertainment, with a range of bars and restaurants overlooking the water.
Hyde Park is just a few minutes walk from the hotel, offering 350 acres of green space to explore. This beautiful park features walking and cycling paths, a boating lake, and various monuments and landmarks, including the Serpentine Gallery and the Diana Memorial Fountain.
One of the few positive aspects of the hotel was its location. It was conveniently situated near Paddington Station, Hyde Park, and Little Venice, which made it easy to explore the city. However, this was the only criterion that the hotel met.
Unimpressive Staff
While the staff was friendly, there was no level of concierge service offered. The front desk personnel lacked knowledge about the city, and even the basic task of calling a cab was not possible. The only option was to download the Gett app to call a taxi, which was an inconvenience for travelers unfamiliar with the city.
The Rooms
The photos of the rooms were misleading, and the reality was a huge letdown. The small size of the bed was uncomfortable for active sleepers, and the overall room quality was shabby. The walls were thin, and noise from neighboring rooms was audible.
Another room was incredibly tiny, with a smelly bathroom that had backed-up drains. The shower was so small that anyone larger than average would have difficulty fitting into it. There was no counter space to put toiletries, and the lack of storage space meant that clothes had to be lined up on the floor.
Poor Customer Service
The customer service was disappointing. When attempting to cancel one of the four booked rooms three weeks before the due date, there was no refund or change of date policy. The staff was rude and unhelpful, with one guest being told to walk outside to get a taxi when asking for assistance.
Breakfast
The breakfast was okay, but nothing stood out as exceptional. There was a lack of variety, and the quality was average.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the hotel failed to meet the expectations of a boutique hotel. While the staff was kinda friendly, they lacked knowledge and provided no concierge level of service. The rooms were misleading and small, with poor amenities and thin walls. The inflexible policies and poor customer service further added to the disappointment. In summary, I would not recommend this hotel and advise looking for other accommodations that offer better quality and value.
Disappointing Stay
Overall, the hotel failed to meet the expectations of a boutique hotel. While the staff was kinda friendly, they lacked knowledge and provided no concierge level of service. The rooms were misleading and small, with poor amenities and thin walls. The inflexible policies and poor customer service further added to the disappointment. In summary, I would not recommend this hotel and advise looking for other accommodations that offer better quality and value.
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Location
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Staff not helpful
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Rooms very small
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