THE COLONNADE

I had the misfortune of booking 1 night at this hotel on a Thursday evening, through a last minute deal. I paid 130gbp instead of 235 gbp , for a single room. WHAT A MISTAKE. The room i received was no more than a closet - probably a total of 10 m2 , the smallest room i have staid in, in the last 20 years at least. Not only small, but tired small is how I would describe it. Plumbing / bedding etc all sub-standard. Well at 130gbp per night it was only half a rip off. Imagine when it is full priced.... It was enough to make me swear, though, that i will never set foot again in the place.

We were supposedly upgraded to best room in the hotel as ours had blocked sink when we arrived. If this was best I would hate to see worst! The good... Bed was very comfortable, room had great view. The bad... Carpet was worn, shower couldn't get wet in cause was so old and lime scaled, bath tiles comming off underneath bath, grouting comming out, the window ledge/ door was very dirty not been cleaned for while, wallpaper comming off,sofa bed wouldn't attempt to sleep in, mattress on bed about 4 inches too small for bed. The whole room needed cleaning and was very dingey and In need of doing up. My opinion no more than 3 star. Definitely not 4! Area was lovely. We stayed on a deal but if paid full price would beVERY disappointed.

I have stayed in many old hotels - most recently the Les Trois Rois in Basel- so know that old hotels can be wonderful if they are maintained. The Colonnade has not been maintained. Examples; carpets are old and smelly, tile surround of the tub was coming off, toilet seat would not stay up, paper holder coming off wall. The bed was just a boxspring and mattress sitting on the floor - no bed frame. Extremely small room- had to walk sideways to get to other side of bed. No plug in bathroom for hair dryer. Location is the only positive - quiet neighborhood close to transporation.

What do we look for when we try to book a property for a few days or maybe even many days' Affordability of course is top of the list, then comes comfort, accessibility, service, cleanliness and yes, the warmth and the hospitality. If The Colonnade falls within your budget then it scores aces on all of these fronts. The rooms are some of the largest I've ever experienced in London, the area itself is very quiet and elegant, the breakfast is perfect and the service and hospitality is impeccable. And yes, I forgot to mention the location, it is a minutes walk from the metro station and bang in the middle of London. Go for it!!

I stayed here on a business trip and it was a real find. The staff were great- Bita and Oana (i hope that's the right spelling) I had a good night's sleep and the breakfast was excellent. It was close to the tube and there were some very pleasant coffee shops and restaurants nearby. I think this hotel will become my regular place to stay in London.