The Royal Horseguards London

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this exceptional hotel. After extensive research and map analysis, we selected it for its closeness to all the key attractions that any first-time visitor to London would want to explore. The room was spotless and cosy, the staff were professional, and the overall atmosphere was delightful. This really set the mood for our visit. The lobby was filled with the lovely scent of quality candles, and there was a charming lounge area and bar. Thoughtful details like guest umbrellas at the entrance made our explorations much more enjoyable. Breakfast was a buffet with a wide variety to suit all preferences, and the quality of the produce was excellent. You’ll find everything for a full English breakfast, along with fresh breads, cereals, yoghurts, cold meats, cheeses, and salads. The breakfast area was carpeted and featured comfy chairs, making it a pleasant spot for planning our day over a few cups of tea or coffee. The exterior of the building is breathtaking, especially when viewed from the Thames; it resembles a castle. Very grand and impressive. If you appreciate historical architecture or are after a traditional old London vibe, this hotel is perfect for you. Inside, you’ll discover magnificent period features like marble walls and brass fittings, with shared spaces retaining an old-world charm. The rooms are contemporary with modern comforts, such as under-floor heating, a large television, and mood lighting controls. We chose the standard double room, which was a tad small if you both have a suitcase and carry-on bags, as there were no designated spots for luggage, but we managed. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and spending time in the room was snug thanks to terry cotton robes, a coffee pod machine, and proper china teacups and saucers. Just lovely. The location is fantastic. On our first morning, it was so easy – we walked just a few steps from the hotel doors to be right on the Thames, directly across from the London Eye. A short stroll further and before we knew it, we were already at Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, and it’s close to so many attractions – we walked almost everywhere. We found this to be the ideal starting point for first-time London visitors and highly recommend it for travellers seeking easy access to all the must-see sights, without the crowds or tourist traps. Comfortable, classy, and excellent value. We’ll definitely stay again!

The hotel is situated in a prime location, central yet surprisingly quiet. There were a few concerns with the building. I had a top floor room, and there was clearly a leak at some stage from the sloped wall/roof, with paint bubbling and peeling in the corner. The carpets are worn, with a significant stain in the separate sitting area of my deluxe king room. The corridor had a damp, musty smell on my floor. There was a large container in one of the corridors to catch dripping water, which explained the odour. It was fine once away from there, but it could have been unpleasant if you were in a nearby room. Otherwise, the room was quite good. Spacious, clean, and a well-kept bathroom with no signs of mildew anywhere. Breakfast was a letdown. The orange juice was awful, undrinkable. The apple juice was diluted. In a hotel of this calibre, I really expected better. There was no dried fruit to accompany the available muesli, granola, or yoghurt. The hot food buffet was decent. The breakfast was acceptable and definitely edible, but not something I would look forward to. For the price I paid, I was satisfied, not unlike much less spacious, lower quality hotels for the night I stayed. If I had paid the premium price this hotel often charges, I would have been disappointed. But at the right price, it was good.

The property is gorgeous and has its own fascinating history, which I found very intriguing. It’s in a convenient location and felt safe as a solo female traveller. I loved waking up to the sunshine over the London Eye as well! I could only stay for one night and didn’t get the chance to explore the hotel amenities to fully experience everything.