England London NH Harrington Hall Kensington EC Knightsbridge

[Rhine-and-Roses]

This was our fifth stay at this hotel, second since they were bought out by NH. While the hotel is still okay, it was definitely showing its lack of care. The room was decent size, and they accommodated our request for two beds, although that is not the standard "Priceline room" (Their words.) The bath has not been updated since our first stay here in 1999. The grouting was worn and there was some mildew. The caulking had been replaced over old (mildewed) caulking- not what you would expect in a 4*. The furniture, real wood, was showing lots of signs of wear, as were the duvets.

On the plus side, the room had everything we needed, including extra pillows, a desk, a flat panel TV, a table with two comfortable wing chairs. There was plenty of storage space, a safe, iron and board, mini-bar. The carpet was clean, and housekeeping was good. The hotel has room service, a restaurant and lounge, and a small lobby refrigerator with sandwich and drink sales- great for those with jet lag who wake up at 2:00 a.m. They had a great little machine for charging just about any electronics you had- it was for a fee and found in the lobby restroom area. Wonderful if you forgot your telephone, computer, IPod, etc charger. (I did.)

The staff at Harrington Hall were cold and did not seem to want to help. We waited to speak with the front desk and concierge several times while they were talking among themselves. There was one exception- a young woman whose name I wish I had go to compliment her. The "engineer" was at our room quickly when we had a light switch problem. Our operating problem, not the hotel's electric problem!

If this hotel is updated, I think it would be a nice place again- it has potential and used to be my favorite hotel in London. I am satisfied considering the rate I got (and would definitely stay again at that rate!), but would not pay rack rate.

The neighborhood is still great- active and attractive. Gloucester Road tube stop is two easy blocks away. (24 steps in the Tube if you are carrying luggage!) There are restaurants, pubs, and fast food, as well as a Tesco Express (something between a grocery store and a US convenience store) on Gloucester Road. There is a Waitrose- full grocery store in the tiny mall adjacent to the tube, where the Boots pharmacy is located. We love the little Middle Eastern diner right around the corner on Gloucester road- they have great (and cheap) fish-n-chips. Didn't try the other food, but it looked good.