travelpoet's profile and reviews

London is an extremely expensive city - lodging is no exception.

The Blandford got good reviews on a number of review sites - but my conclusion is that this was greatly influenced by a nice location at an relatively affordable rate.

Nothing glaringly wrong here but if you are expecting luxury for your $200+ a night - this is not the right choice. On the other hand, close to Baker St station, Starbucks, good restaurants, pubs, and the Marlyebone district make it a nice choice.

Whenever possible I stay in what appear to be new hotels - particularly when I am on business. My priorities lean toward cleanliness and facilities that work; phones, lights, internet, beds, showers.

Strangely this new hotel missed on a couple of these key mechanicals and on top of that, had a very limited breakfast, limited television choices and was a struggle getting to and from.

This hotel gets great reviews. On that, and the fact that my options were limited on a busy holiday weekend, I booked the hotel. I started to have my doubts when I realized it is literally across the street from London Bridge, London Bridge rail station, and London Bridge underground station.

Here is what I didn't know; they have done a great job with the rooms. They have good windows that keep out the noise. It has well decorated and equipped rooms, and bathrooms. Here is the best surprise, a great neighborhood including London's favorite market, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, great restaurants, three Starbucks, some shopping and easy access to the tube.

Here is what is wrong, the single rooms are characteristically small, the refrigerator in my room was too loud, the light outside that is intended to light the name of the hotel was shining in to the room, and the internet is too expensive.

Having just left a hotel on a very busy and noisy street in London, I was so pleased to find that this hotel is on the edge of a residential area, and the room was very quiet even though it’s facing the street.

It’s a big room for Europe too, huge even. There is a huge bathroom also that is very well appointed.

They have lousy room service but to my surprise, there is a busy commercial district two blocks away with plenty of restaurants and even some "take-away".

For me, this was also a great option for business, as I could walk to my meetings.