St Giles London offered a charming experience for our short getaway. The hotel’s prime location, just a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road Station, made exploring the city a breeze. We could easily hop on the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Airport and be at the hotel within minutes. The British Museum was also within walking distance, adding to the allure of this convenient spot.
The staff at St Giles were incredibly friendly and helpful, truly making us feel welcome. We arrived a bit early, and Nikki went above and beyond to secure a room for us ahead of the official check-in time. This allowed us to settle in and freshen up before embarking on our adventures. The concierge team provided valuable insights and recommendations, even assisting with app bookings.
Our twin rooms, while compact, were perfectly adequate for two people. They were spotlessly clean and equipped with all the essential amenities. The lack of air conditioning wasn’t an issue, as the weather was delightful during our stay. The breakfast spread was a delightful highlight, offering a wide variety of delicious options to start our day. Overall, St Giles provided a comfortable and enjoyable base for our London exploration.
A Disappointing Experience at a London Hotel
Our stay at this particular hotel was, unfortunately, a complete disaster. From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with terrible service and unacceptable conditions. The rooms were filthy and not fit for a single star. The room assigned to us was located in the basement, directly above the tube line, which made sleeping impossible due to the constant noise.
The breakfast was meager, lacking any hot food, and the milk was sour. Hygiene standards were nonexistent throughout the hotel, with the exception of the reception area. The bar was closed for two of the three days we stayed, as the bartender didn’t show up for work, and no one else was authorized to open it. We were even charged £10 to store our luggage while we waited to check in!
To add insult to injury, other guests were also complaining about their rooms. The rooms bore no resemblance to the pictures online. Windows wouldn’t lock, safes were broken, taps were corroded, and showers were clogged. This hotel was grossly overpriced for the quality of accommodations offered. We would definitely advise against staying here.
A Mixed Bag: Location Wins, But Service Lacks
While the location of this hotel was excellent, only a short walk from Earl’s Court Station, our stay was marred by several shortcomings. We were disappointed when the reception refused to provide us with two keys for our triple room, making it difficult for our daughter to come and go independently. The room required a keycard to activate the lights, which proved inconvenient, and the staff only provided a fake keycard to address this problem.
The lack of replacement shower gels was another inconvenience. We had to resort to obtaining small bottles of bath gels from the reception. Noise from the lower ground floor room was also an issue. However, the hotel did provide three packs of biscuits for enjoying with our morning coffee, which was a nice touch.
A Horrifying Stay: Rude Staff and Unhygienic Conditions
Our experience at this hotel was nothing short of appalling. From the moment we arrived, we were met with the rudest receptionist we’ve ever encountered. This individual was aggressive and demanding, insisting on a £100 cash deposit despite our having paid in full via Booking.com.
The receptionist was unprofessional and discourteous, even going so far as to threaten a £250 charge for evidence of drug use. They claimed we had received an email about the cash deposit requirement two weeks prior, which was untrue. The email was sent on the day of our arrival, and we were unable to see it due to being at work.
We were then told to find a cash machine in the pouring rain with little assistance on where to locate one. When we returned with the cash, we were given a key card without a holder, and the room number was only written on it. As we made our way to the room, we witnessed open staff areas with dirty laundry exposed, broken key card devices, and semen stains on the walls.
To our horror, there were also public hairs on the bed sheets. The shower gel had been topped up with water from a previous guest. This was the worst hotel stay we’ve ever experienced, and it was unsafe and should be closed down.
A Budget-Friendly and Convenient Hostel
This hostel offered excellent value for money. It was spotlessly clean and conveniently located just five steps from the tube station, providing easy access to London’s main attractions. The check-in process was smooth, taking place at the pub downstairs, which also served as the hostel’s entrance.
The staff were friendly and always willing to help. The toilets were clean, and we never had any issues there. We could bring our own towels or purchase one for £5, which we could keep after our stay. The pub food was tasty, and the breakfast was simple but effective.
Booking directly with the hostel offered several advantages, including a cheaper price, late checkout, pub discounts, and a 20% discount on our next visit. The pub was open 24/7 for guests only, ensuring a quiet and peaceful environment. The hostel also had a free luggage room for storing bags before and after check-in/out. Overall, we had a positive experience and would definitely stay here again.
A Warm and Welcoming Hostel
This hostel is a gem! Its convenient location right next to Kings Cross and Coal Drop Yards makes it ideal for exploring the city. The check-in process is straightforward, and they even allow guests to leave their luggage for free before and after check-out. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
We loved the beds, which have adjustable lighting for a personalized experience. Each bed comes with phone charging ports and a locker for storing valuables. There’s also a bar for hanging socks or towels. The hostel has a spacious lounge area perfect for relaxing or working, along with a well-equipped kitchen for saving money on meals. The bathrooms are always clean and have hot water.
The hostel hosts weekly events, providing opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. The staff feel like family and truly care about their guests. We highly recommend checking out this hostel during your London trip. We’ll definitely be staying here on our next visit!
A Positive Stay with Outstanding Concierge Service
This hotel provided a wonderful stay. The room was clean, comfortable, and offered a fantastic view of the London Stadium. Its location was unbeatable, right next to a large shopping center and the subway station, providing access to numerous lines. The staff were friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful.
We were particularly impressed by the concierge staff, especially Naleef, Daniel, and another gentleman whose name we unfortunately forgot. Our wife was unfortunately pickpocketed while in London, and the concierge staff, particularly Naleef, went above and beyond to help us navigate this difficult situation. They advised us to report the theft to the London Police and were instrumental in assisting us with our stolen credit cards.
Their support was invaluable during a stressful time. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and assistance. We highly recommend this hotel and will definitely return in the future.
A Pleasant Stay with a Few Minor Quirks
This hotel is charming. We chose to walk there from Buckingham Palace, which was a long walk, but it allowed us to explore the city. The hotel itself was beautiful and the room was clean. The only issue we encountered was that the TV wouldn’t display football channels as it kept asking us to log in to the Wi-Fi.
We also felt the twin beds were small. While we work in the hotel industry, we’ve seen larger beds in other hotels. However, every hotel has its quirks. Overall, we had a pleasant stay and would return again.
