Welcome to my London adventures! I’m about to share my experience staying at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City. This luxurious hotel offered breathtaking views and comfortable accommodations. I’ll break down the details for you, from the welcoming lobby to the delicious restaurant.
A Warm Welcome and a Room with a View
As soon as I arrived, I felt the warmth of the Leonardo Royal’s hospitality. The lobby was spacious and stylish, perfect for relaxing with its cozy seating. The check-in was a breeze, and the friendly staff quickly helped me get settled into my suite.
My home for the next few days was the stunning Suite 1207. This beautiful suite featured a well-equipped kitchenette and a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks: the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and The Shard. The living room was the perfect place to unwind with its comfy sofas, a coffee table, a television, and stylish London-themed artwork.
The bedroom was equally impressive, featuring a king-sized bed and similar breathtaking views. It was thoughtfully appointed with everything I needed: spacious wardrobes, a mini-bar, a safe, and plenty of power outlets with USB ports, a lifesaver for the modern traveler.
A Suite Experience with Luxurious Amenities
The suite was brimming with thoughtful amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a desk for working, an iron and ironing board, complimentary toiletries, a bathtub or shower, a hairdryer, a robe, slippers, and a generous 10% discount on lunch and dinner. The suite also offered extra perks like free newspapers, unlimited Wi-Fi, complimentary mineral water, a coffee and tea maker, and a phone.
A sweet surprise awaited me upon arrival: a handwritten welcome note and a delicious treat. It was a lovely touch that made me feel truly welcomed. It seemed like the hotel knew I loved cake!
A Touch of Elegance and Some Room for Improvement
The bathroom was a sight to behold, with its stunning white marble tiles and chic black accents, plus the luxury of floor heating. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed some signs of wear and tear, such as cracked tiles, poorly filled joints, and damaged enamel in the shower. While these minor imperfections didn’t detract much from the overall luxury, they were a bit disappointing in a hotel of this caliber.
A Delicious Breakfast Buffet and Attentive Service
I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Leo’s, the hotel’s restaurant. The breakfast buffet was a feast for the senses, with a wide selection of traditional English breakfast items and continental favorites like pancakes, omelets, fresh fruit, and a variety of breads.
While my first breakfast experience was slightly marred by a less engaged staff member, other colleagues quickly made up for it with their attentive service.
Overall, the staff at the Leonardo Royal was friendly and helpful. However, there were times when their level of attentiveness wasn’t consistent, especially in the lobby. This inconsistency reminded me of the difference in service levels between a 5-star establishment like the Shangri-La and a 4-star hotel like the Leonardo Royal. It’s disappointing to see staff talking among themselves while ignoring guests who greet them.
An Evening to Remember at Leo’s Restaurant
On Thursday evening, I had a delightful dining experience at Leo’s. Kostas, a friendly and engaging staff member, found me a great table and even chatted with me in both English and German. The fish and chips I ordered were outstanding, and the service was top-notch. Kostas deserves a special shout-out for making the evening truly memorable.
A Heartwarming Departure and a Lasting Impression
As I checked out, I received a thoughtful parting gift: a bottle of red wine. While I couldn’t enjoy it due to my travel plans, this gesture was a lovely way to end my stay. It left me with a warm feeling despite a few minor issues I encountered.
A Memorable Stay with Room for Growth
The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City offers stunning views, well-appointed suites, and mostly commendable service. While there are areas where improvements can be made, such as the upkeep of the bathrooms and consistency in staff engagement, my overall experience was positive. The personal touches, like the handwritten welcome note and the parting gift, made a significant impact and helped me overlook minor flaws.
I highly recommend the Leonardo Royal Hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable and stylish stay in London. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and enjoy a taste of luxurious hospitality. I look forward to returning to the Leonardo Royal and seeing how they continue to uphold and improve their standards of hospitality. Until then, Leonardo, see you soon! 😉
