Imagine this: You’re exhausted after a terrible hotel experience, stranded in a bustling city. Suddenly, you find yourself in a cozy, traditional hotel, a world away from the corporate chain hotels. That’s what happened to us at The Leonard Hotel in London. It was a breath of fresh air!
A Serendipitous Stay
We stumbled upon The Leonard after a disastrous experience at another hotel. We booked our room in a taxi, just 10 minutes away from our previous accommodation! They only needed our name, no credit card details over the phone. We arrived at a charming, old-world hotel where the staff were incredibly welcoming, even though we were on short notice. They treated us like family, offering us a glass of sparkling wine while we waited for our room. Within 10 minutes, our room was ready, and we were ready to relax.
Hospitality with a Personal Touch
We were completely blown away by the level of service at The Leonard. The staff were always cheerful, going above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The food was delicious, and our room was warm and inviting, just like a home away from home. It was the perfect escape after a stressful start to our trip.
A Room with a View (and More)
We were pleasantly surprised when we were upgraded to a suite! What a fantastic start to our stay. The Leonard is a true gem, elegant and stylish, located just a short walk from Marble Arch. The rooms are spacious for London, with classic charm and comfortable furnishings. The staff were incredibly helpful, answering our questions and providing excellent service.
The only slight downside was the in-room breakfast. We ordered enough for one person, but it was more than enough for two! However, it wasn’t quite as delicious as it was three years ago when we last stayed here.
A Family’s Paradise
We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay in London. The location is fantastic, close to everything we wanted to see and do. The staff were wonderful, always ready to help with any requests. The bathroom was a highlight, one of the best we’ve ever experienced in London.
We highly recommend The Leonard for families traveling to London. Our two parents and three kids (ages 14, 10, and 5) had a fantastic time in December 2012 and again in February 2015. It’s a truly special place, perfect for creating lasting family memories.
A Quirky Retreat for Independent Travelers
If you’re a solo traveler who enjoys unique experiences, you’ll love The Leonard. It’s perfectly situated, just a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, yet peaceful and quiet. While the hotel might be a bit worn, there’s a certain charm to it.
We especially loved our room, number 17. It was incredibly unique, with private stairs leading directly into the room! It had a separate toilet with hanging chains instead of a door and a shower in the room itself. It might not be for everyone, but we found it quirky and fun. It was clean and fresh, despite its age.
A London Staple
The Leonard is a true gem in the heart of London. We’ve been staying here for the past two years with our family and wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else. The location is unbeatable, right in the middle of Central London, with Oxford Street just minutes away. You have easy access to restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and even late-night eateries. There’s a Tesco on Edgware Road, just a short walk from the hotel.
The breakfast is hearty and freshly prepared, providing enough energy to keep you going all day. While the rooms could use a few modern touches, like brighter lighting and updated bathrooms, the staff and amenities more than make up for it. The restaurant in the lobby is open 24 hours, the housekeeping is excellent, and the reception staff are friendly and helpful.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Leonard to anyone visiting London. It’s a wonderful place to stay, offering a warm welcome, excellent service, and a perfect location.
