The Shaftesbury Kensington, London

4.0 / 5 Anonymous on 11/11/2004 (Mature couple)

Room on first floor overlooking a lovely and quiet London street.

Hotel Advertised as recently refurbished, although not the case. Room/hallway looked a little 'tired' but room/bed linen clean.

Overall: Hotel closely located near tube station and not out of the way for London sights etc. Good location for Earls Court and exhibitions. Reception staff and breakfast staff helpful and friendly. Dining room very pleasing and breakfast was excellent. On the subject of cleanliness, would like to see blankets, over the bed-covers and pillows regulary changed/renewed. This is a common problem in nearly all hotels and one wonders how often these items are changed ? - Its just as important as clean bed linen and towels ! Disappointed that the bar and the restaurant were closed for refurbishment ? Visitors should be informed prior to taking the accommodation that a facility is being withdrawn, since the hotel is advertised as having a restaurant/bar. Another point is the lack of keys for the safe inside the wardrobe in our room. Its not prudent to carry money/valuables around whilst sightseeing etc., hence wishing to use the facility of the room safe, but no keys available at reception. Again, if it is advertised that there is a room safe facility, then it should be provided. Handing an envelope over to reception staff for safekeeping in the reception safe is not appropriate . Without a proper procedure, anyone can see/hear room details being given. No identification requested (I had requested that I be asked for some ID) upon collecting envelope at later stage. It is important to take all measures to avoid fraud, which can so easily spoil a holiday. To summarise, if hotels offer certain services/facilites, then those facilities should be honoured, but at least warn visitors beforehand, if services are withdrawn for any reason.  (1465986)

1.9 / 5 Anonymous on 06/12/2009 (Solo business traveller)

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1.9 / 5 Anonymous on 05/12/2009 (Solo business traveller)

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4.7 / 5 Anonymous on 22/11/2009 (Young couple)

location

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4.6 / 5 daniel [southampton, GB] on 16/11/2009 (Young couple)

Room was upgraded to club and this was excellent. very clean and comfortable. The restaurant was really lovely with good staff and a very friendly smiley face from the manager. The food was very good. We were really pleased overall.

The let down was really front of house staff, who did not seem to want to be bothered with guests and when asked questions seemed as if it was an intrusion on them. They did not smile and were not warm or approachable (apart from one lady) and when asked directions almost just shrugged.

Overall: The hotel itself was lovely, we were dubious as had read bad reviews before we stayed but we were really pleased with accommodation and thought the room and restaurant was excellent and we will be staying again, hopefully in the same room every time we come to london. We can brush off staff attitude as it does not bother use but I think some guests may find that an issue.  (108863616)

1.6 / 5 Philip [Luanda, AO] on 26/10/2009 (Solo business traveller)

Some staff members were very helpful and glad to assist. The free internet was also a plus.

Being asked to pay upfront for the total stay on check-in was a total surprise as it is not the normal practice. The Hotel advertises a fitness facility, but the treadmill was out ot order for the whole of my stay (11 days).

Overall: Had a great time in London. The Hotel could have made it even better.  (108861934)