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5 Stars - 584 Opinions
As in my title, I think this is London's first real hotel bar that has caught the attention of locals. It's quite swanky inside, with a long bar and limited lounge space. I recommend getting a bottle of Australian Shiraz and splitting it among your friends. The mural behind the bar is colourful, almost giving the bar a latino feel. Casual
We had a wonderful time at the Soho Hotel. The room was fantastic, the service was great and we couldn't have asked for more. Sandro the conceirge was extremely helpful and useful.
Bravo!
My boyfriend and I had to book at the last minute for a nights stay in London - we chose the Soho Hotel on recommendation and their staffs helpfulness when calling.
We had a brilliant stay and the whole experience was relaxing and enjoyable - I wish we could have stayed longer.
The service was excellent and we indulged ourselves with their afternoon tea which was delicious.
The concierge organised our parking, congestion charges and London cabbie about town - nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them - even my too heavy luggage!
Our room, Double Deluxe, was spacious with an enormous and very comfortable bed. The rain shower was like a massage and all the finishing touches were well received.
Breakfast in bed capped off a fantastic stay!
My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Soho Hotel on the 29th September and we can not thank the staff enough for the most amazing time we had during the reception and our three night stay.
We arrived the day before the wedding and a bottle of champagne was promptly sent up to our room. The room was very large, extremely comfortable and had a balcony with views over the entrance of the hotel and the London skyline. This is probably the best hotel and hotel room we have ever stayed in. My husband stayed elsewhere the night before the wedding so was unlucky to only experience 2 full nights!
My parents and brother also stayed in the hotel and although their rooms were not as big and did not have a view I think they found them comfortable, but a little expensive. We definitely had a much better room for only a comparitively small amount of extra money.
The day of the wedding the hotel helped us with chilling champagne which we took with us for our red double decker bus tour after the ceremony and by the time the bus dropped us off at the hotel after the wedding and tour the Library room was ready for our one hour booking, complete with bar staff to attend with drinks. We had 23 people altogether at the wedding and reception. After drinks and speeches in the Library we went downstairs for a meal in the swirl room. Apart from providing a seating plan and flowers I had left the room set up to the hotel and I was totally blown away with how beautiful it all looked. The meal was enjoyed and praised by everyone and the staff were very helpful and were happy for us to roam about the basement level as there were no other functions on that night. Photo opportunitites in the two screening rooms could not be missed!
A friend summed up the wedding as being very stylish and that was largely due to the Soho Hotel. The best thing is that we now have an excuse to come back every year! (Although I am also keen to try out the new Haymarket hotel this year too).
We couldn't recommend the hotel enough for a stay or for a small party, function or wedding reception!
London is the place for the night ....
Around Picadilly Circus and Leicester square you will find a good number of bars to experiment.
Sugar Reef, Tiger Tiger, Soho, RedCube, Oxygen, Digress, Boardwalk, Motion, Langley ...
LateNightLondon Casual ++
I've chosen The Soho for my birthday celebration 2 years ago and i've forgotten to give you my opinion about this amazing perfect and wonderful hotel.
I've tried a lot of hotels in the british capital but this experience has been simply unforgettable.
Everything is fantastic in this hotel from the staff elegant, trendy and helpful to the rooms, large, extremly well designed, some with a private terrace overlooking the trendy Soho district and with a lot of natural light due to large windows.
This is a true five stars hotel with high quality amenities, a rare attention to detail, an impressive cleanliness and an exquisite breakfast.
All the public areas are very comfortable as well like the library where you can have a drink in a cool trendy atmosphere. The lobby is huge with a Botero statue so original.
The Soho is undoubtly the best adress in London and for sure one of the best hotel in the world, better than the other hotels of the Firmdale group and in conclusion, one of my favourite city hotels.
I want to come back soon to stay again in this world of excellence and originality....
This was our second time staying at the SOHO and it was just as amazing as our first visit. The hotel is tucked down a side street in gritty SOHO. The 5 or 6 story building is a renovated parking garage with a masonry exterior with beautiful loft-style windows. I believe the hotel has about 90 rooms. So boutique is the category here. There also appears to be residential lofts that are a part of this building.
Enter the lobby and you are welcomed into an unusal mix and match of a number of design styles. This is haute-design.
The staff couldn't be more pleasant. No pretention. Just extraordinarily professionalism and friendly faces who recognize repeat guests. Which is what happened to us when we checked in and we were kindly upgraded to a luxury double room where a hand written note welcomed us back and some aroma therapy treatment was waiting as a gift to be used in a warm bath after a long flight. This kind of attention to detail is present at every twist and turn in this hotel. One night, after a long day and a late dinner out, as we passed the front desk to return to our room we were asked if we would like some warm milk and cookies sent up on the house as a late night snack. Who can say no to something like that? And the company should give their head concierge a big fat bonus. He was always eager to help. Getting us hard to find dinner reservations one night and trying to seek out much coveted tickets to "Little Britain" another night. Even offering to look "on teh black market" for us since teh show was long sold out. (Turns out it wasn't playing that night and we were leaving the next day.)
Guest rooms are perfect. I read that every room is different. Our room in our most recent stay (room 405) was decorated perfectly (like everything in this hotel) with an incredible twoil-like (sp?)wallpaper, textured/comfortable fabrics, comfy chairs to relax while watching the flat screen TV (and DVD player), an enormous bath with a huge tub and separate glass enclosed shower and great closet space for those of us who like to overpack when we travel.
Common areas are just plain quirky and plush. We had 6 firends meet us for drinks before we headed out to dinner one night and we used one of the drawing rooms as a gathering place. We had a waiter from the bar serve us and we and our guests felt like we were in our very own (albeit very grande) living room. There are 2 or 3 drawing rooms and they are all incredibly decorated. Classic British design meets modern. I just wish smoking was prohibited in public spaces...but soon I hear!
The gym is pretty good as far as hotel gyms go. I'd give it a 7 out of 10. I have yet to find an extraordinary gym. Actually, I think the best gym in London is at the Meridien in Piccadilly, but I digress. The SOHO's gym offers great cardio equipment and a pretty good selection of free weights. Massage rooms can be found off the gym and I saw some relaxed folks coming out from those rooms as I ran on the treadmill.
We have also found that the SOHOT Hotel is an extremely comfortable hotel for gay travellers. We've always been treated with kindness and respect.
We will never stay at any other hotel in London. Well, maybe we'll check out other Firmdale Hotels next time we are in town. But I'd feel a little guilty, to be honest.
We stayed here for two nights a couple of weeks ago. It was our second visit [so we must have been relatively impressed first time around] and our third at a Firmdale [because we had previously stayed at The Covent Garden Hotel, which did we like but, stylistically, much prefer The Soho].
I booked the room over the phone and gave my credit card details to cover the cost of two nights [about £1k] because my partner was travelling ahead of me and I didn't want him to have to be bothered with having to use his card to have to pay [he would usually know that by having to use his card he would end up paying for the treat, which wasn't the point].
It turned out that when he arrived he was required to present his credit card [not for identification purposes, which would have been fine] but for it to be swiped and debited. He didn't complain because [knowing me like he does he just thought "oh here we go again"].
I arrived 2 or 3 hours later to be told that he had had to use his card. So, being determined that just this once I would pay, and assuming that my card had not already been debited, despite my instructions, I presented my card.
As events eventually revealed, my card HAD been debited before either of us arrived [I think that it was £1100.00]. His card was then debited on his arrival, and then on my arrival my card was debited again, this time for £1300!!!.
That though did not cause the cancellation of my original debit of £1100 nor the cancellation of his debit [I assume it was £1100, or perhaps it was £1300].
Anyway, off we go out to supper that night, somewhere nice and with guests. My card, the only one I was carrying then "bounced" because there was over £1k missing!!!
Fortunately my partner had one of his cards with him and he paid. This was not a good start! Obviously the hotel were not going to overcharge us BUT they had reserved over £3.5k of our credit for a two night stay. So BEWARE!!!!
Anyway, our room, Junior Suite was really lovely, perfect in every way. A nice touch was that when we returned from supper on the Friday we were offered complimentary bed time milk and cookies.
Breakfast is a unique affair in Refuel.
Am I wrong, but when you have an English breakfast in a smart hotel at £21.00 aren't you entitled to have some cereal and or fruit from the buffet? Not here you aren't. I had two Weetabix and a slug of milk, and was told that that meant that I was having the "Refuel" breakfast which would cost over £30, although, eventually I was only charged £21, but I didn't have any Weetabix on the Sunday because it's nice but not £10+ nice.
These kind of details dim the shine on what should be a faultless hotel, and it is lovely, very stylish, generally welcoming, but it could do better if only they tried just that little bit harder.
Shame really because I love the look and like the location and I want to rave about the place, but I have to be honest and so I have.
Would we stay again? Probably yes.
My husband and I spent 2 nights in a Junior Suite for a break away from the kids. We always stay in 5 star hotels and this was one of the best we have stayed in, the main reason being - the service. The staff are superb, they remembered our names, welcomed us with a smile, were always friendly and extremely helpful. Best of all was the Head Concierge, Sandro, who went out of his way for us, getting long sold out tickets to a top show and recommending and booking all the latest London restaurants for us to try.
The suite was large and comfortable with a sitting area and big bed. The bathroom was a little outdated in decor but very large and kept spotlessly clean.
The public areas are beautifully and quirkily decorated making it a very trendy yet exceptionally cosy place to stay. The majority of clients appear to be celebrities or media types and yet we never felt intimidated or out of place, even though we are thirty something parents of three!
Breakfast at the Refuel restaurant within the hotel was disappointing, with little choice at the small buffet, but as it was included in our rate we didn't mind. It might be better to stay on a room only rate and have breakfast elsewhere, although again, the service was exceptional.
The only thing lacking was tea and coffee making facilities in the room. If you order hot drinks at night, they charge you a £3 room rate. But, as others have written here, you do get offered complimentary milk and cookies when you come in at night, PLUS free water was by our bed which I thought was veyr thoughtful.
All in all, I would highly recommend this hotel as we felt very looked after and made to feel special by all the staff, relaxing in a lovely environment. My husband also tried a massage in their spa downstairs which he said was excellent (and he is quite particular about massages).
It is expensive, you can't get away from that, but we felt it was worth the money. Plus, the location is great, right in the centre of Soho, near all the theatres and fantastic restaurants. We loved it.
We stayed for a surprise brithday for my nother this weekend. My parents for 2 nights in a deluxe junior suite (they were upgraded as soon as the hotel heard it was a birthday celebrateion) and myself and brother in standard double rooms for 1 night.
This is a wonderful hotel, tucked in the centre of Soho, with amazing design, excellent service (most of the time see below) and impeccable rooms.
All of the rooms were perfect, huge, spacious, well appointed, lots of toiletries, hairdryer, shoe shine, flat screen tv - you name it it's there. The beds were huge, very comfy and the cutains proper blackout!
I would highly recommend this hotel but would suggest you have breakfast in your room rather than in the restaurant. We had a terrible experience on the Sunday morning (too annoying to go into) which blighted what was a fantastic stay, I would suggest that with room service you will not have this problem!
This is the second Firmdale hotel we have stayed at (Pelham also) and whilst expensive they are well worth it.
Soho / London
Soho, London's nightclub and entertainment distric
China Town gate in Soho London.
My husband and I are looking for a good jazz club/bar/cafe in London. We'd prefer classic jazz, 20s or 30s jazz or something like that. The place should also have good, friendly service, nothing pretentious. :) Can anyone suggest anything?
camden town Jazz cafe, when you come out of the tube station(camden) go a meters left to the crossing then cross the road on your right and go up that front facing road a few more meters and its on the left inside.enjoy....
Whenever I've been to the Jazz Cafe in Camden it has always been soul rather than jazz. I love the place but I don't know if there is enough of the type of jazz you are looking for there.
I would have thought Ronnie Scott's was the place to go. http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/ 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT
never been there
Obviodly Ronnie Scotts is the big name.
Pizza Express in Soho also have jazz.
http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/
Over in Chelsea is the 606 Club which like Ronnie Scotts, is a big of an institution.
http://www.606club.co.uk/index.htm?486,411
If you would like to go to a cafe, the huge bookshop Foyles on Charing Cross Road has a Jazz Cafe next to the Jazz department on the 1st floor.
Thanks for your replies! We'll probably check out Ronnie Scotts and maybe some of the other places too. :)
Can anyone recommend a good Thai restaurant in London?
I know one called Bali Bali at 150 Shafetsbury Avenue. I liked it, but I am not an expert on Thai food.
there are hundreds - do you want cheap, expensive etc??
Bali Bali is an Indonesian restaurant, they're a good. But for a nice value on Thai food, try The Churchill Arm Pub. Just inside this pub you'll find a nice Thai restaurant which serve a good portion of Thai food. 119 Kensington Church Street, Kensington. Nearest tube is Notting Hill Gate .
You can search on www.londoneats.com or www.best10.com. The latter really has good ideas for food in London.
In my experience, best expensive: -
Blue Elephant
4-6 Fulham Broadway, Fulham, SW6
(020) 7385 6595
Decked out like an island jungle paradise, the Blue Elephant is the Thai restaurant for people who love the full exotic experience. Expect trees and streams as well as delicious food, and you will undoubtedly be impressed.
Best cheap and cheerful: -
Busaba Eathai
(£10-£30) Thai
106-110, Wardour Street, Soho
London W1 F0TS
020 7255 8686
A 2002 LondonEats.com Award Winner and 2001 Moet And Chandon Restaurant Award Nominee. The large tables which you share with strangers (or friends you don't know yet) is a similar format to Wagamama. The menu stretches beyond the norm and was based on dishes the Thai Royal Family used to eat. Expect to pay around £18 per person (for a main, side order and drinks). No bookings taken - just turn up.
I've enjoyed, and recommend, both. The latter is much more central. Bon apetit!
Thank you all!!
Yes, Yudhis, Bali Bali serves Indonesian food, but the owners adverise it as Thai and Indonesian.
Yup you're right there
A Taste of Siam in Camden is v gd, great value, yummy food, friendly staff. it's on camden high street between mornington crescent and camden tube stops. nearest to MC, on left as you walk north but only 5 mins from camden.
Blue Elephant is the best but expensive.
Hi,
I, personally, recommend "Chiang Mai" at 48 Frith St. (Leicester Sq./Tottenham Court Rd.) London 020-7437 7444. and strongly recommend "Lamb Massaman Curry".
sunny
Hi all,
I want to give my boyfriend a surprise this weekend and book a dinner anywhere in London where they play good live jazz music (I know nothing about jazz but he's really into it). I'm willing to pay up to £40-45 each (if I can't find anything good that's cheaper). We live in Brighton but I just moved here and I'm not familiar yet with nightlife and restaurants in London, and especially the jazz scene!
If you could give me a hand you'd make two people happy :)
Many many thanks in advance for your help!
12 St James’s St, SW1A 1ER. They serve great fish, and knock-out apple pie martinins!
Tel: 020 7976 2222
Web: www.juststjames.com
However, you might be aware of the Jazz festival from Friday the 12th? Would it not be better to wait till then??
There are many eateries around, and for a lovely romantic setting, check out Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, on Floral Street.
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/music/gigs-contemporary/jazz-blues
The London Jazz Festival
12/11/2010 - 21/11/2010 Southbank Centre (Clore Ballroom)
Hola again ;-)
If you have to go this weekend, the best place would be: Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4HT. It's decorated like a true jazz venue!!
Opening Hours Mon-Sat 18:00-03:00; Sun-18:00-00:00
To book Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club call: 020 7439 0747
Refer to http://www.toptable.com/venue/?id=6634 for photos
http://www.toptable.com/venue/menus/?id=6634 for menu.
Adios :-)
wow, thanks! :) I didn't know about the jazz festival (maybe he did, though). But I'm afraid the timing is not good as he will be away from the UK for 2 weeks from next week.
So, considering we cannot make it to the jazz festival, do you think this other place, St James, would be a cool place to give him a surprise? (re the atmosphere, decoration etc? and the music ofc). Well, I take as it would be, since you recommended it! I'm going to have a look at their webpage
Thank you, I can't stop smiling from the excitement! :-))
uy, I just read the second reply. Muchas muchas gracias, I'll book there! :)))
Hey, I just read your forum pot re moving here in April. I guess you're well settled now ;-)
Made amigos with the gulls ;-) ??
Are you teaching Spanish at the uni? I love Spain btw, and studied at a Spanish school!!
My immediate thought was Ronnie Scotts. They also do Sunday Jazz lunches - entrance about £13, I think and you don't have to eat.
http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/news/20-sunday-jazz-lunches-every-sunday-click-for-new-dates
thanks! so that's two good reviews now, I'll go for that one. Can't wait!
I've used the Dover St Jazz Bar before but it was over 10 years ago.
http://www.doverst.co.uk/
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Address: 4 Richmond Mews, London, W1D 3DH, United Kingdom
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