More about The Tophams Hotel Belgravia
Casual Elegance in Belgravia
by TripAdvisor Member wdwdbutler
The Tophams Hotel on Ebury Street was a complete delight for the eight days of our stay in London. The decor is kitschy elegant, the atmosphere relaxed and subdued, and the rooms cozy and clean. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful around the clock, including servicing a snug, comfortable cocktail lounge at all hours. The Topsham offers a lovely breakfast, and the maid service was fastidious. The location is perfect in London's upscale Belgravia neighborhood, just two blocks walk from Victoria Station. Down the street is the Ebury Wine Bar, actually a lovely French restaurant with magnificent cuisine and a charming atmosphere. We also recommend the Belgravia Coffee Bar down the street for breakfast or lunch. The best pub in the neighborhood is the Plumber's Arms -- quiet and intimate, but at the same time a lot of fun, crammed with professional people of all ages. The owner of the Tophams Hotel, A.J. Farhani, is a gracious and welcoming host. Highly recommended!
Absolutely terrible.
by TripAdvisor Member adamharper
I stayed at Tophams Hotel late last year, not long after it first opened. I was so looking forward to returning this year for the Wimbledon fortnight.
Just walking through the front door my heart sank to see the beautiful designer decor that I loved last year has been obliterated by some cheap Persian rugs.
The Reception staff while friendly, would obviously rather not be there, and I didn't recognise any staff at all from my previous stay (only 8 months previously), not a good sign.
My room was small, but nice. However, the air-conditioning didn't work, the shower tray was dirty and my internet access was broken. The lift was also flakey to say the least.
Later in the evening I was horrified to witness several people arriving later being transferred over to the 'sister hotel' (which is only 3*) and still having to pay the FULL RATE! Unbelievable. They seem to like over booking.
Four star? Not likely.
It's always a shame when a hotel you like changes hands and loses it's magic, but I guess that's life.
So my tip is, it's probably fine to stay here if you arrive before they've filled all the rooms and you don't want air-con or the internet.
Believe me, I am not a complainer, and will put up with most things, but this place is now awful.
Great location, excellent quality, and a safe bet!
by TripAdvisor Member AV8n4life
I picked the Tophams after a good bit of research. I feel the Tophams has gotten quite a lower ranking than it deserves due to some reviews that I believe unfairly excoriated the hotel for some (IMHO) pretty minor things. The hotel couldn't be better located; it's a three-minute walk to Victoria station and the hotel is located along a very safe, clean, quiet street. Yes, the rooms are small but for a 19th century building there's only so much you can do...it was just small enough to be "cozy" but not small enough to be a hassle. Book the hotel with confidence--if you don't expect every hotel to be the Mandarin Oriental but like high-quality rooms with good fixtures at a good price, this hotel won't disappoint you! And the location is unbeatable!
Great location and clean
by TripAdvisor Member avilletraveler
Tophams is located in Belgravia, very close-easy walking distance - to the Victoria Station where you can access the buses, the underground, and trains. It was perfect for us since we flew into Gatwick and could get the Gatwick Express directly to Victoria. It is located on a quiet street and we were never disturbed at night. The double room was small but nicely decorated and clean with almost new fixtures and materials. If your AC doesn't come on, make sure you call the desk-they have to turn it on from their master system. We did not have breakfast there-it was too expensive, but there are many charming restaurants, cafes and pubs close by. Overall a very good experience and we would return.
Horrendous service - lost laundry, Internet down
by TripAdvisor Member ariellek_bj
I stayed for 4 nights in late April 2009. My dry cleaning was lost for 2 days, then found on the floor of the reception, and returned to me unwashed. The cleaning staff failed to do a thorough job in cleaning the room -- the bed would be neatly made, but somehow the coffee cups were not washed and the bathroom sink would be left dirty. The owner also happened to forget to pay for the Internet service, so the wireless network available in the rooms was not accessible for 24 hours.
Gorgoeous Boutique Hotel, perfect location for Victoria Theatre
by TripAdvisor Member FluffyLeeds
This place was just a gorgeous little town house. We didn't eat here, had breakfast at anearby cafe and ate out in the evening, but we stayed for a night while going to see Wicked. The hotel was so close to the hotel, the train station and the coach station, and was really unique in a city full of big samey hotels.
The room was beautiful, stylish and romantic and perfect for our trip.
Recommended.
by TripAdvisor Member Curb_Safe_Charmer
I stayed for two nights on business. I got a bit lost trying to find the hotel from Victoria Station - a map is a good idea for the first visit. On arrival I was greeted by name by the friendly receptionist. There was some confusion over my booking but it was quickly resolved. My room was small but nicely furnished and comfortable. The bathroom again is nicely equipped but as small as it could be and still have room for a bath, loo and basin!
I tried to order room service but got no answer from the kitchen; when I rang reception they said the chef had called in sick. A shame as the menu looked nice. Typical London room service prices. Reception pointed me in the direction of a winebar that has a restaurant section, or I could have eaten in an Italian restaurant across the street.
I had wireless internet access though it seemed a bit tempermental. There was also wired internet at the desk but this didn't work at all.
TV channels were limited but you could borrow a selection of DVDs from reception.
There was a small bar on the ground floor, but I never saw it manned or any customers in it.
Overall a good stay - very convenient for Victoria. I would happily stay there again.
Fantastic location
by TripAdvisor Member GaylePDublin
Stayed her for one night last weekend for a trip to London to see Wicked. Booked it through lastminute.com as a top secret hotel and got a great deal-half the advertised rate on the hotel's website.
The location was perfect for us-literally two minutes to Victoria station, brilliant if you are flying into Gatwick, and only five minutes to the Apollo Victoria Theatre where Wicked is playing. The area is also quite upmarket, quiet and clean. We strolled up to Sloane Square and the Kings Road in about 10 mins or less on the Saturday and walked to Knghtsbridge on the Sunday in about 15 mins, all through lovely well kept streets and squares with parks and beautiful architecture.
The hotel itself is small. We had booked a twin room and but were given a double, which was not ideal for us. When we asked to be moved to a twin we were told that there were none available and were given a complimentary bottle of wine to make up for it. As we were staying for only one night we did not mind too much, but it would have been a problem if we were staying longer. The room was on the fourth floor and was tiny, also very warm as air con did not seem to be working and would not go below 19c, but we just opened the windows. It was however cosy and comfortable and impeccably clean. Decor is also very nice, as it is through the whole hotel.
Staff were friendly and helpful and the use of the internet and printer in reception for free was handy for checking in on line, thus saving us time at the airport.
Overall would recommend hotel if you can get a deal and are only staying a short time.
pretty hotel...but careful what you get
by TripAdvisor Member KatjeBrussels
This hotel is pretty and recently renewed. Breakfast is good and service is average. I would just warn you if you are travelling by yourself that the single rooms are tiny (not just small) and that if you are very unlucky (like my colleague) you will end up in a tiny bedroom with no en suite bathroom. I had booked a double but on arrival I was told that there were none left and asked to go to a single room in exchange for free breakfast. The room was pleasant and the single bed large enough but I could not have stayed there longer than the one night. The shower is so small that only women or rather small men can actually shower in it. In conclusion book if if you can get a good deal...or travel in twos!