Review: Luxury Hotel Strand Palace In Central London

Who can deny the energy that runs through the streets of central London?

Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street; as the famous British writer, Samuel Johnson so aptly describes it: “When someone is tired of London, they are tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

Strand Street is no exception: a pulsing thoroughfare that is the beating heart connecting Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Soho and the West End.

The Lobby

Having opened its doors in 1909, the imposing building that is Strand Palace is a long-standing landmark on the bustling street.

Last year the hotel, under the ownership of property investment company L&R (who also own Cliveden House, Chewton Glen, and Lygon Arms under its Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio) underwent a multimillion-pound refurbishment which saw the renovation of all 785 bedrooms.

A modern art-deco theme runs throughout the hotel, the lobby and restaurant decor a nod to Strand Palace’s parties in the roaring 20s and 30s.

The Afternoon Tea Room

In a move by L&R likely geared at positioning the hotel at the top of the capital's four-star offering alongside its contemporaries (such as its affluent neighbour, The Savoy), the renovations have been met with rave reviews from journalists, bloggers and guests alike.

Haxells at Strand Palace

The contemporary house restaurant, Haxells, makes an impact upon entering: an open space with classy Deco touches (smoke-coloured mirrored columns, enigmatic globe wall lighting) and a sprawling feature bar.

Breakfast is a delightful serve-yourself buffet of hot and cold food, including the full English through to a selection of cheeses and hams, pastries, granola and fruit. Staff are quick off the mark and attentive, keen to showcase world-class hospitality to their guests.

Heading up to the newly renovated rooms is an easy task considering how many the hotel houses, with thanks to the effective signage.

Within the rooms, the views across the street ensure if there’s something going on down below, you’ll have the best seats in the house but, crucially, rooms are quiet despite the hustle and bustle.

The beds provide ample space to stretch out and snooze on, are comfortable and fresh smelling with extra pillows available should they be needed. Bathrooms feature sleek Hans Grohe showers, fluffy towels and good quality grooming products.

Double Room at Strand Palace

The concierge service is also on hand to offer advice, as well as sell tour, theatre and travel tickets. There is 24-hour room service, same-day dry cleaning, and a basic fitness centre open until 10 pm, with treadmills, a free weights section, exercise balls and cycling machines; two personal trainers are also available.

Just across the way from attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames, Strand Palace is a very strong contender on our list of hotels in the City ideally located for tourists.

An upmarket property at accessible prices, Strand Palace has everything going for it and with property tycoons Ian and Richard Livingstone at the helm, the hotel’s future is bright, looking likely to be one of the best in the City.

Rooms start at £292 with B&B

To browse the hotel and book a room, visit www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk

372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ, United Kingdom

+44 (0)20 7379 4737

info@strandpalacehotel.co.uk