Location

Address: Praça Marquês de Pombal 8, 1269-133 Lisboa, Portugal

City/Region: Lisbon, Portugal.

Proximity to Attractions:

• Marquês de Pombal Square: Right on the square itself. A significant traffic circle and square featuring an impressive monument and a key transport hub.
• Avenida da Liberdade: Approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) away. A major thoroughfare known for its luxury shopping, dining options, and architectural landmarks.
• Eduardo VII Park: About 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. A large public park offering green spaces, panoramic views of the city, and a pleasant place for a stroll.
• Rossio Square: Approximately 1.2 miles (2 km) away. A historic square known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural events.
• Alfama District: About 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away. One of Lisbon’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods, known for its narrow streets and traditional Fado music.

HF Fénix Lisboa is situated in the heart of Lisbon. The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring Lisbon’s attractions and enjoying its vibrant city life. Just a stone’s throw away from Avenida da Liberdade known for its luxury shopping, dining options, and architectural landmarks. There are some great restaurants to eat out at and all the well-known luxury brand stores including Burberry, Michael Kors, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Prada, Guess and many more.

First Impressions at the Hotel

Arrival Experience:

The hotel’s entrance and reception area were clean and tidy as you would expect from a 4* hotel. The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and there were 3 staff members available to help guests check in. We were seen almost immediately and were greeted with a warm welcome.

After the check-in details were completed, a member of staff spoke to us about the area and helped us locate some landmarks using a map. The service was fantastic. A great first impression of the staff/service.

Ambience:

The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were good overall. It felt like it was a good 4* hotel.

Accommodation

Room Type: Terrace Room – Double Bed

View:

View from the room was directly towards Marquês de Pombal Square (8th floor)

Size and Layout:

The room itself felt quite small for the premium price we paid to upgrade to a terrace room. It was obvious upon entering, that the upgrade was solely for the outside terrace space. The layout itself was as expected with an area to keep your belongings and a separate area to rest. The bathroom walls take up space from within the room which makes the room feel much smaller than expected because of the bathroom layout, there is a narrow corridor type of space which leads to a desk with Tea/Coffee making facilities. All in all, the room was adequate but felt smaller than expected for the £155 per night price tag.

Comfort:

The quality of the bed was good. linens were clean and tidy upon arrival. Each guest had 2 pillows each and these were very good pillows. Overall, comfort levels were excellent.

Noise levels in the room were slightly below expectations. Noise from the corridor leaked through into the room as well as the outside traffic noise. Due to the location, traffic near the hotel can be heavy, especially in the mornings when the noise can be an issue. It just seemed the level of soundproofing was not adequate for this room.

Cleanliness:

The cleanliness of the room, bathroom, and common areas were all good. The hotel is not a new build but has been kept well and in good overall condition. Housekeeping was good. The beds were clean and made up ready for our arrival.
Amenities:

The range and quality of the in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi, television, kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.

Facilities

On-Site Dining:

Restaurant: The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a selection of international and local dishes.

Bar/Lounge: A casual area where guests can unwind and enjoy a variety of beverages.

We chose not to use the hotel dining options during our stay as the cost was outweighed by the vast cheaper options available nearby.

General Hotel Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel for guest convenience.
• Fitness Centre: Equipped with modern exercise equipment.
• Business Centre: Includes meeting rooms and workspaces for business travellers.
• Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of international and local dishes.
• Bar: A space for guests to relax and enjoy drinks.
• 24-Hour Reception: For assistance and guest services.
• Airport Shuttle: Available upon request, often at an additional charge.
• Laundry Service: Available for guests needing laundry facilities.

Staff:

The Reception staff were friendly and very helpful. We were given all the information we needed for a great stay. Our experiences with the front desk, concierge, and other hotel services were excellent overall.

Value for Money

Pricing:

We paid approximately £155 per night for a Terrace Room.

• Overall Value:

The value of upgrading to a terrace room, in our opinion is not worth the money. (from £95 – £155) The rooms are not any bigger. The standard rooms would be a better option.

Final Thoughts

We liked the hotel. The location was good and close to everything needed. It’s a good hotel if you plan to go to Lisbon and want to stay in the busy/tourist area.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, we would. The value for money was fair but there are other options nearby so next time, we will try a different hotel.

Location

Address: 449 Great West Rd, Hounslow TW5 0BU

City/Region: Manchester, United Kingdom.

Proximity to Attractions:

• Heathrow Airport: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away. Ideal for those with early or late flights.
• Southall Broadway: Approximately 3 miles (5 km) away. Ideal for Indian clothes and gift shopping.
• Hounslow Urban Farm: About 2 miles (3.2 km) away. A local farm offering a chance to interact with animals and enjoy a family-friendly day out.
• Kew Gardens: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) away. A large botanical garden known for its extensive plant collections and beautiful landscapes.
• Twickenham Stadium: Around 4.5 miles (7.2 km) away. The home of English rugby and a venue for major sports events and concerts.
• Richmond Park: About 5 miles (8 km) away. A large park offering scenic walks and wildlife, including deer.

Park Grand Heathrow is located near London Heathrow Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers needing proximity to the airport. The hotel’s location is particularly beneficial for those needing quick access to Heathrow Airport, while also being a short drive away from Southall (good for Indian wedding shopping etc)

First Impressions

Arrival Experience:

The hotel’s entrance and reception area were clean with no issues identified. The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and the process was simple and easy enough. The staff were friendly and checked us in with no problems.

Ambience:

The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were good overall. Nothing fancy.

Accommodation

Room Type: Quad Room

View: View from the room was towards the street.

Size and Layout:

The size was approximately 23-25 square metres and felt decent. There was no feeling of claustrophobia. The beds were spaced out well with easy access to all the room amenities. All in all, it is exactly what is expected.
Comfort:

The quality of the bed was good. linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was good.

Noise levels in the room were absolutely fine. No untoward noises were noticed during the stay. The lighting and climate control were adequate and no issues were found here.
Cleanliness:

The cleanliness of the room, bathroom, and common areas were all good. The hotel is not a new build but has been kept well and in good overall condition.
Housekeeping was good. The beds were clean and made up ready for our arrival.
Amenities:

The range and quality of the in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi, television, kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.

Facilities

On-Site Dining:

Restaurant: The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a selection of international and local dishes.

Bar/Lounge: A casual area where guests can unwind and enjoy a variety of beverages.

We chose not to use the hotel dining options during our stay as the cost was outweighed by the vast cheaper options available just a short drive away in Southall.

General Hotel Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel for guest convenience.
• Fitness Centre: Equipped with modern exercise equipment.
• Business Centre: Includes meeting rooms and workspaces for business travellers.
• Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers a variety of international and local dishes.
• Bar: A space for guests to relax and enjoy drinks.
• 24-Hour Reception: For assistance and guest services.
• Airport Shuttle: Available upon request, often at an additional charge.
• Laundry Service: Available for guests needing laundry facilities.

Staff:

The Reception staff were friendly. We spoke at length when we planned to go to Southall in the evening. They helped with parking advice etc. Our experiences with the front desk, concierge, and other hotel services were good.

Value for Money

Pricing:

We paid approximately £120 per night and found it to be fair value.

• Overall Value:

There are other hotels nearby with similar pricing but in our opinion, this hotel offers good value for money.

Final Thoughts

We liked Park Grand Heathrow. The location was good and close to Southall and Heathrow Airport. It’s a good hotel if you plan to go to Southall for wedding shopping etc and need an overnight stay.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, we would. The value for money was good and it is a decent hotel overall.

Location

Address: Hobyar, Hocahanı Sok. No:10, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

City/Region: Old City, Istanbul, Türkiye

Proximity to Attractions:

• Hagia Sophia: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. This iconic monument was originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum, known for its impressive architecture.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Around 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. Famous for its stunning blue tiles and magnificent architecture.
• Topkapi Palace: About 0.6 miles (1 km) away. This grand palace was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum.
• Basilica Cistern: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. An ancient underground water reservoir with captivating columns and a serene atmosphere.
• Grand Bazaar: Around 1 mile (1.6 km) away. One of the largest and oldest covered markets globally, offering a vast array of goods.

Demiray Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Old City in Istanbul.

The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the historical and cultural sites of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district. This central location places guests within easy reach of many of Istanbul’s historic and cultural attractions.

The hotel’s prime location in Sultanahmet makes it an ideal base for exploring Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural sites.

First Impressions

Arrival Experience:

The first impressions were good upon arriving at the Demiray Hotel in Istanbul. The hotel’s entrance presents a fairly welcoming feel, with its well-maintained facade and understated elegance. Soft lighting and tasteful furnishings create a relaxing environment, setting a positive tone for the stay.

The check-in process was smooth and efficient, with friendly staff who provided a warm welcome and information about the hotel’s amenities and breakfast timings. The staff were friendly and polite.

Ambience:

The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas are good and it does seem like a 4* Hotel as advertised.

Accommodation

Room Type: Standard Triple Room

View: The view was to the street. Not much to see as a lot of the roads in Istanbul are pretty similar, General Shops mostly.

Size and Layout:

The room was sufficient for a Double bed & 1 Single bed layout. There was enough space to move around and store luggage without any issues. The bathroom was adequate and the room also had a small patio area which was not used as it led directly to another rooms patio door. Not sure what the use of this is.

Comfort:

The quality of the bed was ok. Not luxury but sufficient. The linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was OK.

Noise levels in the room were acceptable. No issues were found here. The lighting and climate control were adequate.

Cleanliness:

The cleanliness of the room & bathroom were all satisfactory. Housekeeping was good. Beds were cleaned and made up each morning and the room was cleaned. New towels were provided as expected.

Amenities:

The range and quality of the in-room amenities such television and kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.

The Wi-Fi in the room was weak. We had to use our mobile sim to get acceptable internet speed. Please keep this in mind when booking this hotel.

Facilities

On-Site Dining:

• Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offered a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of local and international dishes which was good overall quality.
• Restaurant: Meals were available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, but we chose not to use this as there were better, cheaper options available nearby.

General Hotel Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel – But our room had weak speed throughout our stay.
• 24-Hour Reception: For guest assistance and information.
• Laundry Service: Available for guests.

Service

Staff:

Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all good.

Value for Money

Overall Value:

Overall the hotel offers a budget-friendly stay. Good value for Money and worth a visit.

Final Thoughts

The location was good and close to local amenities and attractions. It is within walking distance of restaurants/takeaways and local attractions.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, in our opinion the hotel offers good value for money and is in general good order.

Location

Address: Cankurtaran Mah. Akbiyik Caddesi No:24 Sultanahmet, 34122 Istanbul, Türkiye.

City/Region: Old City, Istanbul, Türkiye

Proximity to Attractions:

• Hagia Sophia: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. This iconic landmark was originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Around 0.4 miles (0.6 km) away. Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
• Topkapi Palace: About 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away. The historic palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans and is now a museum.
• Basilica Cistern: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away. An ancient underground water reservoir with stunning columns and architecture.
• Grand Bazaar: Around 1 mile (1.6 km) away. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Miss Istanbul Hotel is situated in the vibrant city centre of Istanbul. This prime location places guests within easy reach of many of Istanbul’s famous landmarks and attractions.

The hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the historical and cultural sites of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.

First Impressions

Arrival Experience:

The hotel’s entrance and reception area were welcoming, yet as with a lot of hotels in this area, seemed to be slightly on the small side. The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and the process was smooth enough. We were given a room on the basement floor with no option to change without having to pay extra. This was not a chosen option at the time of booking so was a disappointment. The staff were polite enough but we wouldn’t say they were too friendly. Just enough to get by would be the best way to put it.

Ambience:

The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were ok but did not feel like the 4* it was advertised when booking. The overall vibe was fair: “You get what you pay for” so to speak.

Accommodation

Room Type: Triple Room – Economy

View: There was no external Window in the room. There was a Patio area which you could see some internal walls through the ceiling but no external windows. Literally like a basement.

Size and Layout:

The room was sufficient for a triple-bed layout. There was enough space to move around and store luggage without any issues. The bathroom was adequate and the room also had a small patio area (which we used for casual smoking)

Comfort:

The quality of the bed was ok. Not luxury but sufficient. The linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was OK.

Noise levels in the room were at times not acceptable. The room was located on the basement level right near the restaurant and staff/maintenance rooms. During dining times, there was a lot of passing noise. The lighting and climate control were adequate and no issues were found here.

Cleanliness:

The cleanliness of the room & bathroom were all satisfactory. Housekeeping was good. Beds were cleaned and made up each morning and the room was cleaned. New towels were provided as expected.

Amenities:

The range and quality of the in-room amenities such television and kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.

The Wi-Fi in the room was weak. We had to use our mobile sim to get acceptable internet speed. Please keep this in mind when booking this hotel.

Facilities

On-Site Dining:

• Breakfast Buffet: The hotel offered a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of local and international dishes which was good overall quality.
• Restaurant: Meals were available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, but we chose not to use this as there were better, cheaper options available nearby.

General Hotel Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel – But our room had extremely weak speed throughout our stay.
• 24-Hour Reception: For guest assistance and information.
• Laundry Service: Available for guests.

Service

Staff:

Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all fair. Nobody went out of their way to help make the stay better. We queried the location of the room but no help was offered.

Value for Money

Overall Value:

Overall the hotel offers a budget-friendly stay. There are other hotels nearby with similar pricing that offer a better value stay (in our opinion). See our other hotel reviews in Istanbul.

Final Thoughts

The location was good and close to local amenities and attractions. It is within walking distance of restaurants/takeaways and local attractions.

Would We Go Back?

Unfortunately No, in our opinion there are better hotels within the vicinity that offer better value for money.

Location

Address: 21 Dickinson Street, Manchester, M1 4LX

City/Region: Manchester, United Kingdom.

Proximity to Attractions:

• Manchester Art Gallery: Approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) away.
• The John Rylands Library: Around 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away.
• Manchester Arena: About 0.6 miles (1 km) away.
• Manchester Museum: Roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) away.
• Etihad Stadium: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) away.

The Novotel Manchester Centre is situated in the heart of Manchester and provides a central base for exploring the city’s vibrant attractions, shopping areas, and business districts.

The hotel is well-positioned for both leisure and business travellers, with easy access to Manchester’s main shopping areas, restaurants, and nightlife.

First Impressions

Arrival Experience:

The hotel’s entrance and reception area were welcoming and clean with no issues identified. The Check-in Desk was easy to locate and the process was simple and easy enough. The staff were friendly and checked us in with no problems. We were advised of our chosen room and the details needed were provided without having to ask any questions.

Ambience:

The atmosphere and interior design of the hotel’s common areas were nice and did feel like the 4* it was rated. The overall vibe was good.

Accommodation

Room Type: Standard Room with 1 Queen-size Bed and 1 Sofa Bed.

View: View from the room was towards the street. Nothing special.

Size and Layout:

The size was approximately 23-25 square metres and felt decent. There was no feeling of claustrophobia. The beds were spaced out well with easy access to all the room amenities. All in all, it is exactly what is expected.
Comfort:

The quality of the bed was good. linens were clean and tidy upon arrival, and the overall comfort level was good.

Noise levels in the room were absolutely fine. No untoward noises were noticed during the stay. The lighting and climate control were adequate and no issues were found here.
Cleanliness:

The cleanliness of the room, bathroom, and common areas were all satisfactory. The hotel is not a new build but has been kept well and in good overall condition.
Housekeeping was good. Beds were cleaned and made up each morning and the room was cleaned. New towels were provided as expected.
Amenities:

The range and quality of the in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi, television, kettle etc. were good. Everything you generally need was available. There were sufficient plug sockets and the light switches were placed conveniently.

Facilities

On-Site Dining:

Elements Restaurant: Offers a range of international dishes in a relaxed setting. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served.

Bar: A casual spot for drinks and light snacks, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring or meetings.

We chose not to use the hotel dining options during our stay as the cost was outweighed by the vast cheaper options available just a short walking distance from the hotel itself.

General Hotel Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the hotel.
• Fitness Centre: Equipped with modern exercise equipment.
• Business Centre: Includes meeting rooms and workspaces.
• Laundry Service: Available for guests.
• 24-Hour Reception: For assistance and information.

Service

Staff:

Staff professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness were all good.
Our experiences with the front desk, concierge, and other hotel services were always polite & friendly.

Value for Money

Pricing:

• Superior Room: Typically ranges from £80 to £120 per night, depending on the season and booking conditions.
• Executive Room: Generally costs between £120 and £160 per night.
• Suite: Usually priced between £160 and £250 per night, subject to availability and special offers.

We paid approximately £120 per night and found it to be fair value. Novotel Hotels are a nice place to rest and in our opinion, worth the money.

Overall Value:

There are other hotels nearby with similar pricing but in our opinion, this hotel offers good value for money.

Final Thoughts

We like Novotel Hotel, Manchester. The location was brilliant and close to local amenities and attractions. It is within walking distance of Chinatown and has lots of restaurants/takeaways nearby.

Would We Go Back?

Yes, we would. The value for money was good and it is a decent hotel overall.

Location

Hilton London Metropole is conveniently located on Edgware Road, just 10 minutes walk from the West End and Oxford Street and a 10 minute tube ride from Westfield Shopping Centre. There are also two Tube stations within a few minutes walking distance. Madame Tussauds is a 15 minute walk away and Hyde Park is ½ mile away. The walk is a good way of seeing all the shops and restaurants on Edgware Road.

Parking is available in the hotel underground carpark which has lift access to reception. The carpark is operated by Q-Park which can be pre booked on their website. Parking costs around £15 per night. You can enter/exit as often as you like during your stay. The parking spaces are tight so you’ll have to be good at manoeuvring in tight spaces!

Amenities

The hotel offers many types of rooms including Executive for those who don’t mind splashing the cash! Each room has its own en-suite and tea making facilities and are a generally a good size for London. The rooms were clean and tidy and serviced well.  Guests who book an Executive Room also have access to the Executive lounge which offers complimentary snacks and drinks.

The hotel itself has a good feel to it. It does feel like a good 4* hotel. Reception was manned well with at least 5 people serving guests. check in / check out were pretty quick with no issues.

During our stay, refurbishment was underway on a section of the hotel but this did not interfere with our stay whatsoever. No noises or disturbances made their way to guest rooms which was pretty surprising! We are reliably informed this work is now complete.

You will find all the usual amenities you expect from a good 4* hotel:

• Conference facilities
• Free Internet
• Bar / lounge
• Restaurant
• 24 hour reception
• Housekeeping / room service
• TV
• Tea/Coffee making facilities in the room
• Non-Smoking hotel
• Executive Lounge
• Gym / Fitness Centre
• Non-Smoking hotel

Value For Money

We paid £224 for a 2 night stay in the 2 QUEEN BEDS SUPERIOR ROOM. This gave us 2 x Queen size beds. There are cheaper hotels and room rates available nearby but we believe this hotel offers a fairly good value for money stay. We have taken some images of the room so you get an idea of what they are like.

For the location, the £112 per night is fairly good value for money we think. You can sometimes pick up rooms for around £85-90 if you shop around. If you are a member of Hilton Honours, you can also grab some points for your account!

Service / Staff

The service from reception staff at check in was good. They gave us all the information we needed to have a good stay. They advised us on the on-going refurbishment work (Which we think should be advertised on their website when booking)

We asked a number of questions to see how knowledgeable the Reception staff were about the surrounding area and they seemed to be able to answer each query with no issues and were polite.

Lastly – Would we go back

YES.

We believe this hotel offers fairly good value for money, a good location and a good overall service. All in all, it was a good stay and we would recommend anyone visiting London to give this hotel a try.

Expert Hotel Review – Clayton Hotel – Birmingham, UK

Location

The Clayton Hotel is located in Birmingham city centre. It is located within a 5 minute walk to Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre and Grand Central. The location is ideal for anyone looking to spend the night in the heart of Birmingham City Centre. There are an array of restaurants and shops nearby within walking distance and lots of nightlife entertainment.

Parking is readily available nearby. We parked in the NCP Birmingham High Street which cost £11 and this can be paid at the hotel reception when checking out. The car park is located just a short walk from the hotel (around 3 minutes) the price is pretty good for Birmingham city centre. Just take the entry card at the barrier when entering the car park and the hotel staff will scan it on checkout. You then use this when exiting the car park.

Amenities

The hotel offers 218 rooms which are all what you would expect in a 4* hotel. Each room has its own en-suite and tea making facilities and are a good size for Birmingham. The rooms were clean and tidy and serviced well. There is a bar located on the first floor which can be accessed via the lifts or a staircase in reception. There is a hotel restaurant which serves good food and an outside smoking area within the lounge/bar area.  

The hotel itself has a good feel to it. It does feel like a good 4* hotel. Reception was manned well with at least 3 people serving guests. check in / check out were pretty quick with no issues.

You will find all the usual amenities you expect from a good 4* hotel:

• Conference facilities
• Free Internet
• Bar / lounge
• Restaurant
• 24 hour reception
• Housekeeping / room service
• TV
• Tea/Coffee making facilities in the room
• Non-Smoking hotel

Value For Money

We paid £90 for a 1 night stay in the Deluxe King & Single room. This gave us 1 x King size bed plus a Single bed for a child. There are cheaper hotels and room rates available nearby but we believe this hotel offers a good value for money stay.

For the location, the £90 is good value for money we think. You can sometimes pick up rooms for around £75-£80.

Service / Staff

The service is exactly what you would expect from a good 4* hotel. The 24 hour concierge is always available for questions and help where needed. We had an issue with the Air con in our room so had to move rooms. We were given a free drink each at the hotel bar for our trouble. The room swap was all completed within 5 minutes. Good service from reception.

We asked a number of questions to see how knowledgeable the Reception staff were about the surrounding area and were pleasantly surprised with how friendly we were answered. We were also given their opinions on which restaurants to try which was great! They seemed to be able to answer each query with no issues and were professional and polite.

Lastly – Would we go back

YES.

We believe this hotel offers good value for money, a good location and very good service. All in all, it was a good stay and we would recommend anyone visiting Birmingham City Centre to give this hotel a try.

Location

Sunborn London is located at the western end of the Royal Victoria Dock overlooking the Docklands, Canary Wharf O2 Arena, London City Airport, and the London ExCel.

Parking is readily available nearby. You can use the ExCel car park which costs around £10 per day or the nearby Crown Plaza car park usually has spaces available for around £12 per 24 hours.

The hotel is 7 minutes’ drive from London City Airport and a 6-minute drive from the iconic Canary Wharf.

The Yacht Hotel is basically permanently docked on the river. There are an array of restaurants nearby within walking distance and other usual amenities. The Emirates Cable Cars are also nearby which you can go on to see the London skyline from above.

Amenities

The hotel offers many types of rooms which are all what you would expect on a sizable luxury Yacht. Each room has its own en-suite facilities and there are rooms with balconies available at an extra charge. (We paid an extra £40 for a balcony room)  

The hotel itself has a feel of luxury to it. As you enter into the main lobby, you are greeted with a lush spiral staircase which leads into the mail lounge/restaurant area. Reception was manned well with at least 5 people serving customers. Check in was pretty quick with a quick form to fill in and that’s it.

So moving on to other amenities, you will find all the usual amenities you expect from a good 4* hotel.

• Around 5 disabled parking spaces right outside the hotel
• Free Internet
• Bar / lounge
• 24 hour reception / security
• Housekeeping / room service
• TV

Value For Money

We paid £110 for a 1 night stay in the Classic King room with Dockview. We upgraded on the day to a balcony room which was an extra £40. The room was nice and inviting. There are cheaper hotels and room rates available nearby but we believe this hotel offers a good value for money stay. We have taken some images of the suite so you get an idea of the rooms.

The en-suite was small but served its purpose. There was nothing amazing to mention. Pretty much what you would expect from a yachts en-suite. The Shower had adequate power and the bathroom itself was cleaned sufficiently.

Service / Staff

The service is exactly what you would expect from a good 4* hotel. The 24 hour concierge is always available for questions and help where needed.

We asked a number of questions to see how knowledgeable the Reception staff are. They seemed to be able to answer each query with no issues and were professional and polite.

The service at Breakfast was outstanding. We only paid for 2 adults with our booking but we arrived with a child (13 years old). We were advised his breakfast would also be included in our stay so he also was able to have an individual English breakfast. There were plenty of food choices and the service was brilliant.

Lastly – Would we go back YES. We believe this hotel offers good value for money, a good location and very good service. All in all, it was a good stay and we would recommend anyone visiting London Docklands to try out this hotel. It has a novelty factor which is good for special occasions like anniversaries, valentines and birthdays etc.

Location

Located at the Resorts World Birmingham complex (on the same grounds as Birmingham NEC, lies the Genting Hotel.  The hotel is easily accessible from the M6 Motorway and once on the NEC Grounds, there is ample signage to direct you straight to Resorts World Birmingham.

The Car park is easily accessible through a security barrier and costs around £15 per night. The Genting Hotel offers guests booking a Suite, a complementary underground VIP spot within the cost of the room booking so you save on the £15 parking cost.

Within the complex, you will find many well known restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities such as Cineworld and Vortex Gaming Centre.

Amenities

The hotel offers 173 four star rooms and 9 five star rooms and suites to choose from.  2 meeting rooms boasting natural daylight and modern technology.  This hotel also has the well known Santai Spa which is for over 18’s only. We travelled with a child so were unable to access the spa or swimming facilities which was a bit of a disappointment. They did however give us complementary £5 Vortex vouchers for the disappointment.

As soon as you enter the hotel lobby, there is an amazing scent that invites you in and you feel a touch of luxury straight away. We spoke to Management and found out this scent technology was custom made for the Genting Hotel. (White Jasmine) and not available to the general public.

So moving on to other amenities, you will find all the usual amenities you expect from a good 4* hotel.

• Electric vehicle charging station
• Free Internet
• Fitness Centre
• Bar / lounge
• Casino (over 18s only)
• Swimming pool (over 18s only)
• Santai Spa (over 18s only)

Value For Money

We paid £128 for a 1 night stay in a twin queen bed room. We were given the Peninsular Suite which was very nice and inviting. There are cheaper hotels and room rates available nearby but we believe this hotel offers a good value for money stay. The hotel feels a touch of class above the rest and therefore we were happy with the £128 rate we paid. We have taken some images of the suite so you get an idea of the rooms.

Service / Staff

The service is exactly what you would expect from a good 4*/5*  hotel. The 24 hour concierge is always available for questions and help where needed.

Not being allowed into the swimming pool area as it is connected with the Spa and casino is a disappointment but the reception staff explained the reason and offered vouchers for the Vortex Gaming Centre which they didn’t have to do. This was a nice gesture and helped with the child’s disappointment to an extent. We had already told our child this may be the case after researching online before arriving so they were prepared for this scenario. We believe the hotel could offer a daily children’s admission slot (during off-peak hours obviously) which would help alleviate this issue but it doesn’t seem to be on the plan for them.

Lastly – Would we go back

YES. We believe this hotel offers good value for money, a great location and very good service. All in all, it was a great stay and we would recommend anyone visiting Birmingham to try out this hotel.

Location

Located right in the heart of Leicester just a few minutes from the M1 and M69 Motorways, this hotel offers guests a great location with easy commuting in and out of Leicester. Fosse Park Retail complex is a few minute’s walk away where you can shop and eat out. Meridian Leicester is a few minute’s drive away where you will find restaurants, Vue Cinema and Hollywood Bowl for all your entertainment needs. Leicester City Centre is 15 minute’s drive away.

The hotel offers guests, free parking in their own car park which is right at the front of the building. It is pretty big so you shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot. The Marriott do have Business Conferences going on regularly so sometimes the car park does get busy but we did not have any issues finding a parking bay on both occasions we visited.

Amenities

This hotel offers all the usual amenities you would expect from a 4* UK hotel. (apart from a swimming pool)

• Electric vehicle charging station
• Free internet
• Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
• Bar / lounge
• Car hire
• Business Centre with Internet Access
• Conference Rooms

Value For Money

Price wise, there are cheaper hotels nearby. This hotel is in the mid rang. We booked an Executive Room (With Lounge Access) for around £130 per night for two adults. The lounge was stocked well with all the drinks and snacks you need. Overall we would say the price is fair. You are able to sometimes find deals on Booking.com but usually the average price remains the same throughout the year.

Service / Staff

The service is exactly what you would expect from a 4* hotel. The 24 hour concierge is always available for questions and help where needed. The rooms are cleaned well every day and the housemaid service is good. We’ve stayed here twice. On the first occasion we stayed in a standard room and on the second visit, in an Executive Room.  Rooms did not differ too much. The main reason for upgrade we can see is the lounge pass.

Lastly – Would we go back YES! Although sometimes the price can seem a bit steep for what is available in other parts of the city, the all-round feeling we got was, this is a good 4* hotel and we enjoyed our 2 night stay. Everything you want is nearby and easily accessible by car.