The Beauchamp

While I found the night staff to be accommodating and courteous, the reception during our check-in was lacking in quality service. They were pretty snarky and having been exhausted as I was I did my best to not be unpleasant because the last thing I needed was a bad start into a stay. But that's not the only reason why I give it a low rating. We were placed in the basement room by the linen closet and employee entrance. So our sleep was constantly interrupted by the banging about. I won't even mention the view because we didn't have one being on the basement floor. Out the window were broomsticks and garbage bags. We had to pay 5 pound by the hour to use the wifi internet. On the plus side, we had a spacious room and it had air conditioning. That was the only "4 star" part of the hotel. This hotel is all about the location, and nothing more. We were within walking distance to soho and oxford street. I wouldn't ever come back paying the amount I did.

My experience was definitely mixed. The rooms (I changed from lower ground to second floor) were fairly large, clean and pedestrian in decoration. The major complaint I have was the food. My room service hamburger ordered Medium Rare was the color of shoe leather, though the fruit plate was okay and reasonably fresh. The continental breakfast was I thought expensive at 17 pounds and definitely not of commensurate quality. However, even worse, the lounge was a few chairs wedged between reception and the elevator and was used for drinks, tea and even the breakfast buffet one morning. It was tiny and off putting. The hotel is identified as a 4 star but I won't rate it as such.

Location is ideally suited for business at University of London and London School of Economics. Hotel's English Breakfast was excellent, although overpriced for the US dollar. Staff promptly attended to special requests. Wifi access and hot water were both fast and strong. The Executive room in the basement (lower ground level) was well appointed and comfortable but heavy curtains had to remain drawn at all times for privacy because windows made room visible from street level.