Charing Cross Hotel
, London, United Kingdom
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Charing Cross Hotel
, London
Rooms: 239
The Strand
- London - England - WC2N 5HX - United Kingdom
Hotel Website |
| 0870 333 9105
773
Traveller
Reviews - Charing Cross Hotel
A Nice Surprise
Submitted by: Paul T in 17/05/05 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: United Kingdom
- Traveller type: Family Traveller
My wife and I stayed here in April '05 as part of a party in London to celebrate the Rotary Centenary. I was very impressed that an old Railway hotel such as this has kept up it's standards. Great position for all the tourist attractions. We'll be back.
Ripped off
Submitted by: Colin Hockley in 17/05/05 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: Australia
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
I am unable to give a review of the hotel "The Thistle" as due to a frightful attack of a bug picked up in Egypt I curtailed my trip. I was booked in on for Saturday for two nights and fronted the desk on the preceeding Tuesday to inform them of my early flight home and was blithly informed that there was a one night cancellation fee. I was too sick at the time to comment. However upon returning home I wrote to the hotel and pointed out that whilst this may be a creative fund raising techniche it is not good business. I had taken a suite and planned three meetings in the suite. Around a dozen people would have seen the facilites of the hotel other than myself. This may or may not have generated further business. To charge a full one night fee in a heavily booked house is simply avarice in my view. So I am very disappointed not to stay in that hotel as despite my courteous letter they failed to offer even a partial credit for future use. It is poor business. Not at all focussed on repeat and referral and growing a loyal base. I hope that this may help management of The Thistle to hop into a hall of mirrors and have a good look at themselves. Forgive me for stating the blindinly obvious that they are engaged in the Hospitality business. That requires much more than bringing down the guillotine on $500 and feeling that a good day's work has been done. A pox on their house.
Excellent experience - Great service
Submitted by: Pierre Barbieux in 20/12/04 - Age Group: 26 - 35
- From: Belgium
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
I stayed there for a couple of days early this year and i was pleseantly surprised. Very nice location not too far from Soho. Great service (the staff is very welcoming), nice cozy rooms although quite small, but it seems to be a standard in London. Breakfast is not bad at all. But I would suggest to ask for a quiet room. Overall, a nice stay at the Thistle Charing Cross. I'll be back
Read 770 additional reviews of Charing Cross Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Charing Cross Hotel
Perfect London Location
from lizzyjim
Thistle Charing Cross is a perfect location if you want to be near the theatres. Three different tube stops are very close, and it's a quick walk to the tkts discount theatre ticket booth in Leicester Square and very close to the National Gallery (which is free). It's an elegant commercial hotel, and somewhat expensive, but definitely not at the top of London's rates. One can get special rates on line. We had breakfast included, which carried us through to an early dinner. Rooms are immaculate and well-equipped, staff is helpful. In Feb-March we stayed there for the third time and it really "made" our trip because it's so easy to get places: on foot, by tube, or on the bus.
Location is outstanding!
from Dorrie9
We stayed in this hotel via Priceline bid of $127 a night. Our stay was Dec. 15-20, 2004. We LOVED this hotel's location--it's right next door to the Charing Cross Tube, and Trafalgar Square is just a block away! In fact, we hardly had to take the Tube since everything was in walking distance. The bathroom was very roomy and came with a towel warmer, which we used every day to make our towels nice-n-toasty.
The room comes provided with tea and biscuits, which are free. There's also a handy electronic "Do Not Disturb" and "Please Clean Room" sign in case you want to sleep late. You just click on which one you want--that way no one knocks at your door at 8 a.m.
Only negative was that our voicemail was down the entire five-day stay, so we had a blinking red light on our phone for several days. The concierge could not help us; we knew who had called, though, so we just shrugged it off.
Otherwise hotel was wonderful--I highly recommend (esp. for the price we paid)!
Here are two restaurant recs near the hotel: Simurgh (Persian cuisine) and the Green Man & French Horn (English cuisine). Simurgh, located on Garrick St., is a bit pricey but very romantic--we celebrated our anniversary there. I can't remember what my boyfriend ordered, but I got a chicken and apricot dish that was outstanding! At the Green Man & French Horn, located on St. Martin's Lane, the food is very good and serves continually all day and night. We had problems finding pub food at night in the theatre district, so we were very pleased to find this place and to eat such excellent bangers and mash!
The room comes provided with tea and biscuits, which are free. There's also a handy electronic "Do Not Disturb" and "Please Clean Room" sign in case you want to sleep late. You just click on which one you want--that way no one knocks at your door at 8 a.m.
Only negative was that our voicemail was down the entire five-day stay, so we had a blinking red light on our phone for several days. The concierge could not help us; we knew who had called, though, so we just shrugged it off.
Otherwise hotel was wonderful--I highly recommend (esp. for the price we paid)!
Here are two restaurant recs near the hotel: Simurgh (Persian cuisine) and the Green Man & French Horn (English cuisine). Simurgh, located on Garrick St., is a bit pricey but very romantic--we celebrated our anniversary there. I can't remember what my boyfriend ordered, but I got a chicken and apricot dish that was outstanding! At the Green Man & French Horn, located on St. Martin's Lane, the food is very good and serves continually all day and night. We had problems finding pub food at night in the theatre district, so we were very pleased to find this place and to eat such excellent bangers and mash!
Great Location, Good Enough Everything Else
from bagoda
The hotel is in a great location. It is right on The Strand, next to the Charing Cross train station, a few steps from the Embankment tube stop, which goes right into The City area. Neither Embankment nor Charing Cross are on the Picadilly Line (which runs directly from Heathrow) but you can't have everything. It is a very short walk to Trafalger, Covent Garden and Leicster Square. The room was fine (not The Ritz, but it was L110, not L350). Service was fine (nothing negative to report). Check in and check out were great. I'd stay again.
Great Location, but a disappointing room.
from LTJ874
There is much to praise about this hotel. The location on the Strand is an excellent base for visiting London. The public areas of the hotel are very elegant. There is a 24 hour lounge which is ideal for meeting colleagues and clients, or afternoon tea after a day in London. The hotel staff were also very helpful.
However, my room in the Buckingham Wing did not match the standards of the public areas of the hotel. The decor was a little "busy" for me. The bathroom was very cold. My room service meal was insubstantial and poorly presented.
Also, in the era of 200+ digital TV channels, the DVD, and Personal Video Recorder, a couple of extra TV channels in addition to the five main UK channels isn't enough for the frequent business traveller who just wants a night in front of the TV.
However, my room in the Buckingham Wing did not match the standards of the public areas of the hotel. The decor was a little "busy" for me. The bathroom was very cold. My room service meal was insubstantial and poorly presented.
Also, in the era of 200+ digital TV channels, the DVD, and Personal Video Recorder, a couple of extra TV channels in addition to the five main UK channels isn't enough for the frequent business traveller who just wants a night in front of the TV.
Hit and miss
from Graham2000
Beware which wing they put you in! Wing inside main building has been renovated, rooms OK but small. In old wing, over the bridge, rooms victorian, awful, like 1970s. Braodband does not seem to work in any of the rooms, weird system not even the 24 hour support staff unedrstand. despite location, not a business hotel, tourist base. Lifts tiny and don't work, have to walk around a lot in mazy corridors, breakfast in betjamin room v. good but rip off at GBP16! Strand terrace breakfast cheaper but could not find staff to serve me last time there. Lobby tiny, not many staff speak english.
A Great Base in London
from A TripAdvisor Member
The hotel is very comfortable and although my room was compact it was extremely well appointed with a well equipped spotless bathroom. There are some impressive architectural features and house-keeping standards are high.
The location is superb and although my room overlooked the station forecourt and The Strand the room was extremely quiet.
Two words of warning. The bar serves only 'double' measures so a V&T costs £6.50 and breakfast, if not included in your booking, costs £16.50!
For comfort, location, access to sites and transport its pretty well unbeatable.
The location is superb and although my room overlooked the station forecourt and The Strand the room was extremely quiet.
Two words of warning. The bar serves only 'double' measures so a V&T costs £6.50 and breakfast, if not included in your booking, costs £16.50!
For comfort, location, access to sites and transport its pretty well unbeatable.
Great experience at Thistle Charing Cross
from A TripAdvisor Member
We got our room at Thistle Charing Cross through priceline.com and could not have been happier with the result. The location right next to the tube station can't be beat, we didn't realize how great it was until staying at a different hotel after returning from France. I never felt the trains going by, it was not an issue. Our room was modern, had A/C and a large bed. The only problem we had was that our room was actually in a separate building connected by an enclosed walkway which meant taking 2 different lifts, but this was not a major issue, just alittle confusing at first. I would stay there again (for priceline $)
Good, but could be better
from A TripAdvisor Member
The plusses: 1--air conditioning, which is necessary in summer London for the humidity if not the heat unless you are on the ground floor and can open windows. The previous "four star" (what a joke) hotel at which I had stayed hotel put me in an attic room with no a/c, and no cross ventilation or fans. Although it was in the 70s outside, the room was much hotter. The a/c at Thistle was welcome. 2--nice location; you are near not only the tube but a railway stop that can take you out of town. Unlike other reviewers here, I DID feel the trains but got used to them. 3--they said they upgraded me to a nice larger room without extra charge--don't know why.
The minuses: 1--to use the high speed internet access, you must click on a page accepting the terms. Once you do, you can use the service for a charge per minute. Among the terms is that the maximum you will be charged per 24 hours will be 15 pounds. I accepted these conditions, and one day when I had a lot of messages to respond to, I used a lot of time, thinking that the maximum would be 15 pounds. However, sure enough, when I got my draft bill, I was charged per minute of usage, well over the 15 pound maximum. I spoke with the manager who seemed unfamiliar with the contract terms and at first said this was for our business customers (not sure why she assumed I was not a business customer nor why that was relevant). I politely asked her what exactly this 15 pound limit meant, if not what I said it did. She then agreed she would look at the site's description of the terms I had agreed to, and that she would call me back. She did not call me back and when I checked out the next AM, the charges had not been changed (surprise!). It's not worth the time and effort to fight this, but if you use the high speed access, be aware that you may be ripped off by being charged something OTHER than what you agreed to. 2-although the room was pleasant (view wasn't) and nicely updated, there were signs of water damage around baseboards near the closet and cracks in the tiles in the shower. The toilet didn't flush properly every time--seemed to be a water pressure problem. The laundry line across the bathtub is a nice amenity, but a part was missing, so that when you put a wet garment on it, it sagged and the line could not be tightened. 3--if you reserve through CheapTickets, you will not be told that (a) the cancellation time refers to LONDON time, rather than EST which other time deadlines on the same email you get from then. This day and time was also several days before the hotel's deadline. But I was unable to cancel the reservation online or via phone with CheapTickets.com after I found that the hotel itself offered a much cheaper rate close to the date of my travel, and was given no explanation and was cutoff after 20 minutes on hold. I can only surmise that, while I was calling before the time on the confirming email EST, it was after the stated deadline hour if you used London time. So, make your reservation early, but check the hotel's website well before the deadline LONDON time, to make sure you get the best price.
The minuses: 1--to use the high speed internet access, you must click on a page accepting the terms. Once you do, you can use the service for a charge per minute. Among the terms is that the maximum you will be charged per 24 hours will be 15 pounds. I accepted these conditions, and one day when I had a lot of messages to respond to, I used a lot of time, thinking that the maximum would be 15 pounds. However, sure enough, when I got my draft bill, I was charged per minute of usage, well over the 15 pound maximum. I spoke with the manager who seemed unfamiliar with the contract terms and at first said this was for our business customers (not sure why she assumed I was not a business customer nor why that was relevant). I politely asked her what exactly this 15 pound limit meant, if not what I said it did. She then agreed she would look at the site's description of the terms I had agreed to, and that she would call me back. She did not call me back and when I checked out the next AM, the charges had not been changed (surprise!). It's not worth the time and effort to fight this, but if you use the high speed access, be aware that you may be ripped off by being charged something OTHER than what you agreed to. 2-although the room was pleasant (view wasn't) and nicely updated, there were signs of water damage around baseboards near the closet and cracks in the tiles in the shower. The toilet didn't flush properly every time--seemed to be a water pressure problem. The laundry line across the bathtub is a nice amenity, but a part was missing, so that when you put a wet garment on it, it sagged and the line could not be tightened. 3--if you reserve through CheapTickets, you will not be told that (a) the cancellation time refers to LONDON time, rather than EST which other time deadlines on the same email you get from then. This day and time was also several days before the hotel's deadline. But I was unable to cancel the reservation online or via phone with CheapTickets.com after I found that the hotel itself offered a much cheaper rate close to the date of my travel, and was given no explanation and was cutoff after 20 minutes on hold. I can only surmise that, while I was calling before the time on the confirming email EST, it was after the stated deadline hour if you used London time. So, make your reservation early, but check the hotel's website well before the deadline LONDON time, to make sure you get the best price.
Thankful for Thistle
from tejas75
Thistle Charing Cross was a pleasant suprise. Spent many hours online trying to find a reasonably priced room in London when we finally decided to let Priceline make the decision. We booked two rooms, 1 double and 1 twin (with 2 beds). Both rooms were clean and modern. When we arrived and located the hotel, we were a little worried because it was next to the train and subway station but it couldn't have worked out better. The location was great. Within walking distance to most sights. The train station came in very handy when we took a day trip to Dover. Staff was friendly. We had the buffet breakfast the first morning but it was so/so and expensive! The train station catered to early commuters so we grabbed coffee and breakfast pastires for cheap.
I would definately stay here again (if I could get a good price).
I would definately stay here again (if I could get a good price).
Good location and (some) good rooms
from daifly
I think that the hotel must be undergoing bedroom refurbishment as the Twin Room that we stayed in was one of the best rooms in London that I've stayed in at this level.
Check in was great with very friendly staff (and you generally have to admit that's not a given in London!), beds comfortable, bathroom clean and modern. An inside room with a view of (I think) the leisure suite didn't provide the best visual experience, but on the rate we were on that really wasn't an issue (NB: Shop around, there are good rates available at the last minute here).
Breakfast, buffet, was good in a great setting, the dining room was pretty swish! Food fine, coffee (after the night before...) refreshing!
Location-wise, can't beat it. 3 minutes from Trafalgar Square, 10 from Leicester Square, 10 from Westminster - ideal holiday hotel in that sense. It's right on the Strand too - hey, if it's good enough for the Savoy...!
Check in was great with very friendly staff (and you generally have to admit that's not a given in London!), beds comfortable, bathroom clean and modern. An inside room with a view of (I think) the leisure suite didn't provide the best visual experience, but on the rate we were on that really wasn't an issue (NB: Shop around, there are good rates available at the last minute here).
Breakfast, buffet, was good in a great setting, the dining room was pretty swish! Food fine, coffee (after the night before...) refreshing!
Location-wise, can't beat it. 3 minutes from Trafalgar Square, 10 from Leicester Square, 10 from Westminster - ideal holiday hotel in that sense. It's right on the Strand too - hey, if it's good enough for the Savoy...!
Top Local Tips for London
London Theater Planning to catch a West End show? Unless you are bound and determined to sit front and center and pay big bucks for your seats, wait until you get there to buy your tickets. Start with the Half Price ticket booth in Leicester Square. Many of the shows that have been playing for a while offer same day tickets at greatly discounted prices. You may wind up in the balcony, or you may score on a single down front. But the savings are substantial. Even if you can't get the show you want at the Half Price booth, there are other outlets available in Leicester Square and unless the show is brand new and in high demand, you can almost always find seats available, often at discounted prices.
Best Croissants! Definitely go to Pret-A-Manger for delicious breakfast...they have the best croissants. It's just down the alley by the hotel.
Best Croissants! Definitely go to Pret-A-Manger for delicious breakfast...they have the best croissants. It's just down the alley by the hotel.
- (hotels)
Other names for Charing Cross Hotel
- thistle charing cross
- charing cross london
- charing cross hotel london
- Address: The Strand - London - England - WC2N 5HX - United Kingdom
Travel Library Traveller Rating?
"A Nice Surprise" - Paul T
"Ripped off" - Colin Hockley
"Excellent experience - Great service" - Pierre Barbieux
Candid Traveller Photos
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- (hotels)
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