introducing the sleeptalker: our hotel reviewer on the inside

September 15th, 2009

Are you looking for top hotel tips and insider knowledge from someone truly in the know?
Do you want to know about all those extra luxurious touches that you get in great hotels, or how fluffy the pillows are, or whether there is a gym or even the kind of people that hang out there?

Well so do we, and we’re going to share. The Sleeptalker is a new addition to the lastminute.com blog and also our intrepid hotel guest who will be reviewing many of our hotels over the coming weeks and months.

Who is he or she?
Well that’s a trade secret.
Now over to The Sleeptalker for an insiders view of 5* London.

I stay in a lot of hotels at the moment, and have got to the stage where somewhere that covers off the basics seems like my idea of a good stay. So we’re talking; a clean bed, good shower and non psychotic receptionist (don’t laugh its happened).

And where are we this week? A 5* hotel in London on a week night. A stay in the promised luxury of The Kensington Hotel seems a little daunting. Will it be too much for a mid week business stay?

Part of the Doyle collection, The Kensington, opened in April this year, and has already upgraded its status from 4* to 5* in a few short months. It looks every inch the part as you approach the grand Regency facade. Once inside there’s a great combination of splendour and friendliness.

On arrival, I’m checked in and offered a warm hand towel to freshen up – nice touch.

My room, sorry suite, is just as welcoming. Beautiful four poster bed, Chinese inspired drapes (sounds much cooler than curtains), huge ensuite with a free standing bath, and one of those funky TVs in the wall. And room service offers DVD rental with accompanied hot chocolate, ice cream and popcporn. The kids would have loved it.

I decide to take a light dinner in the bar, which is a lovely combination of traditional landscape paintings, big sofas and titanic light fittings. Great Club Sandwich and a Pinot Noir, and the staff are friendly rather than smarmy. I felt like I could quite happily have kicked back here for the evening with the papers and a good bottle! None of that awkwardness of eating and drinking alone that comes with business travel.

After a fabulous night’s sleep, followed by an early start, I hit the fully equipped gym, and then had porridge for breakfast. My fellow guests seemed to be a combination of well heeled tourists and business people like me.

And that’s the key to this great hotel- it’s managed to get the blend of service, splendour and facilities bang on.

And what do I really think?

Atmosphere: Not awe inspiring, but splendid and cosseting.

Repeat visit: I’d rather stay here than many of the ‘big’ names that I’ve booked into over the years.

Weekday or weekend: If you can find an excuse to drop in for a night or a weekend then do so.