THE HOTEL: The five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel has a prestigious 1 Whitehall Place address and is linked to the National Liberal Club. The 280-room hotel has undergone a £16million renovation and is now part of the Guoman hotel group.
CHECK-IN: As I walked into the hotel the porter was very keen to take my tiny bag but, after I’d insisted I could manage, the check-in proved speedy and efficient before I was escorted to my room.
THE ROOM: Not large, but well-equipped and with wonderful views through the trees straight across the Thames to the London Eye. The bathroom – with both rain and hand-held showers and bath – includes a TV at the end of the bath and is stocked with Elemis products. A small marble-floored entrance hall leads into the room which includes a medium-sized bed, wardrobe, desk and a small coffee table with easy chairs. There’s also a hairdryer, safe, iron and ironing board and a large wall-mounted TV. A beautiful balcony with stone balustrades is currently inaccessible because of, yes, health and safety, but the wall will be raised to allow access in the future.
THE BUSINESS: The hotel has a fully-equipped business centre. One Whitehall Place, originally designed for the National Liberal Club, has been incorporated into the hotel and offers a choice of 15 private suites.
THE FACILITIES: The main restaurant, One Twenty One Two, is named after the famous telephone number of Scotland Yard. There’s also the Waterfront Terrace Room for al fresco dining, The Lounge which is ideal for after-noon tea, and the Piano Bar.
THE VERDICT: A high-quality ‘old style’ but fully modernised central London hotel with close military and government links. It's a very short walk to the Underground and to Charing Cross station. Perfect for a business or leisure stay in central London.
THE DETAILS: Rack rates are from £160 but frequent special offers can reduce this. At the time of writing there is a £129 rate available for a deluxe double bedroom, breakfast and VAT. For more information, tel: 0871 971 1763; see: www.theroyalhorseguards.co.uk Alan Orbell
