The Connaught, London

The Connaught Hotel is a charmingly curved, 5 story, red brick building. Although there was a lovely small elevator, I chose to walk up the broad staircase with its beautiful carpeting, and heavily carved gleaming wooden banister. Gilded appliques shone on rich wood panels. Portraits of landscapes, dogs, horses and someone's ancestors were softly lit on the walls. Eleven bowls of varying sizes of fresh yellow flowers graced every level at the top of the stairs, resting on antique, marble topped chests. A grandfather clock, paintings, and wall sconces with pleated shades provided a luxurious country house feel. Each floor also has its own butler ! The room was tiny but delightful. A divided light glass door opens onto a small private vestibule. The room is soundproofed fairly well. Even though there is some traffic noise during the day, at night it is relatively quiet. A welcome gift of fresh fruit awaited in an oval crystal bowl. The bedroom has thick crown molding and high baseboards, with a light brown micro thin striped carper underfoot. Walls are done in what looks like camel colored silk or grasscloth, but it is really just cleverly papered. It is beautifully furnished in wood, with nightstands and a desk. and a painted curving window seat. Heavy damask draperies are held back during the day, and pulled closed at evening turn-down to shut out the light and keep out any drafts. Touch button lights control everything, from the light to the air conditioning/heating. A Samsung flat screen is above the desk opposite the hugely comfortable bed. There is also a music system, and an elaborate mini bar tucked discreetly within a glass fronted armoire. The comfortable king sized bed has a curving carved headboard, and Frette white-on-white striped sheets with 4 huge pillows. There is a cashmere blanket draped neatly at the foot of the bed. A single white rose in a vase rests on each nightstand. The white marble bathroom has two thick, soft white robes. The generously sized towels are on heated racks. The Asprey 'purple water' amenities smell really good, and rest on a silver tray. The shower has two heads, one high up, and one flexible one, both with good water pressure. Mirrored medicine cabinets flank both sides of the sink. There is a live orchid on the surround by the bathtub. A flat screen television is built discreetly into the wall if you want to watch something while you are relaxing in the large tub. Concierges Andrew and Corrado were quite helpful. The following morning, after reading the two complimentary newspapers that were left at my door and drinking a wake-up cup of hot tea, I made my leisurely way downstairs for breakfast. There is a beautiful sunny, window walled room at the front of the hotel called The Gallery. Huge baskets of orchids are everywhere, and candles are scattered around in profusion on side tables at night. Linen and sheer drapes decorate the windows. There are white tablecloths, and comfortable upholstered chairs. Genuine silverplate silver by Arthur Price is on the tables, and there are silver salt & pepper shakers, as well as a silver pepper grinder. Breakfast each morning is excellent, and the waiter remembers what I like. The Connaught Hotel is a superb choice for a place to stay in London if what you enjoy is beauty in your surroundings and unmatched personal service. Loving Annie

The Connaught is a very lovely quaint hotel! My family and i loved it there. We had the morning breakfast deal and i ordered the salmon which wsa 30pounds so in american money that was about $60!!!! ( i didnt even finish it). The rooms are very spacious and the bathrooms are so ornate. The staff are very pleasnt and booked us our play tickets with wonderful seats. Our child had a hard time finding us when we went out to dinner so the concierege helped her find her way to find us. If you have a quick weekend get away this is the right place for you.

Have stayed there several times. Quiet hotel, with excellent staff, fantastic location near Oxford/New Bond Street. Old English Charm. Excellent food, whether you just have afternoon tea or a full dinner experience (expensive, but worth it). Will certainly be back after renovation which should be completed in November 2007.

it had awful service while i was there for a trip i take every year and the beds were filthy and the tv didnt work.

Quiet, charming hotel in very convenient location for shopping on Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets, also can walk to British Museum and Picadilly. Service was excellent and room comfortable, the bathroom stocked with an abundance of amenities by Floris. Although the kitchen has a fine reputation in the guide books, we did not particularly like the food, but we loved the hotel otherwise, a really luxurious experience.