THISTLE
TRAFALGAR SQUARE
Conveniently located just off Trafalgar Square in
Whitcomb street, Thistle Trafalgar Square is a wise choice for anyone
visiting the cosmopolitan city of London, either on business or for
pleasure. This unassuming hotel offers four room grades, ranging from
the comfortable Standard and Deluxe Double rooms, to Executive rooms,
through to the very generously proportioned Junior Suites. With 108
non-smoking en-suite rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a room
to suit all needs.
Although there is ample car parking for 100 cars, just a
100 metres from the hotel, at a reduced price for hotel guests, on
this occasion I had travelled to London by train. I arrived mid
morning at Liverpool Street station and made my way by foot to the
hotel, taking approximately an hour. Of course, guests could use the
many taxis that ply the streets of London, or make use of the
excellent underground system. However, it was a nice, sunny day and I
wanted to take in a few of the sights along the way.
On arrival at the hotel, I was greeted by a very
friendly and efficient member of the reception team. The young lady
in question informed me that she would need to check if my room was
ready, I was then directed to the small but comfortable lounge area
where I could wait to be called, I was also offered a complimentary
drink whilst I waited. A second member of the reception team came to
take my drinks order, and returned a short time later to inform me
that my room was ready.
For security reasons, the lifts to all floors above
ground level are operated by scanning the guests room card, this
ensures that only staff and hotel guests can access these floors. I
was given my room card and instructed to take the lift to the third
floor where my Junior Suite, room number 317, was located,
conveniently close to the lifts.
On reaching room 317 I scanned my card over the door
lock and entered, as I did so I was very pleasantly surprised to
discover a large (32 square metres), well planned and comfortable
room, with a large king sized bed, sofa, easy chair and office chair,
writing desk and coffee table, and everything else I would need for a
comfortable overnight stay.
The bathroom, also, was of a good size, with a full
sized bath and a separate shower cubicle. Along with the necessary
towels and flannels, all guest rooms feature complimentary
toiletries. And, for Junior Suite guests, use of dressing gowns and
free slippers are provided.
With plenty of wardrobe and drawer space on offer, I
would have little difficulty stowing away the contents of my
overnight bag! Valuables can be securely locked away in the safe,
located within the wardrobe. Also to be found in the wardrobe, was an
iron, ironing board and a hair dryer.
My Junior Suite was located on the corner of the
building, allowing windows on both external walls which gave the
room a welcome light and airy feel. The windows offered me views of
the London skyline, complete with an interesting array of assorted
rooftops.
Opposite my King Sized bed was a large TV, under which
was located a free mini bar, stocked with an assortment of soft and
alcoholic beverages, a nice little touch for guests in the Junior
Suites, as was the Espresso coffee machine. All guest rooms, however,
do come complete with a kettle and complimentary tea and coffee.
After checking in and familiarising myself with the
hotel, I then made the very short walk to the National Gallery on
Trafalgar Square, just 5 minutes away. There, inside this famous
gallery, I spent the next couple of hours visually absorbing the
magnificent collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci,
Turner, Constable, and so many more great artists. Prior to returning
to the hotel, I also took a short walk to Chinatown, a brightly
coloured and decorated area that was busy with locals and tourists
mingling together.
Back at the hotel, I was starting to feel a bit peckish,
so I decided to go to Squares Restaurant for my evening meal. Squares
Restaurant can accommodate 65 diners, although on my visit, a Sunday
night, it was very quiet, with only two other guests in the
restaurant whilst I was there. The menu, although not fine dining,
offers a good selection of hot and cold food at very reasonable
prices. The choice ranges from soups and salads, to burgers and stone
baked pizzas, and a selection of steaks. I opted for Caesar Salad
with Grilled Salmon, which proved to be very tasty and, at just under
£15, good value for money. Between the restaurant and the reception
and lobby area, there is a small bar where all manor of drinks can be
purchased, including some very interesting cocktails. I tried a
Pedrino Cherry Bakewell Spritz, which I enjoyed and found very
refreshing.
Returning to my room for the evening, I made use of the
excellent shower facilities then rested in the comfortable, spacious
surroundings of the suite, whilst enjoying one of the complimentary
drinks from the mini-bar. I used the time to plan my itinerary for
the following day. With so many of London's famous sights within easy
walking distance of the hotel, I was really spoilt for choice as to
where to visit. I started to wish that I had booked an extra night as
there was so much to see and do within the area. As it was, this was
my one and only night in this area, so having made good use of the
hotel's facilities, and having planed my route for the following
day's excursion, I retired to a very comfortable bed.
Breakfast the next morning was in Squares restaurant,
where the young lady at the entrance to the restaurant took my room
number, showed me to a table, and took my drinks order. The self
service breakfast offered a good assortment of hot and cold food and
beverages, and was more than sufficient to set me up for the day.
I returned to my room to pack my overnight bag and then
check out at reception. Again, I found the reception staff very
friendly, cheerful and efficient, as have all the hotel staff been
during my stay. I was soon on my way, having enjoyed a most
comfortable stay at Thistle Trafalgar Square.
For more information On Thistle Trafalgar, and for room
prices, please visit Thistle's own website at: www.thistle.com
