Whipsnade Trip

Not my first time here, but happy to return again. As ever, the staff are absolutely lovely and some of the best in the business. I was greeted by Dhavani who was kind, accommodating and went out of her way to help me with a genuine warm smile and personality. The staff all seem to be encouraged to be themselves in a positive way, so it’s never a cookie-cutter experience here. It’s part of the reason I’m alway happy to come back. The hotel is a little older, so there is a slight shabby-chic feel, but it’s perfectly lovely to stay in. The bed and sheets are very comfy, and the rooms are warm and welcoming. Will happily stay again.

Breakfast was a bit hectic as the hotel was obviously fully booked so quite long queues to be seated. The quality of the cooked breakfast was poor my partner said the cooked meats sausages, bacon were either under or over cooked. I tried scrambled egg with ham on some toast which was not great. Our 2nd day breakfast experience was better queues not quite so long and opted for different foods choices the quality of which were much better. Staff were friendly and helpful and the hotel room was a good size and clean although I did state in my check-in review that the pillow cases were a bit stained and I questioned the so called corner room with river view which was barely visible. Also as a uk resident just staycationing in London did not expect to be asked for my passport or even driving licence given that we arrived on public transport. Luckily I had a digital copy of my driving licence to hand and as we’ve stayed in London hotels many times, and all that’s required to confirm the booking is the booking reference. I Just feel this could have been communicated to us before our trip. We know in future to ensure we have such documentation regardless.

This is a beautiful hotel close to Earls Court tube making it easy to get around London. The decor is beautiful and would consider staying again in the summer as the garden is lovely. We were welcomed warmly on arrival and were delighted to receive a room upgrade snd be able to check in even though we were 4 hours before usual check in time. The room was lovely. Unfortunately we found the bed too hard for us which impacted our nights sleep but I don’t blame the hotel (everyone is different ☺️). There was some confusion about bar opening times - we were originally told it was 7-10:30pm but we later discovered it’s open all afternoon and one evening when we got back after 10:30, the bar staff kindly served us. The two bar guys were very friendly and very knowledgeable- we enjoyed their advice on Tequila. My only real area of criticism was the breakfast and the lady manager at breakfast. My first day I asked for sourdough toast and poached egg and despite the restaurant being very quiet, if was cold when it arrived. Also I ordered a flat white which I had to chase and it wasn’t brought until after I’d eaten my breakfast. Mostly though, we found the restaurant manager to be very rude. She never smiled (apart from when joking with the chef and other staff) and my husband spoke to her the second day to ask for some toast on the pass which hadn’t been delivered with his breakfast, and she looked at him and promptly turned away to greet some new guests in to the restaurant.

Expensive but ideal for just sleeping if you have an early morning flight or just need a few hours during the day. No food served except snacks from vending machine so they should update their description. (M&S is 2 minutes away but nearest restaurant is a 20 minute walk across the terminal). Unfriendly reception staff.

Breakfast was wonderful