Charing Cross - A Guoman Hotel (Formally Thistle), London

The Strand, London, WC2N 5HX
4 star

This hotel is officially London's most central. After its multi-million pound refurbishment, every modern convenience is set against magnificent Victorian. ...

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Rooms from £140 (≈ $280) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
8/10 Check-in process
8/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
8/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
9/10 Overall value for money
  • 4/10 Thi (Same sex couple) 

    from Northampton , GB on  June 24, 2008

    "Average" (97538018)

    Hotel made effort to arrange alternative hotel as it was fully booked

    Although did not deliver on the promise of a river view, instead view was of closed in courtyard of noisy generators

  • 9/10 George (Mature couple) 

    from West palm beach , United States;US on  June 8, 2007

    "Having stayed here before, the only complaint I had in the past was the poor internet service. I'm happy to say that they have fixed this, and the new wireless service worked fine. My wife is in a wheelchair and, on our second day, the front wheel broke, making it impossible to use. The concierge staff was most helpful in locating a rental chair & expediting its delivery to us the same day, making it possible for us to continue to enjoy our stay in London. I would definitely stay here again." (99879957)

    Great location, clean rooms, extremely helpful staff and concierge service.

    The beds are a little firm for my taste, but that is normal in Europe & the UK.

  • 8/10 Lesley (Solo business traveller) 

    from Harrogate , United Kingdom;GB on  February 24, 2007

    "I thought the staff were excellent and really friendly and helpful - top marks!" (99894288)

    The room was very comfortable if a bit noisy (from outside)

    The room could do with smartening up a little - decor a bit jaded

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 23, 2007

    I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay in the hotel, the staff were extremely polite and helpful. The facilities in the room were excellent

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  May 23, 2007

    "The hotel was nicely presented, on reflection we would possibly go elsewhere in the future as we had to pay £40 just to park our car. Staff were pleasent, room a little on the small side but this is to be expected of london hotels. All in all very convienent for my 40th bday." (99516623)

    Close to popular areas of london

    Room was quite small

  • 10/10 Michael (Group of work colleagues) 

    from Castro valley, ca , US on  May 23, 2007

    "I loved your hotel. I will recommend this hotel to all my friends from the US. I will be back again and thanks for the great experience! Regards, Mike" (99617943)

    Great staff, service, and location.

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  May 16, 2007

    You are central to everything, you don't need the tube because your only 5-10 mins walk from anywhere you want to go. Its very clean, tidy. Its just perfect for a London hotel.

  • 8/10 Andrew (Mature couple) 

    from Leicester , GB on  April 24, 2007

    "Reception queue was overlong staff whilst competent did not have enough system assistance to speed the process. The person trying to head off people in the reception queue to go to express check out was never going to succeed as he was not offering any advantage. Housekeeping had failed to put any flannels in the bathroom but this was quickly rectified otherwise staff appeared to be excellent. Breakfast was of exceptional quality. A thoroughly enjoyable stay even the two business executives arguing about their tax returns in a slightly inebriated manner at 1:00 a.m. were amusing." (99815635)

    Convenient location accomodating staff

  • 10/10 Julie (Group of adult friends) 

    from Seaview , United Kingdom;GB on  April 18, 2007

    Large practical bathroom, comfortable bed. Central location.

  • 10/10 Ben (Young couple) 

    from Southampton , GB on  April 11, 2007

    "I was very impressed with the level of accomodation for the price. You are right in the middle of everything and can easily walk to, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Buckingham Palace and St James park and the London Eye. The central location will mean some noise, but you cannot complain about it for such convenience. We were on the 5th floor and the noise really wasn't a problem. Would highly recommend and we plan on staying there again ourselves." (99165017)

    Spacious and clean.

  • 9/10 Alan (Solo leisure traveller) 

    from Aberdeen , United Kingdom;GB on  November 29, 2006

    "This is a lovely hotel centrally situated at charing Cross station, so it was ideal for getting around the city. Well kept hotel with very nice and considerate staff. The double deluxe room was very nice with an excellent ensuite bathroom with powerfull showers.The room also had aircon, which would be ideal in summer but the same unit controlled the heat as well as cold air and did'nt generate much heat for my November stay. But the reception staff responded quickly to my small complaint and offered to change my room without hesitation.I would certainly stay here again, the rate of £128 for the room per night booked at quite short notice was fine for London." (99333080)

    Good quality furnishings and linnen. Excellent shower and bathroom.

    Only one small complaint was that my stay was in November and the room heater did not generate much heat.I was offered a new room by the efficient staff but declined as it was already the evening of the frist night of a 2 night stay, so it was'nt really worth the trouble to move.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Geoffrey (Mature couple) 

    from Birmingham , United Kingdom;GB on  March 22, 2007

    "An excellent stay, but I felt the room was overpriced for a Saturday night stay." (99336194)

    The room was excellent with all expected faclities

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Other) 

    on  March 17, 2007

    hotel was very central to where we were visiting

  • 8/10 Hazel (Mature couple) 

    from Blandford , United Kingdom;GB on  March 15, 2007

    "Will definitely stay again. Much quieter than expected. Maybe next time fire alarm won't go off. Never did find out where the restaurant was, couldn't see any directions for it anywhere." (99119161)

    Always first consideration is comfort of bed, bad beds mean we won't ever consider returning. Bathroom reasonably clean

    fire alarm went off at 8.30am on the only chance we had for a lie in for 3 weeks, which followed late night. Was a false alarm apparently, according to another guest. So didn't get the rest we had hoped for.

  • 9/10 G h (Mature couple) 

    from Horrabridge , United Kingdom;GB on  March 13, 2007

    "Not being a regular visitor to the area we were amazed to find everything so close to hand, within walking distance, or a short taxi / tube ride away. The room was on offer and we considered this to be good value, it was my wife's 50th birthday treat, so we took in a show and visited as much as possible in the time we were there. I did do some research and chose the hotel based on a post code search of the area within reach of the Aldwytch Theatre. On our return to Devon, we could not believe how good a weekend we had, (plus England beat France at Rugby - but Plymouth Argyle lost to Watford in the FA cup - suppose you can not have too much of a good thing though)!! We are proposing to visit again for New Years Eve 2007 / 2008 with family if all goes well." (99729656)

    Central to all activities, smiling faces, helpful staff, room facitlities and the view onto the London eye form the bedroom window.

    There was nothing wrong with the room (except forthe bar which was empty due computer maintenance) only an observation not a complaint!!

  • 9/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  March 7, 2007

    "I think breakfast should have been included in the price. I didn't eat in the hotel at all because of the extra price. Otherwise the stay was very pleasant and the staff friendly and helpful. Would go here again as it's so nice and central especially for theatres." (99856211)

    Although expensive the room was lovely. All the equipment you would need and nice and roomy. Nice bathroom too.

    Only the small window.

  • 9/10 Alison (Young couple) 

    from Halstead , United Kingdom;GB on  February 1, 2007

    it was lovely the hotel room was huge it was just very good

    there was a fire alarm at 2.45am where another guest was smoking in their room and when we were aloud back in our room the tele came on 3 times to tell us there was a fire alarm whilst we were trying to sleep

  • 8/10 Maurice (Mature couple) 

    from Accrington , United Kingdom;GB on  January 25, 2007

    "A generally pleasant experience and one which we would be prepared to repeat" (99821985)

    quiet room. good staff

    carpet was torn and roughly patched near dining room and worn in other places. This let down otherwise excellent presentaion in the hotel generally

  • 9/10 Peter (Mature couple) 

    from Sittingbourne , United Kingdom;GB on  January 10, 2007

    "Every member of staff we came in contact with could not have been more helpful, friendly or efficient. This enhanced our stay. It was an excellent performance no doubt reflecting the manager's attitude. We were simply very impressed. We used a number of facilities including room service and found them to be superb. There were a number of out of the ordinary requests made and as expected they were handled in an understanding and efficient can do manner. It would be childish to try and find any faults." (99347243)

    Comfortable and spacious

  • 10/10 Doris (Group of work colleagues) 

    from Kendal , United Kingdom;GB on  December 13, 2006

    "A very enjoyable stay with easy access to taxis - staff were very helpful and polite - as an arthritic may I compliment the hotel on the comfort of the beds with plenty of pillows etc... Have stayed at the hotel before and would not hesitate to receommend it to anyone." (99822362)

    Its location and the comfort of the room

    Price of breakfast

  • 9/10 Brian s (Other) 

    from Belfast , United Kingdom;GB on  December 7, 2006

    "I already knew where the hotel was located, but had never stayed. The accommodation was excellent, the bedroom was very spacious, and included everything that was required, including safe, fridge/ mini bar, trouser press/ iron, adequate storage, Good sized bathroom with both a bath & stand-a-lone shower cubicle. The main bar/ lounge was also very welcoming. The staff were helpful, professional and pleasant. Location was also very important, as it meant that you could walk to most shops,restaurants, theatres and attractions." (99965559)

    Location, rooms, satff

    n/a

  • 5/10 Jack (Solo business traveller) 

    from Chester , United Kingdom;GB on  November 23, 2006

    "Good English speaking staff on reception would be more effective." (99583850)

    location

    plastic covered matress

  • 9/10 Caroline (Mature couple) 

    from Tunbridge wells , GB on  June 12, 2008

    "this was for my husbands' 60th birthday and I was very pleased with everything in the hotel." (97497277)

    Excellent location reception staff very friendly and helpful and the size of the room was good and everything was very clean.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Group of adult friends) 

    on  November 15, 2006

    Everything was fine. Staff helpful, spacious rooms, good facilities, excellent location, very clean maintenance... Good value for the price, pretty recommendable.

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  December 18, 2007

    "excellent. everything i had hoped for/expected." (97481501)

    Very clean and of a high standard.

    nothing

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 John (Mature couple) 

    from Coventry , United Kingdom;GB on  November 1, 2006

    "The hotel staff are very polite and helpful. However, checking out took time due to the volume of guests leaving. A copy of my card was taken at checking in. So you could look to have a facility at check out where I leave my keys and form in a box at reception. Where I have signed to say check me out using the card details you currently have. So I would not need to wait." (99530968)

    The hotel is very clean.

    The room had been cleaned, however the cleaner had left spray bottle and news papers left there the night before. Also we requested a taxi to be called and when we arrived at reception it had not been done. But no major problems.

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  December 17, 2007

    "Instead of someone at the checkout manually filling in an express checkout form, maybe this form culd be supplied in the room and the guest could fill it in and then just hand it in at the checkout desk." (97190287)

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 9/10 Kelly (Other) 

    from Sutton , United Kingdom;GB on  October 25, 2006

    "The Thistle Charing Cross is a beautiful old building which has been restored to the finest finish, the staff were very helpful and couldnt do enough for you. The hotel is situated perfectly for Theatre goers. Overall a very enjoyable stay ! My only critisism is the price of their breaskfast, for £16.50 per person i expected it to be made to order and there be more than one course !" (3305343497)

    The hotel was beatiful, just what you would expect from such and old building- the staff were very friendly and helpful.

    I thought £16.50 was very steap for a buffet breakfast.

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  July 8, 2007

    "on entering the hotel room i found the tv on standby clock on the tv if this is in all rooms it must cost a lot to run + to the envirment" (99392092)

    it was all excelent staff great

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Jeanette (Same sex couple) 

    from Nottingham , United Kingdom;GB on  October 24, 2006

    "staff helpful, hotel comfortable. West End, Trafalgar Square etc easily walkable from this hotel" (99531165)

    spacious room & good bathroom

    doors to rooms are noisy when they shut. Housekeeping came round at 8.15am - totally unnecessary, especially when you are checking out that day

  • 7/10 Robert (Mature couple) 

    from Long crendon , United Kingdom;GB on  October 24, 2006

    "It was convenientfor where we were, and lived up to our expectations. The barman was especially friendly and helpful." (3305395524)

    Tidy well decorated room. Good wallpaper!

  • 10/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  October 17, 2006

    "Everything I needed to know was described by the hotel ie distance, the facities available. theonly thing that was not made clear was the payment, i thought by giving the credidt card to book I had already paid the hotel so was surprised to be asked to pay again. But ithat was sorted out (as it was actually printed on the confirmation I just had not sen this so perhaps you should make this clearer." (3305381805)

    clean and central right next to station but no noise from station at all, the whole hotel was quiet we did not hear our neighbours at all

    could not fault the hotel

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Family with older children) 

    on  May 30, 2007

    "booked this hotel as it was so close to Charing Cross station, so it was convenient for leaving luggage for return home next day. Was a nicer alternative to catching the last train home after a theatre trip! and obviously very easy to find! Staff were very helpful. Only thing that was a bit trobulesome was the somewhat complicated route to the set of rooms in the adjoining building - but after one trip we found our way and worked out which floor to get the lift back to. But the staff were obviously used to guests getting lost outside the dining room and escorted us to the lift." (99008501)

    Large bathroom with plenty of space. Bedroom was adequate size as well. 24 hour room service with the sort of food you often fancy when away from home - beans on toast etc -

    some of equipment was little tired and not working properly - plug in bidet,hair dryer in bathroom, drawer containing tea making facilities did not go back in properly - but the points were rapidly takne on board by the reception staff when mentioned.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 10/10 Victoria (Young couple) 

    from Rochester , United Kingdom;GB on  August 15, 2006

    "Very good hotel. Always easy to check in too, good location and the rooms are always very spacious and clean. The hotel also upgraded us upon arriving at the hotel for no extra cost and no reason! Have used the hotel previously though and all the rooms are good quality" (3305030251)

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  July 18, 2006

    Friendly staff and clean room

    very pleasant hotel and xcellent area to stay in

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  May 25, 2006

    It is close to everything in London

    Toilet not working properly even after repair Room still not clenaed after 3 o'clock Cleaning of the room did not include vacuuming of the floor All the dishes of glass and china was done in the toilet sink

  • 9/10 Mark (Mature couple) 

    from Wayne, new jersey , US on  May 15, 2007

    Unparalleled consierge service. Successful effort to make room available earlier; research and follow up call on tour info. Great suggestion on lunch places. Very efficient front desk

    For the price and the four stars the room was small even by european standards and there was no chest of drawers, only a small area above the refridge for hangers. We didn't unpack. We had to use the bed to sort our evening wear and PJs etc. Unacceptable

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Anonymous (Young couple) 

    on  May 7, 2006

    The waterpresure was low(shower) and we couldn't open all the windows.

  • 9/10 Joan (Other) 

    from Chesterfield , Aruba;AW on  April 22, 2006

    "I chose this hotel because it was very central for the two theatre visits we had booked, therefore, we did not need to have taxis or use the tube. Being from a small town, the price of the breakfast was a little frightening but assume this is 'London prices'. I cannot think of any complaint or way that our stay could have been improved but with only staying over night there is not a lot of time to form any other opinion. I thought the hotel was very stylish and would stay there again." (3304389770)

    The hotel was lovely, nearly like a stately home especially with the sweeping staircase. The room was very nice and with having air conditioning us ladies of a certain age can get the temperature down! We were only staying over night but everything was great and very convenient for our theatre evening and afternoon.

    I cannot think of anything that we disliked only the view and who sits in their room and looks out of the window, there are far more interesting things to do out in the world.

  • 7/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  March 8, 2006

    "On the whole, very pelasant, except unable to check into room until after 3pm. Also thought it was for room and breakfast only to find breakfast was not included." (3304189800)

    Location

    Keeping to the check-in time

  • 7/10 Oda (Family with older children) 

    from Etoy , Switzerland;CH on  March 8, 2006

    "I chose this hotel with regard to its centralized situation, easy access to underground and coach services, excellent for visitors wanting to travel around London quickly and easily." (3304210749)

    .... the entrance: wide open doors and chilly draught slightly cooled down the atmosphere !

  • 5/10 Anonymous (Mature couple) 

    on  March 4, 2006

    "the lounge was very comfortable and the sandwiches we ordered were served promptly and were very good with lots of hot coffee overall the stay was plesent except for the broken lift" (3304100544)

    location was convient for further travel

    the booking in was not very informative we ended up in a smoking room with no lift available

  • 7/10 Rob (Young couple) 

    from Malahide , Ireland;IE on  February 19, 2006

    staff in the restaurant were very uninviting which had then change my mind about eating, a poor glass of juice cost nearly 3 pounds

  • 9/10 John (Mature couple) 

    from Berwick upon teew , United Kingdom;GB on  January 27, 2006

    "The instructions regarding lift to rooms across the street are not obvious and are infact quite confusing otherwise all very good and we will return." (3304077011)

    The conveniece of the hotel. The comfort of the hotel and the service provided.

    Weekend maintenance could be improved , hot rail reported faulty on Friday still not working on Monday.

  • 9/10 Malte (Mature couple) 

    from Danderyd , Sweden;SE on  January 26, 2006

    "Excellent value for money! First class rooms/service/location. Will certainly come back!" (2838250)

    Most everything! Excellent room/bath/location (close to theatreland!) First class breakfastrestaurant

    Slow morning-service (cleaning of the room).Dinner restaurant not up to standard (poor meny/wine list, slow service) Minibar poorly stocked

  • 9/10 Matthew (Young couple) 

    from Wye , United Kingdom;GB on  January 22, 2006

    "Hotel was spot on for a visit to Theatre Land. Great location, quiet, clean and very comfortable. Well done to staff for being so helpful with maps and directions to Theatre." (3304142067)

    Was spacious, well equipped and clean.

    Smoking is always a problem. Did not use the cafe because of this. Shame as it looked pretty good too.

  • 9/10 John (Mature couple) 

    from Newtownards , United Kingdom;GB on  January 15, 2006

    "My stay was such that I will definitely return to your hotel when next staying in London. The breakfast was excellent with 1st class service from the staff in the dinning room. There were no unpleasant surprises on arrival at the hotel having booked online. The hotel was recommended by a friend who had stayed last year" (2948592)

    Quiet, excellent location and relaxing.

    Room service took an hour and a half to delivery a bottle of wine. T he assistant duty manager eventually sent someone from reception to deliver it. Service in the bar at the Strand resturant was very slow, and the barman who went off duty had charged a bottle of wine instead of a glass to our bill.

  • 8/10 Sylvia (Mature couple) 

    from Ryton on dunsmore , United Kingdom;GB on  January 12, 2006

    "Times of meals It may have been helpful to know the times of evening dinner as we were arriving early evening. It would have been helpful if breakfast times and menus were promenantly displayed, these should be made readily available so that the visitor doesn't take up valuable time at the reception desk for both staff and themselves." (3304057911)

    Airy and spacious and in good order ie; no curtains hanging off or torn wallpaper etc.

    Access to internet

  • 9/10 Deborah (Mature couple) 

    from Worthing , United Kingdom;GB on  February 9, 2007

    "We only stayed one night but found the hotel to be very central and the staff were friendly. I feel that the breakfast should be included in the price of the room." (99360030)

    Very comfortable and clean

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Kenneth (Mature couple) 

    from Cambridge , United Kingdom;GB on  December 29, 2005

    "I thought the Hotel was okay by London Standards (have usually been disappointed by London hotels). However compared to places I have stayed in the Far East (many times and places) you have a lot of catching up to do!! I thought the staff were friendly." (3304032899)

    Location

    Was not around for long enough to take a view

  • 3/10 Daniele (Family with older children) 

    from Genova , IT on  July 10, 2008

    "Stanza oscena e molto piccola, pc non funzionanti e prezzi esagerati...struttura non da 4 stelle ma da due" (97661074)

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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