Thistle Westminster Reviews

My family and i adults children stopped at...
My family and i {2 adults ,2 children}stopped at the hotel for 1 night arriving at 2pm and leaving before 12pm the next day. Price £280 inclusive of breakfast and parking £30 4 for 24hrs}.We chose the hotel online because of its perfect location. Based on Buckingham palace road it was ideal for victoria station {london underground ideal for reaching the rest of london}5 mins from hotel , buckingham palace,(watching the changing of the guard} 5 mins from hotel .We also went to watch Billy Elliot the musical , which was just behind the hotel 2mins from hotel .All in all a bit pricey as we were hardly at the hotel , but clean and smart hotel with excellent and helpful , staff especially the day time concierge{the silver haired chap }Ideal hotel in terms of location and to spoil yourself.
Reviewed by Martin Graham; Reviewed in Jun 2010

...

Reviewed by Alfred G; Reviewed in May 2010

This hotel is central - very handy for...
This hotel is central - very handy for Chelsea Flower Show transport in this case. Rooms are adequate but a bit old fashioned and small but the price was reasonable for the position and time of year. Good for short stays when you want a central base to go back to after a theatre trip etc
Reviewed by Linda D; Reviewed in May 2010

Only one thing is the bar shut too...
Only one thing is the bar shut too early
Reviewed by Paul Clarke; Reviewed in May 2010

I enjoyed the accommodation at the hotel I...
I enjoyed the accommodation at the hotel, I thought it was good value for money. The only little thing I didn't like was the plughole was very rusty, but after water had run down it after my shower, it started to look really clean. Come on cleaners!!! The staff were very helpful, and a special mention to the young barman who recommended a wine to me, excellent, very friendly. Only talking about coming back a couple of days ago. I am fairly hard to please.
Reviewed by j shanks; Reviewed in May 2010

The hotel is appointed to a standard and...
The hotel is appointed to a 4 standard and is very clean and comfortable. The facilities are minimal but adequate enough for a city break. Our family room was excellent and clean but had not been cleaned ready for the next occupant - there were still items in the room that had been left by the previous occupant. Service was not 100%, we had to ask twice for an extra duvet. I have debated over value for money but given its location, only 5 mins walk from Buckingham Palace and 2 Mins from Victoria Station, I have to say it is. Would I stay here again? Yes if I wanted the convenience of the location.
Reviewed by D Wilson; Reviewed in Apr 2010

Reception and lobby area were inviting the room...
Reception and lobby area were inviting , the room itself not so.1970's room revamp does not click all the boxes. bathroom very poor. finish of fittings not so good. Beds solid! Family room but coffee etc facilities for two.Location obviously is what you pay for , but surely comfort and desirability in this day and age are what the customer looks for . Right next door to buckingham palace for goodness sake.Breakfast at £10 per head (online price ) was nothing to get excited about.Average
Reviewed by david b; Reviewed in Apr 2010

Having saved up for a very special birthday...
Having saved up for a very special birthday treat,arriving at the Thistle on first impressions really nice, got to the room and to our disgust we were greeted to a none smoking room that smelt like stale cigerette smoke. we booked an executive room SHOCKED to see the room very dated the decor was dirt stained,there was very little room in the bathroom, the shower was broken, mould on the tile grout,towels clean but worn out.whilst the hotel was in a great location we felt let down.
Reviewed by G Dockerty; Reviewed in Apr 2010

Reception desk on arrival very pleasant and helpful...
Reception desk on arrival very pleasant and helpful. Room as expected - clean and comfortable. Messed up newspaper order - no big deal but would have been nice if they'd offered to put this right. Breakfast average but friendly staff. Great location and good value for central London hotel.
Reviewed by A Barker; Reviewed in Apr 2010

Small chabby rooms Smelly bathrooms Too warm Poor...
Small, chabby rooms. Smelly bathrooms.Too warm.Poor service at reception and bar.V. expensive.
Reviewed by W T; Reviewed in Mar 2010

The computers had crashed on arrival so we...
The computers had crashed on arrival so we were unable to check in. We were asked to take take a seat and the problem was very soon resolved. The staff were very friendly. We went to our allocated room and my initial reaction was that the room looked very pleasant. We went straight down to the hotel resturant for dinner as it was quite late in the evening. We chose the 3 course meal for £15. The staff again were very friendly apart from the waiter (that usually worked on the bar) couldn't really understand what we were ordering. We ordered the meal but was then informed that a few things on the menu were no longer available. This was understandable really as it was around 9pm. The meal we ordered should have been served on a bed of sesame noodles, but there were no noodles left so we had to settle for pasta. It was all still very tasty and nicely presented. I went into the bathroom to use the shower, and whilst sat on the loo I noticed that it it looked a little grubby around the base of the bath and a pubic hair on the floor, "phew yuk!" I turned the shower on and stepped into the bath and noticed that the shower head was caked in congealed scum (nothing that a regular wipe or scrub couldn't have sorted out!) I then noticed that the showed curtain was all mouldy at the bottom, "oh groase!" I turned down the bed covers to check the bedding was clean before I got in, and pulled up the covers from the end of the bed because I like my feet uncovered, and to my horror found a couple more unmentionable hairs sticking out of the matress protector. The matress protector looked very unsavory too!!! The breakfast in the morning was excellent. The hotel and its staff overall were very polite, friendly and welcoming, the food was very good value, the lounge and dinning areas were very clean. The bedroom staff need training in how to clean a room correctly as this really spoilt my stay.
Reviewed by P Jackson; Reviewed in Mar 2010

Found the rooms to be functional and what...
Found the rooms to be functional and what you would expect however the restaurant needs to be avoided. Very slow service, could not cope when only half full and they definately do not have a chef in the kitchen who has any snese of pride in food presentation or quality. Good to stay at for a location in Victoria area but don't eat there -
Reviewed by Christine P; Reviewed in Mar 2010

This hotel was of excellent standard our twin...
This hotel was of excellent standard, our twin room was a double twin, it was lovely warm room with self adjusting heater....i love this, the hotel was literally 5 mins walk from Victoria station, we took the 73 bus in to oxford street just took 10 mins.....the location of this hotel was perfect.a taxis from harrods back was only £9.45.perfect trip all round.
Reviewed by v ohagan; Reviewed in Mar 2010

We were disappointed at first with the hotel...
We were disappointed at first with the hotel because it was classed as a 4 star but the location was excellent only the hotel itself was a bit tired and run down looking.The room was adequate with hot water and clean sheets. It was ideal for us as it was within walking distance of Victoria Station and Victoria Palace where the show we had booked was on. We didn't eat in the hotel so couldn't comment on the quality of the food. I would stay at this hotel again if I wanted somewhere central.
Reviewed by W Allan; Reviewed in Feb 2010

the hotel staff were unhelpful and there was...
the hotel staff were unhelpful and there was extreme confusion over the Late Rooms booking and what the cost was and if breakfast was included. Despite it being in the confirmation this was not the rate given and i ended up paying for breakfast which i was told i wasn't entitled to - again despite it being in the confirmation. ridiculous behaviour. never again for this hotel for me.
Reviewed by Mark B; Reviewed in Feb 2010

We paid for a standard room I nthe...
We paid £134 for a standard room I nthe thistle for 1 night's stay. The carpark cost £30 on top of that. The room was very small but had all the basics, except the TV did not work and the toilet did not flush. I went in person to report this to reception and they said they would get them fixed or move us to another room. We went straight out then for most of the day in London and when got back discovered that neither the toilet or TV had been fixed! Never mind we weren't there very long anyway but if we were there longer I would have complained.on a positive note if you do stay in the thistle Westminster the restaurant across the road, bumbles is one of the best restaurant in London (it is ranked no. 3 of all restaurants in London on trip advisor) it is absolutely superb cuisine for a very cheap price, definitely recommended.
Reviewed by Greg E; Reviewed in Feb 2010

Basically the Thistle Westminister is one of those...
Basically the Thistle Westminister is one of those hotels that used to be very nice, sometime in the 80s I suspect.The bare brick walls in the flourescent lit corridors made me wince in pain as the depression hit me. The room was long, thin and dark and alikened to a cave by my girlfriend. The room still sported a tired 80 floral feel with tired unloved gold fixtures and fittings.The room was stripped of all useful facilities, the mini-bar was gone (a cavity left where it should be), the hair dryer was non functional, there was no fixed point Internet (wireless provided by BT was just about available), no gowns, no slippers, no sewing kit, no fruit, no newspaper, basically if it wasn't bolted down it didn't exist.Entering the bathroom presented a further scene of dispair, it had polystyrene celing tiles like you find in an office, that had over a number of years generated a horrible dull depressing tinge.The staff were below par, the barman refused to accept a five pound note off me in payment for drinks because it was a bit tatty. Reception were rude when I queried why we had no mini-bar.All in all I am sure this used to be a nice hotel, however now it needs completey gutting and refurbing. As regular visitor of hotels in London I can assure you there are far better in terms of facilities and value for money.
Reviewed by Ben King; Reviewed in Feb 2010

Very poor standard room and breakfast was equally...
Very poor standard room and breakfast was equally as poor. won't book this hotel again.
Reviewed by Robin J; Reviewed in Feb 2010

I know it is London but this was...
I know it is London but this was expensive for the quality (lack). An hotel this expensive has got to have hot water the Thistle didn't, the TV picture was pretty poor not what I would expect really and the bed was far to hard but, then I like a soft mattress so I will let them off that one!But the key ingredients were lacking and didn't make this visit a good experience!
Reviewed by G Humphreys; Reviewed in Jan 2010

Room was larger than normal for a London...
Room was larger than normal for a London hotel and well appointed but let down by a hot air heating system sounded like a jet engine in the room and produced virtually no heat. The television also had a large number of non working channels. Would not stay here again.
Reviewed by A Fielding; Reviewed in Jan 2010

I was woken at just before midnight by...
I was woken at just before midnight by a stranger (another guest) entering my room. The hotel had allocated my room to another guest who had just checked in. This was a most distressing experience particularly as about eight years ago I was attacked when someone broke into my hotel room and it brought back all the very painful memories of that experience.The hotel manager apologised and blamed technology! I will be writing to the CEO at Thistle hotels.
Reviewed by Paul M; Reviewed in Jan 2010

All staff were friendly and helpful and I...
All staff were friendly and helpful and I would staf there again.
Reviewed by Roger Pritchard; Reviewed in Jan 2010

A good quality hotel with an excellent central...
A good quality hotel with an excellent central location, ideal for a visit to London.
Reviewed by M Reed; Reviewed in Jan 2010

When we arrived we were told that there...
When we arrived we were told that there was no booking via Late Rooms and it took a senior member of staff to resolve this. The running water was only lukewarm. We got back from our business trip to the BBC by about 1.30 in the morning and were extremely hungry. On calling reception we were told that there was no chef in the kitchen but they could arrange for a pizza from outside the hotel. This pizza was £13.00, small and rather undercooked. During the phone call to order this we asked for more tea, milk and sugar for the room and were told that this would cost us £5.00 to be brought up to the room however we could go to reception ourselves to get it for no extra cost. The decor was dated and extremely old fashioned. Upon checking out we were not asked if everything had been OK or had we enjoyed our stay. This was literally a bed for the night and has put me off Thistle hotels for life.
Reviewed by M Ward; Reviewed in Jan 2010

room only even in Central London you should...
£115 room only, even in Central London you should expect a clean room, working shower and decent breakfast, none of which I got. Everything in the hotel seemed grubby (e.g. smears on breakfast plates, hair in one of the food dished), my shower took a long time to warm up and kept alternating between hot & cold and the breakfast was cold and half-cooked (at 8:15). Staff were professional and polite but impersonal. OK for the location but not great value for money.
Reviewed by Aidan Dunphy; Reviewed in Jan 2010

Very spacious well-maintained room and lobby area Excellent...
Very spacious, well-maintained room and lobby area. Excellent location for Buckingham Palace and many other sites within a short walking distance.
Reviewed by Stephen C; Reviewed in Jan 2010

...

Reviewed by C Osborne; Reviewed in Jan 2010

The location is excellent Within walking distance to...
The location is excellent. Within walking distance to the tube station and to Westmininster tourist attraction sites. The staff are friendly and always willing to help. The room is clean and the bed is very comfortable. There is tea/coffee making facilities in the room. The only problem was during check in, there was no record of my booking, which was shocking. It seemed that we were not booked in the hotel. This was due to the amendment to the original booking. I had to explained that we were booked to stay in this hotel for 2 nights originally but had to cancel only one night. They said there was no new booking reference, but i explained that the booking reference is the same, but an amendment was made that only one night was cancelled. Well it got finally sorted when they clarified with LateRooms.I dont think that anyone should be put into that situation. It came as a shock that we were not booked into the hotel. This is especially important for tourists who are foreign to the country. I wouldnt like it if i am a tourist in a foreign country and the hotel that i have prebooked showed no records of my stay.I hope through this situation, there should be some improvements made.
Reviewed by D Lim; Reviewed in Jan 2010

The room was booked for a night staying...
The room was booked for a night staying in London after a nearby Christmas party at the Park plaza. In fairness, we only paid £80, instead of the £140 that it would have cost to stay at the plaza. Therefore, we weren't expecting miracles but on reflection, I wish we had paid the extra. The hotel reception area was actually quite nice but once we got to the room it was very much not. It was extremely dated, the bathroom looked like it hadn't been properly cleaned in some time (...mildew in the bath), there was no phone in the room with which to contact reception, the cupboard with 'mini bar' printed on it contained no mini bar and when you started up the central heating it sounded like an old deisel engine. At first, I thought that we'd just been unlucky and got a bad room but we had another friend staying at the hotel who's experience was similar to ours. After this, I would not stay at another Thistle hotel
Reviewed by Matthew Adams; Reviewed in Dec 2009

Good size room plenty of choice for breakfast...
Good size room, plenty of choice for breakfast would stay again
Reviewed by sarah m; Reviewed in Dec 2009

We stayed at the Westminster Thistle as it...
We stayed at the Westminster Thistle as it was near to the theatre we were going to. Our bedroom (superior) was small, tired and dreary. the staff were very polite at all times. the bathroom was old and towels were of poor quality.
Reviewed by Linda S; Reviewed in Nov 2009

Hotel was difficult to find and although technically...
Hotel was difficult to find and although technically I couldnt fault the room and it was spacious it was faintly depressing.Staff at reception were helpful,friendly and approachable
Reviewed by H McHale; Reviewed in Nov 2009

The hotel is fine not the best one...
The hotel is fine, not the best one in London, but is in a good location. The actual room was clean and comfortable, but the bathroom was looking very run down and needed to be redecorated. The Reception staff on check in are efficient, but not overly friendly, but check out staff were excellent.
Reviewed by Paul D; Reviewed in Nov 2009

We only used the hotel to sleep and...
We only used the hotel to sleep and we did that well. The hotel is located close to Victoria Station and to an number of other worthwile places/etc. , which is convenient.The reception was ok; the room is order and the porter very helpfull and service oriented; excellent.
Reviewed by P De Graaf; Reviewed in Nov 2009

I was given a lovely big room but...
I was given a lovely big room but it was dirty. I tried to ring reception but there was nly one guy down there and so he was very busy. I repacked my bag and went down to ask for naother room and indeed he was very apologetic. The next room I was given was a nice big room, was clean, but the curtain wouldn't draw properly. I got the impression the place is not very well run.
Reviewed by Frances Storr; Reviewed in Nov 2009

This is a very comfortable and well located...
This is a very comfortable and well located hotel convenient to major transport hubs at Victoria. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed by Jack P; Reviewed in Nov 2009

I chose the Thistle Westminster as I had...
I chose the Thistle Westminster as I had tickets for Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre nearby and I was getting the bus from Glasgow which came into Victoria coach station, a short walk also from the hotel.The location was absolutely perfect for my weekend trip. The hotel was a straight walk out from coach station down Buckingham Palace Rd, passing Victoria tube and Apollo Victoria Theatre (Wicked) right next door, before arriving at the hotel, 2 blocks further along. The walk from coach took approx less than 10mins (carrying a heavy bag or it would have been quicker!)The rate we paid for this hotel was amazing considering the quality. I really couldn't fault my stay. The communal areas are lovely, spotless, friendly helpful staff, esp the concierge on duty. Our room was beautiful, a twin non smoking room. I was pleasantly surprised to find two double beds (i've stayed in other london hotels costing more that give you two single beds). There was a lovely, spotless bathroom with shower over bath with enough towels for two and spare ones in wardrobe, and complimentary toiletries. The room had a large wardrobe and drawers, mirrors all the way to the door, air conditioning/heating/dimmer room lights and bedside lights. We had a trouser press, pull down ironing board and full size iron in the room (usually need to ask for an iron or be directed to an 'ironing room' i've found in the past, so this was a plus). There was a suitcase stand, sofa, coffee table, another tub chair, desk/dressing table with large mirror and chair, and there was a large flat screen tv. Decor is traditional style, high quality. Tea & coffee making facilities, with tetely tea bags and branded shortbread provided (very impressed with the tetely tea!)Very comfortable bed with a proper duvet and sheet, not scrathchy blankets you sometimes get under a top quilt. Nice pillows too. Very good double glazing, couldn't hear any noise from the road outside, amazing!There is seating and lovely furniture outside the rooms in various places, and in the lobby areas etc.On leaving the hotel, I enquired about getting a taxi and the lovely concierge went out and hailed one for us. Great service.We went to see Wicked at the nearby Apollo Victoria theatre - only a 2 min walk from the hotel, very good and it's right across from tube/main station so that's only a 2 min walk also. Lots of restaurants nearby, a shopping centre, sainsburys local and plenty cafes etc.Booking through laterooms was great and we paid a 1/3 of the hotels 'proper' rate. This rate doesn't include breakfast but this can be added on if you wish. You just need to say when checking in that you would like breakfast. We chose not to as I felt it was rather expensive for a hotel breakfast - £9.95 continental and £14.95 full english. On checking out, we went to a nearby cafe where we got full english and toast and tea for £3.90, can't remember the name.....across from victoria coach station, had a blue canopy, really nice.I would definately stay here again, and would recommend it.
Reviewed by Kelly M; Reviewed in Nov 2009

Difficult to find the entrance All the staff...
Difficult to find the entrance. All the staff I met were abrupt and uncommunicative, and in some cases just ignorant - receptionist completely ignored what I was saying prefering instead to continue her conversation with one of her colleagues."Air conditioning in rooms" - not in the room I had, just a very noisy fan blowing in warm air."we have equipped our bedrooms with a soundproof secondary gazing" - not in the room I had, which was lucky as I needed to open the window to let some cold air in as the air con didn't work.Decor is tired and in need of a refurb, certainly not 4* quality, and I had a "superior" room - dread to think what the others must be like.Bed was comfy though. Slept well until 08:20 when someone banged on the door shouting "housekeeping" - seriously unhappy at being woken at that time. Went for breakfast. Save your money - really not good value - dried out bacon, overcooked sausage, fried eggs that would have made good frisbees - and a toaster that couldn't decide if it should burn the bread, ignore it, or just jam up altogether. Mushrooms were nice though but not worth £16 by themselves. Oh and when I ask for a coffee I don't expect to wait 10 mins and have to remind 3 people that the cup is still empty - either the staff are overworked, ignorant or couldn't care less.Returned to the room to find Housekeeping in full swing!! Had even moved some of my stuff off the bed so they could strip it. Really should have told him to leave but instead I got changed, packed and left... Complained to receptionist and was told that Housekeeping can come into your room from 8am - whether you've left or not. Manager however said that wasn't true. Either way, I won't be going back to find out.If you need a (relative to London pricing) cheap room for the night, don't care about decor or customer service or decent breakfast and are happy for housekeeping to invade your space then stay here. It is at least convenient for sightseeing and that's an incentive to keep you out of the hotel for as long as possible.
Reviewed by John F; Reviewed in Oct 2009

I have now stayed at this hotel several...
I have now stayed at this hotel several times. It has a great location, good rooms and attentive staff. i would definately recommend this hotel whether for business or pleasure.
Reviewed by F Docherty; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Very close to Victoria Station Coach Stn and...
Very close to Victoria Station, Coach Stn and Gatwich express!
Reviewed by Dario F; Reviewed in Oct 2009

...

Reviewed by M Kurton; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Nice hotel for the money comfortable with potential...
Nice hotel for the money, comfortable with potential free parking in a back street nearby if you get there on time! Food was good and service acceptable. closer to local amenities.
Reviewed by J Trayner; Reviewed in Oct 2009

The hotel is centrally located within very easy...
The hotel is centrally located within very easy reach of tube stations and bus stops. Buckingham Palace is a short walk away.Accomodation was perfectly acceptable, but at 9am there was only one person on the reception desk so checking out took nearly half an hour. Given that this hotel is used by business people and a large majority check out between 7 & 9am it would have been prudent for th ehotel to ensure there were more staff available at this busy time. Apart form this, the hotel is recommended for visiting London.
Reviewed by A White; Reviewed in Oct 2009

This hotel is typical of London City accomodation...
This hotel is typical of London City accomodation. The rooms were fit for purpose, although not large enough to want to relax in. In fairness I stayed in the low tariff room, there were options for an upgrade which I might have taken should I have been staying longer. The room was clean and functional, it was, however, close to the local tube and a host of nice restaurants, I'd recoomend the Mango Tree for if you like Thai! All in all for the price I paid (good deal through late rooms) it was better than your Budget Hotels, Travel Lodges etc but no where you would want to take your wife to for a romantic night away.
Reviewed by Robin B; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Hotel was very comfortable Room was small but...
Hotel was very comfortable. Room was small but sufficient for me since I travelled alone. Staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Excellent value for money since this is a central London location and has easy access to all tourist spots. The only criticism I had was that I did not receive my wake-up call on Wednesday morning. I had ordered an airport transfer service to pick me up at 7:20am and I had to hustle to get down to the lobby in time.
Reviewed by B Cocard; Reviewed in Oct 2009

Room was a decent size family room Beds...
Room was a decent size family room. Beds were hard. Customer service was slow. Great location
Reviewed by s hoffman; Reviewed in Sep 2009

Simply slept there A massive room more like...
Simply slept there. A massive room, more like a suite.Had no problems with it . Does not look like a hotel from Buckingham Palace Rd- more a 50's communist block. Other than that, fine.
Reviewed by M Mcpaul; Reviewed in Sep 2009