Rochester Hotel by Blue Orchid

After a terrible day at the airport, being welcomed with big smiles made a real difference. The lady at the counter greeted us warmly, and Ayushi listened to my story and made us feel at home. Staff were polite and very accommodating throughout. The room was spacious and the beds were comfortable. A good place to stay if you want to be close to downtown London. Highly recommended.

The room was lovely, with plenty of space, everything working, and a nice little coffee machine as well as a kettle. Breakfast itself was fine, though getting the eggs took a while. Maybe it only felt long to me.

The quiet square and calm courtyard made this a lovely place to stay. The Wellington is well placed for Victoria Station, Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and plenty of shops and places to eat. We had lunch outside with friends for our special occasion. It was good, though the courtyard flooring and grass could use some care, and it was a shame to see so few people using that pleasant space during our three days. It also sets the first impression from the street entrance. Inside, the bar and lounge were tranquil, and the hotel was very clean. Staff were attentive and polite, especially the friendly women in the breakfast room and bar. The housekeeper was lovely too. Breakfast was very good. Our twin deluxe room had the usual amenities, an iron and ironing board, and enough room to change into occasion wear. The wardrobe was split, so there was nowhere to hang a long dress, though we had a suit hanger and managed. There was only one flannel in the twin room, but I’m sure they would have brought another if I’d asked. The shower was great, the towels lovely, and the air conditioning kept a steady temperature. We also appreciated having windows that opened, which seems rare in London. The TV signal came and went, but we only used it briefly in the morning and at night. It’s a bit of a maze at first, though we soon found the breakfast room. We had a great stay and would definitely return.

The location made getting around London easy, with major sights within reach, and the hotel had a relaxed, modern but cozy feel. Our room was clean, well kept, and thoughtfully equipped, with a comfortable bed that made it easy to sleep after a day out. The staff were consistently helpful and welcoming from arrival through departure. We found The Wellington by Blue Orchid a comfortable stay and good value, and would gladly recommend it.