The Chesterfield Mayfair

I have very fond memories of this beautiful, comfortable hotel from visits in the early 2000s. I had dinner there once and went for drinks at the green room bar on other occasions. The service was excellent, and the food and drinks were five star. I like small, cosy places, and this is one of my favourite London hotels. I'm no longer able to visit because of ill health, but I'd highly recommend it.

Breakfast was good, with a great selection and nicely prepared food, and the location is great. But I won't be returning. The £15 daily 'service charge' for housekeeping, room service, and so on put me off at check-in. I'd expect to choose a tip myself. The floor smelled of stale, rancid food, and there was an unsightly rust stain in the bathroom sink. For a four-star hotel, I also expected a full-length mirror; the shampoo and lotion came in large bottles instead of sample sizes. The nightly turn-down was just a room service menu left on the bed, without the chocolate or other small treat I'd read about in reviews. The bath sides are high, as other reviewers have mentioned.

The rooms have a classic Victorian look, and the location is nice, within walking distance of tube stations. We also enjoyed the new rooftop bar. What stood out most was the impeccable service, from housekeeping and reception to the restaurant. Many of the employees are apparently long-term staff, and that sense of continuity shows in the way they look after guests.

Our room was spacious, clean, comfortable, and quiet, and we appreciated the bottled water and the choice of tea and coffee. Breakfast was creative and delicious, with friendly, attentive service. The front desk staff were consistently welcoming, chatty, and attentive, and the concierge was always ready with advice and ideas. We really want to commend everyone at The Chesterfield Mayfair.