THE HOTEL: The four-star Charing Cross hotel is located on The Strand, London, close to Trafalgar Square, and is one of four Guoman Hotels in the capital. Built in 1865, the imposing Grade II listed building is located directly above Charing Cross station.
THE CHECK IN: The hotel entrance was well marked amid the hustle and bustle of the station forecourt. Four people were ahead of me in the check-in queue in the relatively small and low-lit lobby area. A second member of staff was eventually deployed to speed things up. Candles lined the corridors and grand, sweeping staircase, making for a sophisticated evening atmosphere.
THE ROOM: A walkway over Villiers Street takes guests to the Buckingham Wing which re-opens this March as the Executive Wing after a £2.2million upgrade. Upon completion it will have its own check-in area and, hopefully, a new lift to replace the slow, wheezing incumbent facility. The new-look room had brand new furnishings and facilities, with shades of purple, grey and white dominating, plus a selection of framed black and white London-themed photographs and dark furniture – the overall effect was smart and stylish and much to my liking. Besides a huge bed and numerous pillows, there was a small sofa, lounge chair, coffee table, kettle and fridge, flatscreen TV, iron and ironing board, desk and wardrobe, plus a fairly plain bathroom with heated floor. Views were towards Embankment and the River Thames.
THE BUSINESS: There's BT Openzone wifi throughout (paid for), a concierge service, a Guoman Club Lounge on the ground floor and nine meeting rooms. The grand Betjeman Suite is the largest, with sculpted ceilings and chandeliers, and capacity for up to 150 guests.
THE RESTAURANT:The Terrace on the Strand restaurant features an original Victorian inlaid mosaic floor and has an AA Rosette to its name. Its menu is very much international and views are over The Strand and Trafalgar Square. There's also The Strand Lounge for afternoon tea and the Strand Bar.
THE VERDICT: The guest rooms in the new-look Executive Wing are a great addition, bringing this grand, old railway hotel bang up to date without stamping all over its elegant Victorian design and architectural features.
THE DETAILS: The Charing Cross Hotel,
The Strand, London, WC2N 5HX. Tel: 0871
376 9012; Executive Rooms are from £195. www.guoman.com/charingcross Andy Hoskins
