Hyde Park, Ramada Jarvis Review

Overall Rating

Central location, handy for tube + everything, not too expensive (for central London), great view over Hyde Park, good breakfast, smart decor, well appointed rooms.

None - the only minor point may be that if you're not used to the traffic, some people may find the traffic noise from the Bayswater Road a bit of a disturbance at night but the windows do have secondary glazing and this is a small inconvenience for such a great location.

I stayed at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Hyde Park for two nights with my family on a weekend break to take in some of the sights in London in September, 2003.

The hotel is convenient for both the Notting Hill Gate (slightly closer) and Bayswater underground stations. These are both on the Circle line which includes Euston Square (a three minute walk from Euston station).

Although we chose to take the train to London, there is parking for 30 cars (allocated on a first come first served basis) and there was an NCP car park right opposite which seemed reasonably clear at the weekend we stayed).

The walk from the Bayswater station is quite an experience and really brings home the international nature of the Capital. Within a three hundred metre walk, you could choose from Chinese, Vietnamese, Maroccan and Italian cuisine.

The hotel is right opposite Hyde Park and this makes for some great views accros the London skyline - when booking, ask for a room at the front of the hotel, 5th floor or above to get a great view over the trees of Hyde park from which you can see the London Eye. The windows and secondary glazing can be slid back so you can really let the atmosphere of the capital into your room (the secondary glazing is essential as at night the Bayswater Road stays fairly busy pretty much all night).

English breakfast was a help yourself buffet style. There was a reasonable choice with plenty of staff on hand although at peak times the kitchen did struggle to keep up with demand a bit.

We did not dine at the hotel itself so I cannot comment on the evening fare. The bar was well stocked and you can even treat yourself to a well earned cocktail after a hard day pounding the streets of London.

The hotel rooms were excellently kept - decor and fittings are of a high standard. We found the hotel to be family friendly with video games available in the rooms (for a charge).

When it comes to getting about, the knowledgable hotel staff are happy to advise on bus services to the various tourist landmarks.

There is a bus stop right outside the hotel from which you can take a hop on/hop off topless red london double decker bus tour. This connects with another two services at Picadilly and runs every twenty minutes or so (charge is £15/adult and this includes a Thames river cruise).

Walking accross Hyde Park in the morning is particularly enjoyable for the glimpse it gives you of Londoners at play - if you're staying with children, there is a lovely childrens play area in the park with some great features including a giant wooden pirate ship. It's also worth diverting past the lake to watch the miniature racing yachts.

All in all, a highly recommended place to stay for a trip to London.

Members' Comments onRichard's Review

• fjmcglade on 12th Jan 2004

  Thanks for a very thorough and encouraging report. I was thinking of using this hotel later in the year.

• Richard on 3rd Feb 2004

  Hi fjmcglade,
  
  glad to be of service - if you do end up staying here, please add a review so we can see if the hotel is still as good