Grange Holborn Hotel

Spent a couple of nights here in July. Got free upgrade to an Executive room .

Can't really fault the room....plenty of hot water, replenished toiletries....and a super comfy king size bed - the bed linen was such good quality.

Didn't use room service so can't comment.

Doorman/men very attentive and very friendly...nice to see a genuine smile.

Swimming pool/steam room clean and enjoyable....hot showers/plenty of towels and shampoo and shower gel provided (I'd forgotten mine!)

Breakfast plentiful...buffet style not cooked to order but still ok..plenty of fresh fruit etc.

Holborn tube station easily accessible five minute walk...Soho/Chinatown/Theatres close by.

I booked a night at this hotel through LastMinute.com as a top secret hotel. It was advertised as a 5 star hotel near soho. I was very let down upon arrival.

The hotel was advertised as 5 star but I could not see why when I walked into the main lobby. The decor and facilities did not meet the standards I have experienced at other 5 star hotels. I walked up to the counter and the receptionist ignored me for a few minutes before serving me. He took my name and the card I had booked/paid with and put my card in the chip and PIN machine.

'payment amount £50' flashed on the screen so I asked what I was paying £50 for. He replied that it was for any extras. I told him that I was only staying for one night (I had arrived at around 10pm) and I wouldn't be taking advantage of any of the facilities the hotel had to offer. he told me that 'You must pay to stay in the hotel'. After speaking to the manager about it, the manager explained that the £50 was a deposit of sorts to cover any damages to the room.

I checked in and was told where my room was, I went up - hoping that the room offered the 5 star-ness that I had paid for but alas, the room was nothing above normal. the bathroom was clean and bright and the room was clean too. That was the only thing exceptional about it.

At 8:15 a member of staff let themselves into the room, leaving when they realised I was still in the room - without saying sorry.

At 9:30 another member of staff - a cleaning lady - walked in. I asked her to come back after I had checked out as I still had and hour and a half left to spend in the room.

at 10am yet another member of staff came in - as I was getting dressed. I looked on the back of my door and in all of the drawers and wardrobes to check for a 'do not disturb' sign but there was none.

When I asked about the incidents, the manager told me that he was sorry and didn't understand why the staff had entered the room so early or with out knocking first - which was a policy that all staff usually worked by.

Overall I was not happy with the room or service. They offered no discount for the walk-ins, waking me up or almost seeing me naked.

Do not expect a 5 star experience at the Grange Holborn Hotel!