Orange Tree

Location: it doesn’t get better, 20min train to Waterloo, ride the district line tube and easily connect to picadilly and bakerloo lines. The station is across the street. I’m never staying in a cramped central London hotel again. BRILLIANT! HOTEL: as an American who travels globally for self owned businesses. Is a bed princess, a foodie, and someone who expects value in location+appointments+service this establishment delivers truckloads. This is fabulous Victorian hotel, all tasteful refit with big nods to the aesthetic off which it was built, with forced air heating/AC and storm windows (to insulate original timber glazing) bathrooms are sleek, spotless hard surfaces everything, and tasteful. I would have loved to have a room with a claw foot tub by the bay windows. Decorating and refurbishment is top shelf. In other words, they did not tear out all the beautiful woodwork, flooring, and bar to paint it all grey and put granite and harsh lighting in. It’s warm, inviting. And the rooms are just lush for this price and location. I’ve worked as the valet/doorman/concierge/get you anything from anywhere person at a 5 star and stayed several times at the Mondrian London. With kids, this is a no brained. PUB: it’s great. This is a small local chain based in London that refits inns and old hotels. A lot of these places are doomed to become buffet carveries or local pub-inns with abandoned lodging bc they can’t afford to refurbish and oft end up being Greene kings. Vibe is perfect, quiet breakfast, lively lunch, bustling after-work drinks, after dinner: lights dimmed with a good mix of pop from the last 40 years. It was bumpin on a Wednesday night. This is my go to stay when I’m traveling in/out/around London. 20 mins to car return terminal 5 Heathrow. This feels like I’m giving away a secret. Kid and dog friendly. They set us a up a cot with real bedding for our 2yo. Staff is polite and bend over backwards to help beyond their jobs worth. Local knowledge is freely shared with enthusiasm. 5* couldn’t say enough good things. Cons: lumpy pillows and duvet. I have come to expect this in 95% of Europe so no marks taken. It is a walk up but 3 upper floors only. Call and ask about the rooms they’re all different. We got a great corner with sun all day

21/9 I was charged 46 quid for 2 beers on contactless not noticed till at home. Complained next day to Nicol who said she was a manager and would look into it and call back in 30 mins. 3 days later still waiting. Left 3 more voicemails but no return call. Added to this a Youngs pub with no ordinary butter on tap?! Lesson learned always ask the bar staff at this pub for a paper receipt or risk being ripped off. After responding to my review I am happy to say that I contacted the Orange tree and they have now made a full refund. I look forward to my next visit but hope the ordinary bitter is back on !