By Tammi Clements
JW Marriott Grosvenor House is one f the better hotels in London. Rooms at this five-star
resort feature well-appointed furnishings, pillow-top mattresses, lavish duvets and large marble bathrooms. Another good London hotel is The Academy Hotel. This four-star boutique hotel is located in London's famous West End. Academy guests enjoy Egyptian cotton sheets, iPod docking stations and fully stocked mini bars. Satellite TV is also provided in each room.
Wows and Woes
Hotel guests staying in executive level rooms at the Grosvenor House receive free breakfast, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. The Academy Hotel is perfect for business travelers because each guest is given business cards printed with hotel room information upon check-in.
One negative factor about staying at the Grosvenor House is that Internet service is not included in the cost of the room. Internet access costs nearly $35 per day, which is pretty expensive. Rooms at The Academy are tiny, and the bathroom showers are minuscule.
Insider Tips
Even if you are traveling solo, the single Academy room is awfully small. Request a double room instead of a single room. This will allow you slightly more space. When staying at the Grosvenor House, be sure to join The Marriott's reward club. This will provide you with upgrades and lower room rates on future stays.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I will always remember showering at The Academy.. The water pressure was so weak that bathing was a real task. It took forever to wash my hair. Those were the worst showers I have ever taken. I have fond memories of The Park Room at Grosvenor House. The afternoon tea service was great. Very tasty pastries and finger sandwiches were also provided. This afternoon tea was the highlight of my stay in London.
Bottom Line
You cannot go wrong with either of these hotels--both will pamper you. For the location alone, The Academy is the clear winner.
About the Author:
Tammi Clements is a Los Angeles, California based fashion, and entertainment writer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast communications from the University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her articles have appeared in Jane Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly. She is currently writing her first novel, and travels the globe in her free time.
