We love London and we love Mayfair. Our favourite haunt for all past visits was of course Dukes Hotel. However, this time we are on a limited budget so had t o look elsewhere.
Being the same distance from Green Park station as Dukes and at only £220 a night we decided to give The Athenaeum a try.
I must say we were feeling a little worried, being such a fan of Dukes. However, we need not have been. Whilst the hotel has a different vibe to Dukes due to being a much bigger, high rise property, the value for money was great.
Included in the price was Wifi, breakfast, which included a continental buffet as well as your choice from a hot menu and tea/coffee - on the second day we were even offered a take away hot chocolate after finishing! Also included where the items in the mini bar (except spirits) which where replenished each day. This was great as there were plenty of drinks and nibbles and fruit for us to take with us each day as we went sightseeing. The nespresso machine was also a great inclusion.
Whilst the elevators felt a little cramped with more than 4 people in them, the rooms where very large with views across St James Park.
The bathroom was fine, a little dated with a very small sink, but it was adaquate and was more than made up for by the huge size and good standard of the room. Furnished in a contemporary style with a comfortable king size bed, high tea style chairs looking out the floor to ceiling windows, pay TV, iPod dock, work station and plenty of storage we would happily stay here again.
Just across the road from the hotel was one of the the Barclays Bicycle Hire hubs. Here we paid just £2 to pedal power around the city for 24 hours. All you have to do is make sure you return the bike to a hub every 30 minutes. This worked out well as we could jump on the bikes at the hotel, ride down to hyde park, return the bokes and take out a row boat, grab another bike and get back to teh hotel for lunch, pick up another bike and zip down to Buckingham palace, return the bikes, do some sightseeing and continue all day. Even if you keep the bike a little longer, it's only a few pound, so much nicer and much cheaper than a taxi plus you get a unique view of the city, some fresh air and some exercise.
Walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Green Park Station, St James and Hyde Park, this hotel provides a value for money stay in Mayfair, especially if you are looking at staying for a few nights so want some extra space.
Walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Green Park Station, St James and Hyde Park, this hotel provides a value for money stay in Mayfair, especially if you are looking at staying for a few nights so want some extra space.
