I’m currently staying at the Grange Buckingham Hotel in London, and I have to say, it’s a really charming place so far. The room I’m in is massive—much bigger than I expected—and it really exuded a charming old-world elegance, just as I imagined the UK to be, with large windows, rich drapes, and that classic terrace building feel. As an Australian, it really delivered on the vision I had of London. The price is also excellent for what you get—there’s a kitchenette, a large bathroom, and plenty of space.
That said, a few things have cropped up during my stay. Coming from Australia, the room feels extremely cold. I can turn on the wall-mounted heater, but it’s one of those UK water heaters, and it doesn’t warm the room effectively—plus, it keeps switching off, leaving me chilly. The bed is okay, but it’s a bit firm, and the two mattresses pushed together create an annoying gap in the middle. Then, there’s a real cleanliness letdown: although the old charm is wonderful, the bathroom is not clean. The toilet bowl had visible stains, and the shower wall was filthy—mold in the grout, dirt all over. The towel also had a large stain; it was washed, no doubt, but it really needed a soak to remove it. Another letdown—no USB ports or power converters in the room, which is surprising, as even budget hotels usually have them these days.
That said, the check-in was fantastic—warm, professional, and very welcoming. The foyer does feel a bit tired and could use a bit of a refresh