Durley House

We had to move from the first apartment we were allocated because of a blocked toilet stuffed with loo paper; a really unpleasant 'welcome' showing housekeeping were not stringent. The place didn't feel clean at all - dusty and musty - and the furniture was shabby - we found one table was broken and another breakfast table / footstool collapsed under us. The apartment kitchens in particular were of a very poor and basic standard and very sparsely equipped - we had to ask for teabags and milk as we'd arrived late when all the shops were shut - there was no consistency of supplies. The breakfast was poor quality too - supermarket croissants and the juice not freshly squeezed but from a carton - not what you expect when paying this sort of money. We were simply not at all happy there and moved after a couple of days, having originally booked in for 2 weeks.

We researched many hotels to accomodate our family of 4 - two middle school kids. Wanted enough beds & space to spread out. This was perfect. We had 2 "living rooms" & a small kitchen, 2 bathrooms. I was a bit worried after reading some negative reviews - I can be a hotel "snob". (Comments about stained carpet, which is due to be replaced this fall. They did shampoo it upon request) But, this hotel is a perfect London hotel. Very charming, great staff (Ahlam is the best!). Location is near great shopping & tube. Staff anticipated our needs! Would recommend it to all my friends!

I had read very mixed reviews about this hotel, but for our family needs (2 adults, 2 young children) it was perfect. The hotel does look as if it hasn't been touched since the 1980's-it's a bit like a time warp, but I thought it had a good feel to it. Traditional English style - antiques, huge oil paintings of men with moustaches, dumb waiters (not the human type!), etc. Facilities good - taps in bathroom could do with a re-chrome, but it's made of sturdy stuff - it's the actual space that we valued above all.. Staff very helpful and not intrusive. If you're into minimalist perfection and shiney surfaces then this isn't the place for you...but if you're after a relaxed stay in a great location with lots of space then I would highly recommend it. We stayed in the Durley Suite... I loved the huge sitting room area - you could do several cartwheels here if you wanted (not that we did) - ceiling to floor windows overlooking cadogan private gardens. Staff can give you a key ( and tennis racquets) for the gardens (two tennis courts and a play area for younger children ). Harrods down the road and Kings Road round the corner. Would come back here.