Threadneedles, The City's Boutique Hotel

The hotel was beautiful, the staff was very helpful, and the bartenders at Bonds were very accommodating, if not particularly social. The location was conveniently a short walk of three blocks away from my office, but, being in the City of London, the area was decidedly dead on the nights and weekend.

Stayed overnight on their "romantic package" - special weekend deal for a hotel that is aimed primarily at the business user during the week. Champagne and chocolates in room, flower petals on bed etc - all exactly as promised.

Located almost next door to the Bank of England - not the usual spot for a leisure hotel, and very understated from the outside, so much so that you don't realise it's a hotel at all. Once inside it's luxury throughout, with excellent service. The lobby has a massive stained glass dome, where you can sit and gaze upwards, whilst using their honesty bar.

Rooms excellent (although we did get a free upgrade to an executive suite, so they may not all be quite as big).

Well located for attractions such as Tower of London, although at weekend restuarants can be hard to come by in the vicinity. Try Northbank on the Thames by the Millenium Bridge.

We stayed here one night for a wedding that was next door.

When we phoned to ask about an extra bed for our daughter no mention of a charge was made, we phoned twice. Both times we were told as long as we booked a bigger room we could have a cot.

When we arrived we were asked if we wanted twin beds, we said no we requested a king bed and a roll away cot for the child. We were told it would be and extra 50 pounds!

We were taken to our room, and it had twin beds. We were in a hurry to get to the wedding so were willing to make do!

We then got a phone call apologizing for the mix up and they would move us to the room next door which was the room we had booked and paid for, and they would give us the bed at no charge for our inconvenience!

When we went to check out the next morning.. we were told we had to pay 50 pounds for the bed! We explained to the woman what had transpired the previous day.. she just kept saying NO! As if it was not what had happened???

We finally spoke to the manager, who made it obvious he did not believe us but he was going to waive the charge!

We left with a bad impression of the hotel though it was absolutely gorgeous and wonderfully appointed!