Brown's Hotel

We stayed on the 'Romantic Package' to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The telephone booking directly with the hotel was very efficient and friendly, and having visited the restaurant many years ago before the refurbishment we were looking forward to seeing the new decor. The changes did not disappoint and the hotel has a serene atmosphere. The doorman was welcoming and walked us to reception where the young lady was equally as nice.

We did book in at 2pm so our room was ready and after a tour of the public rooms (which are gorgeous) we were shown to our room on the 2nd floor. Don't ask me why but I was disappointed, it was beautifully furnished but despite asking for a quiet room it overlooked Dover Street with lots of passing traffic, however good for people watching but we were on a romantic break!!! Another member of staff rushed in with our champagne and fruit saying she had hoped to get there before us to dust! The 3 satsumas on the plate did look rather silly.

I phoned reception to ask for another room overlooking the quiet courtyard that had been mentioned at the time of booking. The room on the 4th floor was much grander and larger in style. We were passed by a young man carrying a proper fruit bowl, alas not for us! Didn't like to complain again as the room was really special but the fans from outside the window were very, very noisy and did in the end keep me awake for most of the night.

Following supper at the Wolseley (fantastic food) the turn down was great, candles, monagramed bath robes etc. very romantic.

Breakfast served in our room was up to 5* standard. So sadly our only complaint was the location of the room which I have mentioned on my comment card......

We would recommend the hotel; but would be wary about returning unless we were able to check out the room first.

The most important thing about Brown's is that they are true to their reputation: They are one of the most welcoming and friendly hotels in the world. The thing that will strike you is that everyone there is really nice and customer oriented. It doesn't have the air of pretentiousness you find in some 5-star hotels (I say this as someone who stays almost exclusively in 5-star hotels) - instead it feels like you are at home and with friends. The more you stay there the more striking this becomes.

The hotel itself is also excellent:

Rooms: The rooms including many of the standard rooms are spacious, comfortable and well appointed. Many of the rooms have high pressure rain-showers which are absolutely fantastic. The beds are probably the best hotel beds I have slept on in London - better than the Four Seasons or the Ritz. The furnishings are very tasteful - contemporary with modern amenities (e.g. LCD TVs). One caveat here - some rooms are relatively small and don't have power showers - its not an entire category of rooms but just a few individual rooms. I have not viewed this as an issue because when I get one of these rooms, I ask for a room change. This said most standard rooms are great, and the executive rooms are world-class.

Dining: Dining is excellent. The best club sandwich in the world. Good entrees and desserts. Excellent selection of fresh fruit. Staff are willing to accommodate requests.

Staff: As mentioned earlier the quality of staff is exceptional. They really care. The front-desk staff are terrific. The doorman may be the best in the world.

I was impressed with everything. The rooms were tastefully decorated, the bed extremely comfortable and the service impeccable, the concierge extremely helpful and well-informed. I requested a SIM card and was provided with one within 15minutes. It was an amazing stay in all its aspects. I usually stay at the intercontinental hotel and stayed at the Browns due its excellent location near Bond Street. Will stay there again, there is no doubt about this.