The Metropolitan

We came here for an afternoon tea experience on a spur of the moment. Our mistake. For 24 pounds we got flour-less desserts, breadless sandwiches and pureed vegetables in a cup. For 3 people who paid 24 pounds each, we didn't even get portions for each person. The waiter informed us that the portions were usually for two people but since we had a third person he threw on a couple of extra flourless cupcakes even though we each paid full price for the tea. The breadless sandwiches (which cannot seriously be called a sandwich) included one cup with four slivers of leftover meat that topped a puree of mystery neon green stuff (unidentifiable) that filled the entire cup. The tea was bagged tea and came with no milk. The ambiance resembled a run down 50's style diner with the vinyl seats. The upside was you can get a reservation asap and there is no dress code - and there's a reason for this. We did not expect the Ritz here, however, for a whopping total bill of 100 pounds we did expect at least something resembling tea that you couldn't just pull out of your own kitchen and at least sandwiches that you don't have to eat with a spoon and share. If you're looking for an English tea experience, go through the trouble of making a reservation at a well-renowned place and abiding by their dress code. Learn from our expensive mistake.

My husband and I stayed 2 nights in December for our wedding anniversary and it was a great experience, although I'm not sure it's quite worth the money. We had a standard room on one of the upper floors which had a magical view of London and the location is amazing. Some of the furniture etc is looking the tiniest bit tired, although it's clearly a design classic. I loved the fact that we could pipe music through into the bathroom and there was a good CD collection. The toilletries were divine and the bed extremely comfortable. There was a bit of a wait at check-in, even though we didn't turn up particularly early while we waited for a non-smoking room, but we were given free tea and coffee and biscuits so we just relaxed. The Met bar was great and the cocktails delicious. We ate at Nobu which was fabulous. A faultless trip, except perhaps the price since the room was fairly simply decorated compared to some we've been to, but all in all a great time and I'd recommend the experience.

My Wife & I decided to book the Metropolitan for 3 nights while in London. After reading several so-so reviews on tripadvisor, the good rates on the hotel's website and the famous 'Met-Bar' won us over. We thought it would be a nice luxury hotel in park lane. Too be honest we should have spent slightly more and stayed at a proper place.

The Metropolitan is unfortunately a tired has-been hotel with the service and decor of a 3-star hotel.

2 days before our check in, the hotel emailed us to ask what time we would be arriving so they could have a room ready. I thought this was fantastic as I had an early morning business meeting and this would allow us to refresh ourselves. On arrival, there was no room ready and the staff member who booked us in, could'nt care less and was extremely rude. He said that the email received from the hotel's reservation dept was no guarantee of the early room-check-in. Well then I ask you, what was the point of the hotel emailing us before hand. If they had'nt I would have showered in the Business Class Arrivals lounge at the airport. Relucantly after arguing with him for 40 mins, he gave us a 'box-sized' room to shower and change. No apology either was forthcoming from management. If they actually have any.

The hotel during it's day must have been a hip and happening boutique hotel. Now the decor is fading and in dire need of replacement. The lobby is depressing and void of character. The hotel has none of the glitz you would normally associate with a 5-star west end hotel.

Any Park Lane Hotel is supposed to have a proper concierge service. We asked the 'concierge' to book us a table at the Wolsey for Breakfast/Lunch. She called them up and was told they are fully booked at can't take us. We then walked to the Wolsey and they had plenty of tables available and we had a brilliant breakfast.

The room we where given had a view over roofs of an adjacent building but was comfortable and had good linen. However it was also a bit shabby and in need of rennovation.

Unfortunately the hotels dining is extremely limited. If you like Japanese then you are ok, but will probably not be able to get in to the restuarant which is 'booked up in advance'.

This so called exclusivity is the hotel's ploy to try and keep the restuarant and bar popular. Two weeks previously we arranged with the 'special events co-ordinator to reserve a table for our friends on the saturday night. We provided them with a guest list as requested and all was confirmed. When we went down to the bar before our guests arrived. The 'bar manager' said that the bar was fully booked that evening and he had no reservation for us. When we explained to him abour reservation with the events co-ordinator, once again the met-hotel's staff member couldnt care less. We actually had to call the hotel's general manager to complain. Only after she apologised, did he give us a table and reluctantly. Then when we went into the bar, we found the bar empty. This was the case the whole evening. Maybe there where 2 full tables the whole night. Ours and one other. So why did they behave like they where fully booked??? As I said, it is part of their ploy to make out as if the hotel and bar and restuarant are still popular. At the end of the evening the bouncers became extremely aggressive when we tried to take some photos of our party. I would have understood if the bar was full of celebs but not when it was empty and we had probably provided half the takings for the evening.

The hotel is well situated but lacking in food options. Breakfast is 25 Pounds and the closest restuarants are in Shepards Market, a five minute walk away.

All-in all I would not recommend the Metropilatn hotel unless you are getting it for free.