This is a wonderfully picturesque hotel full of history. We arrived late and consequently the low floor room we had requested was not available, however we were offered a good discount on one of the Chambers rooms. We were glad we did. What we had not realised is that the Barlow rooms were all int he new wing of the hotel whilst the smaller number of Chambers rooms were in the old original building and can be accessed via the grand staircase – which is spectacular. We also had use of the private club access, free drinks and snacks, separate breakfast room, free wifi and newspapers. If you are staying more than one night it is definitively worth the extra cost. We didnt realise until the third day that it also included free water and delicious chocs delivered to the room each day – for some reason the first couple of days these didn't arrive so we had paid for the very expensive water from the room fridge. you also have to pay for wifi in the room (free in the Club lounge) but for rooms overlooking the station you can easily access the free wifi available from there. Our room overlooked the Eurostar platform and we were on a level with the faces of the large statute. There was no noise from the trains at all and a great view of the comings and goings on the station. If we get the opportunity do make sure you take the opportunity of the free tour of the hotel, this gives you all history and a look at some of the areas you wouldn't normally visit. We eat in the Gilbert Scott restaurant which was good but not stunning, a bit disappointing if I'm honest. The Chambers rooms in the old part of the building are all different, but would benefit from a sanity check by management in that the lighting in ours wasn't very good and the plug for the hairdrier was nowhere near a mirror, which was a challenge! We took a day trip to Paris on the Eurostar which was just a fab day out, and going and returning from the hotel was just the best treat, as was a leisurely visit to the Champagne Bar on the platform when youre not lugging suitcases around. I suppose the main downside of staying here on a trip to London was the price of taxi's (we are not tube/bus users) into the West End for more general sightseeing, theatre etc. Generally a lovely hotel to visit if you are using Eurostar, but linger a bit longer and enjoy the building and the service.
