BACKGROUND
This is the fourth opening for boutique chain Nadler Hotels, which also has properties in Soho and Kensington, as well as in Liverpool. The hotels aim to provide “affordable luxury and comfort in a cool, design-led environment [by] focusing resources on rooms and service, instead of under-utilised facilities like a restaurant, gym, or bar”, of which it has none.
This is true, and for some travellers it is an excellent idea, but for others it probably disposes of at least two of the reasons they enjoy staying at hotels (and I don’t mean the gym). It also maintains that by taking this approach it is able to provide “five-star service at four-star prices”.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The entrance to the property is on a side road, Palace Street. The reception area is simple, with a few seats in one corner and a silent film playing black-and-white Pathé scenes of London on a large screen. I was escorted to my room and, when I enquired later, I was told this was done for all guests checking in for the first time.
WHERE IS IT?
Off Buckingham Palace Road. It is by the St James Theatre and Cardinal Place retail and office development, near Victoria station for services to Gatwick.
ROOM FACILITIES
The 73 rooms are simply decorated with works by French artist Ronald Diennet, and include Single (13 sqm), Small Double (16 sqm), Standard Double (17 sqm), King (19 sqm), Superior (21 sqm) and Deluxe (23 sqm). The rooms are on six floors, including the ground level and basement. Views are either on to an internal courtyard or Palace Street. Rooms with one window have a bookcase feature along one wall, making them feel cosy.
All offer as standard a mini-kitchen with a sink, fridge, kettle and Nespresso machine. The tap has a water filter, which the hotel says reduces limescale, heavy metals and chlorine. There is free wifi, which is high-speed, although I thought it was a little slow, and half an hour of free local and national phone calls.
The air conditioning/heating was effective. A satellite HD TV (screen sizes depend on rooms, ranging from 32 inches to 48 inches) had plenty of channels, while underneath, against the wall, was a desk with built-in power points (including European 220V, USB charger, HDMI link and data port).
There was a wardrobe, and beds had either an iron and ironing board, a spare bed or storage space underneath. Soundproofing was excellent thanks to triple-glazed windows. A total of 15 rooms have a bath and a shower, the rest just a shower. All have Gilchrist and Soames toiletries and GHD hairdryers. Deluxe rooms have bathrobes and slippers, while Superior and Deluxe ones also have Bose speakers that are connected to the TV, allowing you to play your own music. The design of the room is more refined than you would expect at this price point – almost luxurious.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
There are no on-site bars or restaurants, although the hotel is 20 yards from the Phoenix pub, and there are various dining options in Cardinal Place and on nearby Victoria Street. Alcohol and drinks were available from the hotel “pantry” at the time of my stay; dining options had not been determined.
A continental breakfast from a local restaurant can be delivered to your room for a fee – this was not in place during my stay but was due to begin in January.
MEETING FACILITIES
None, although the theatre offers meeting rooms as well as the main auditorium, which can be hired for private events during the day.
LEISURE FACILITIES
None, but a partnership with the nearby Fitness First gym gives guests access to workout facilities and a range of classes. For runners, Green Park and St James’s Park are within easy reach.
VERDICT
Very impressive. I liked this even more than the Kensington property. The soundproofing is superb, rooms have everything you need and the location is ideal for sightseeing and transport.
PRICE
Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in March started from £156 for a Small Double room.
CONTACT
10 Palace Street; tel +44 (0)20 3540 8800; thenadler.com/victoria
