MENTONE HOTEL, London

The hotel occupies a quiet crescent in the heart of Bloomsbury, directly overlooking a private garden with tennis courts. King's Cross rail station is just a 5-minute walk away, while St Pancras International (Eurostar) and Euston are reachable within 8 to 10 minutes on foot. Russell Square tube station is equally close, providing direct connections across London via the Piccadilly line. The British Museum is a 10-minute walk, and Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Soho are within a 20- to 30-minute walk. Numerous pubs, cafés, supermarkets, and restaurants are all within a 5-minute radius. For those attending UCLH, the hospital is about a 10-minute walk away.

The hotel offers single, double, twin, triple, family, and quad rooms. All private bathrooms feature a shower, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Some single rooms share a bathroom. Rooms include an electric kettle, tea/coffee, a flat-screen TV, and heating. Several rooms are recently renovated with modern decor and new bathrooms. Room sizes vary: standard doubles and small doubles are compact - better suited for single occupancy or short stays for two. Quad and family rooms are more spacious and often overlook Cartwright Gardens. Rooms on the top floor receive afternoon sun and may feel warm, with no air conditioning; a fan is provided. Single-glazed windows mean road-facing rooms may pick up some street noise, and internal soundproofing between rooms is limited, so light sleepers should pack earplugs. Cots are available for babies, but the cot is only about 1 m long, more suitable for infants.

The breakfast buffet includes a full English fry-up alongside continental items such as bread, pastries, cereal, and fresh fruit. The selection is replenished regularly during service, and the kitchen staff are attentive and make an effort to restock platters even when the room is busy. Gluten-free options are available, and the staff have been noted for accommodating vegan requests. The dining room itself is small and can feel crowded during peak hours, but the atmosphere is friendly. Breakfast service runs until 9:00 or 9:30; late risers should note that after this time the kitchen closes. The hotel also offers a kid-friendly buffet. A dozen restaurants, cafés, and takeaways - including Italian, Indian, and deli-style options - are within a 3-minute walk.

The hotel overlooks a quiet garden with a set of private tennis courts that are open for guest use. The garden itself provides a peaceful backdrop, ideal for a stroll or simply enjoying a restful view from rooms that face the crescent. Beyond this, the immediate area offers easy access to the British Library and British Museum, and the hotel can assist with booking tickets for city tours and attractions. There are no on-site spa or fitness facilities, but the hotel is within walking distance of many of London's cultural sights.

The hotel provides free Wi-Fi in all areas, and the connection is generally reliable for browsing and communication. Daily housekeeping is included and free of charge. A tour desk can arrange tickets and reservations for city tours and attractions, and an airport shuttle can be booked for an additional fee (the hotel can also call a taxi, but pricing depends on the airport and transfer type). Luggage storage is free before check-in and after check-out; bags are kept in a room behind reception (not always locked or monitored, so valuables are best kept with you). Safety deposit boxes are available at no extra cost. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Maestro, Discover, Solo, and Mastercard. There is no lift, and stairs to upper floors are narrow and steep, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. A few ground-floor rooms are available on request.