In early December our writer Rachel McAlley visited the capital, where she spent a leisurely evening at Holiday Inn London – Regent’s Park. She tells us why this hotel was a great place to explore the city’s festivities from.
I arrived at Kings Cross Train Station, got a tube to Great Portland Street and then walked just 4 minutes to the Holiday Inn Regent’s Park in Fitzrovia. The hotel had decorated the foyer and reception area for Christmas and there was a sparkle of excitement in the air.
Check-in was quick and easy, and before I knew it I was on the sixth floor opening the door to an Executive Room. Suitcase unpacked, TV on, laptop opened and a glass of something cold in hand – it was time to relax.
The room itself was cosy, exceptionally clean, and stocked with all the great amenities I’d expect from a Holiday Inn. Great quality coffee, a choice of tea and hot chocolate plus a few little extras like complimentary earplugs, slippers, and robe.
After an hour or so I ventured down to the lobby to wait for a taxi, and soon realised that not only were the Christmas decorations lovely, but the lobby was lovely too. After a little chat with one of the front of house team I was told that it had undergone a recent revamp to the tune of £1million!
The traditional separate reception, lobby, lounge, and business areas were now an open lobby space all merged into one. Creating a homely feel where all guests could be together either working, relaxing, chatting, or simply enjoying people watching.
The Revamp
My taxi arrived and I headed out to a meeting, and when I returned to the hotel it was time for dinner, so I made a bee-line to the hotel’s restaurant and bar on the first floor. I ordered a simple prawn cocktail to start and a superfood salad with grilled salmon for my main. The superfood salad was delicious and packed with mixed leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, feta cheese, pomegranate pearls, edamame beans and quinoa.
After dinner I ventured to bed as it was quite late and I had a full day of meetings ahead. The following morning I wanted to have breakfast in my room, but sadly no one collected the order that was hanging on my door handle, so I took the opportunity to breakfast in the restaurant, and I’m glad that I did.
The Bed
The choices on the buffet were immense, and I definitely ate loads more than I had originally planned to have in my room, but I’m not complaining because it was sooo good. I have since found out that the Holiday Inn Regent’s Park offers an award-winning breakfast and I can totally see why they’ve won awards.
At checkout the team at reception were as professional, approachable, and quick as they were when I checked-in. It was an all-round wonderful whirlwind visit to the Holiday Inn London – Regent’s Park and I can’t wait to visit again in the future.
Room tariffs vary so I would advise checking with the hotel directly for the best available rates. And, don’t forget to include breakfast in your stay because you absolutely won’t want to miss out!
Visit IHG.com to book a room or find out more about Holiday Inn London – Regent’s Park.
Words by Rachel McAlley
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