Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

The Haymarket Hotel, part of Firmdale Hotels, stands as a distinguished two-Michelin Key property in the heart of London, signifying an "exceptional stay" for its guests. It consistently garners high praise for its luxurious ambiance, unique design, and outstanding service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Haymarket Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "top-notch" and "fabulous." It receives exceptional customer ratings, with an impressive overall score, establishing it as a top choice for discerning travelers seeking a luxury experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's luxurious and unique character, largely attributed to owner-designer Kit Kemp's distinctive and bold interior designs. The exceptionally attentive and friendly staff are a major strength, making guests feel "just like home." Its central location is also a significant draw, providing easy access to major attractions. Amenities like the indoor swimming pool are frequently highlighted as a "hidden gem" or "amazing."

3. Room Quality

Haymarket Hotel offers 55 individually designed bedrooms and suites, known for being spacious – "way above the London average." The rooms are described as comfortable, beautifully decorated, and impeccably clean, reflecting Kit Kemp's signature style with vibrant colors, patterns, luscious textures, and custom-made furniture. Features often include king or queen-sized beds, seating areas, writing desks, and luxurious granite and oak bathrooms with double basins. Modern comforts such as flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth Bose units, minibars, and Rik Rak by Kit Kemp bath products are standard. Some suites cater to families with interconnecting rooms and kitchenettes, and select rooms offer private olive tree-lined terraces or views of London's rooftops.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's Brumus restaurant serves modern British and European cuisine, thoughtfully prepared with fresh, seasonal produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Afternoon tea is also a popular offering. Breakfast, available as a continental buffet or à la carte, is frequently praised as "delicious" and "one of the best." The restaurant and bar area are noted for being "quaint and posh," providing a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere, suitable even for families.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Haymarket Hotel consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests describe the staff as "amazing," "wonderful," "professional," "kind," "attentive," "warm," "friendly," and "extremely helpful." Many highlight the exceptional hospitality from the moment of arrival to departure, with staff going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated on Suffolk Place, the Haymarket Hotel boasts an "excellent central location" in London's vibrant West End. It is ideal for exploring the city's best theaters, next door to the Theater Royal, and within walking distance of major landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and the National Gallery. High-end shopping streets like Piccadilly, Regent, Oxford, and New Bond streets are also easily accessible on foot.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering a luxurious experience, many guests consider the Haymarket Hotel to provide "excellent value for money." Typical weeknight prices have been observed around $837, with weekend nights averaging $872. Prices can vary seasonally, with March often being the cheapest month and November the most expensive. Breakfast is often an additional charge, costing around £14 for adults if not included in the room rate.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Breakfast Cost: Several guests found the breakfast to be "exceptionally expensive" for the portion and quality.
• Pool Temperature/Closure: One guest noted the indoor pool felt chilly despite the advertised temperature, and another experienced it being unexpectedly closed.
• Isolated Service Issues: A few isolated incidents of less-than-ideal service have been reported, such as a misunderstanding regarding a cash deposit at reception.
• Noise in Ground Floor Rooms: One review suggested that ground-floor rooms might experience more noise due to their location.
• Housekeeping (Minor): One guest expressed minor disappointment with housekeeping for clothing, suggesting external services.

Sources

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