The Ned

The Ned, London, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners attention for its opulent Art Deco design, vibrant atmosphere, and extensive facilities. Housed in the former Midland Bank headquarters, the hotel offers a luxurious experience steeped in history.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Ned is largely exceptional, with overall ratings averaging around 8.7 to 8.9 on platforms like Agoda and Booking.com. Guests frequently praise its ambiance and facilities, though sentiment regarding service and value for money can be more mixed across different review sites. The hotel is often described as a "luxury hotel through and through" offering an unparalleled experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Ned for its impressive Art Deco architecture, transforming a historic bank into a glamorous destination. The lively atmosphere, particularly in the grand banking hall with its live music, is a significant draw. The extensive amenities are a major highlight, including a stunning rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a lavish Cowshed spa, and multiple restaurants and bars. The exclusive "Ned's Club" areas, including a rooftop sanctuary with 360-degree city views and a chic late-night lounge in the historic vault, are also highly valued by members and hotel guests with access.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Ned are celebrated for their luxurious and spacious nature, reflecting a period-correct 1920s and 1930s Art Deco vibe. They feature elegant brass and mahogany furniture, rich textiles, period lighting, and comfortable, often "cloud-like" beds. Bathrooms are typically adorned with marble, mosaic, and brass, offering walk-in rain showers and full-sized Cowshed bath products. Even the more compact "Crash Pad" rooms are well-appointed. Thoughtful touches like antique rotary phones and Roberts radios complete the nostalgic ambiance. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers are also available.

4. Dining Experience

The Ned is a culinary hub, boasting between eight and ten restaurants and bars under one roof, catering to diverse tastes. Options include Italian cuisine at Cecconi's City of London and Lutyen's Grill, classic British fare at Millie's Lounge, Californian dishes at Malibu Kitchen, and Asian-Pacific fusion at Kaia. Breakfast is generally described as excellent and delicious. The famous "Sunday Feast" buffet, served in Millie's Lounge and Cecconi's, is known for its lavish spread of starters, mains, and desserts, with attentive service. However, some recent reviews of the Sunday Feast have expressed disappointment, finding the selection and overall quality, particularly of the main courses, not always justifying the high price.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service is somewhat varied. Many visitors commend the staff for being friendly, attentive, helpful, and providing "exceptional service". Specific instances of staff going above and beyond have been highlighted. Conversely, some aggregated reviews show lower scores for service quality. Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed.com suggest internal challenges, including issues with management, lack of training, understaffing, and a perceived "toxic environment" in some departments, which could potentially impact guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ned boasts an excellent and highly central location in the City of London, situated at 27 Poultry, just steps from Bank Station. It offers easy access to major attractions like London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market, and various shopping landmarks. Its position makes it convenient for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is also noted for its accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly areas and helpful staff.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury hotel, The Ned commands a premium price, with average room rates around $517, significantly higher than the average London hotel room. While many guests feel the unparalleled luxury, facilities, and experience justify the cost, "value for money" ratings are inconsistent, ranging from "excellent value" by some to lower scores on other platforms. The Sunday Feast, for example, is priced at around £100 per person (excluding drinks and service charge), and while offering an "unlimited" experience, some guests have questioned whether the food quality alone merits the expense.

8. Common Complaints

Several recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests. Dissatisfaction with service quality and value for money, sometimes due to unexpected charges or perceived inadequate amenities, appears in some reviews. For those visiting for dining, the Sunday Feast buffet has occasionally been criticized for the selection and overall quality not matching the high price point, with some dishes being underwhelming. The public areas, particularly the grand banking hall, can become extremely crowded and noisy, especially during weekday evenings, which might detract from the experience for some seeking a more relaxed environment. Employee reviews also indicate internal problems such as "bad and power hungry managers," "lack of training and support," "understaffed," and "no work life balance," which could indirectly affect guest experiences.

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