We and I had an awful stay at the Leonardo Royal London City. We had booked from 30.12.22 - 01.01.23. At check in we didn't receive a personal briefing of the hotel, we received only an information sheet which informed us about the opening hours of the restaurant, breakfast and fitness etc. Unfortunately, we also read that the pool area is open until 10pm. But when we went to swim on Friday evening, the 30.12.22 at 7:30pm, the pool area was closed. An employee from the SPA area, said that after Christmas und before NYE are different opening hours of the pool area. Unfortunately, no one told us this, neither at check in neither was it on the information sheet. We were already very upset, because we had planned our day according to that. So we went back to the room and I additionally made sure at the reception that the pool area was really already closed. The lady at the front desk apologized and said that it was closed and that the information sheet was a standard letter at check in and there was a mistake that it didn't mention the changed opening hours of the pool area between the years. So I decided then to just take a nice hot shower and just accept it and not be mad that the pool area was closed. In the shower I was more than shocked because only drops of water came out. The shower was on and had no power. It just dripped and dripped. As I shower with a bucket even faster. So I had to call the reception again, because so I could not even shower normally. The lady at the front desk apologized again for this. I requested if there is another room available of the same category, she checked the system and said that she was preparing a room change and that we could pick up the new room cards at the front desk. I sent my husband down and asked him to ask the lady at the front desk if there is a room of the same category on the same floor to make it easier. After my husband came back with the new room cards and we moved to the new room across the corridor, I thought I couldn't believe my eyes. We were being downgraded. The room was much smaller and the view was of a train station and train tracks! Unbelievable! The room was also definitely older, the furnishings were vintage. But the shower, worked normally. But I was still speechless. The next day, we met a room service staff member twice in the elevator. Each time we opened the door for him/her that he or she could reach the rooms, but neither of them thanked us, even no one looked at us and smiled. I mean, is this standard service today? Is this how people treat their hotel guests now??? Don't they even give you a smile or a thank you? I have never met such rude hotel staff. I am just so incredibly disappointed with this hotel and their staff. I worked in the hotel myself for over 10 years at the front desk as a shift leader and I know exactly how everything works. We checked out on 01.01.2023 at 12pm. The receptionist asked me about our stay. I told her that it was a horrible stay and she send me to the MOD. The MOD apologized for the behavior of the staff and the wrong information sheet and that of course it is not standard service here, they constantly coach the staff, but there are personalities that they can not change.But I don't think that apologizes the rude behavior of the staff. She promised me, should we come to London again, that she would like to give us a different impression of the hotel and they deserved a 2nd chance to convince us. She wants to show us that it can be different next time we stay and hopes we will come back next time, at a special rate she would offer us and asked me for my email address. She would get back to me right away. Empty words. I still haven't received the email she promised me. If you came from the hotel industry yourself you know how many people you know, I would never recommend this hotel to all people I know. Such a city hotel is aimed for tourists, so I strongly believe that our concern is not interested in the...
Read moreCulinary Experience at The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City
A Symphony of Flavors in the Heart of London
The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City offers a dining experience that can only be described as a harmonious blend of sophistication and culinary artistry. Each dish is meticulously crafted to provide a journey through the finest flavors, and my recent visit was nothing short of extraordinary.
Starters: King Shrimps and Smoked Salmon
The evening commenced with the king shrimps, a dish that embodied the essence of the sea. Each shrimp was perfectly cooked, boasting a tender texture that was accentuated by a delicate infusion of garlic and herbs. The dish was an elegant balance of flavors, where the natural sweetness of the shrimp was beautifully complemented by a subtle hint of citrus.
Following this, the smoked salmon arrived—a testament to the kitchen’s finesse. The salmon's rich, buttery texture melted in the mouth, while its smoky undertones provided a deep, resonant flavor. Served with a side of capers and a drizzle of lemon, it was a dish that celebrated the purity of its ingredients while delivering a refined, memorable taste.
Main Course: 10 oz Rib Eye
The 10 oz rib eye was a masterpiece of culinary precision. Perfectly seared to a succulent medium-rare, the steak showcased the quality of the meat with its juicy, robust flavor. The charred exterior, adorned with a hint of smokiness, gave way to a tender interior that was impeccably seasoned. Accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables and a rich, velvety jus, this dish was the epitome of gourmet dining.
Dessert: Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Concluding the meal, the salted caramel cheesecake was a revelation. This dessert captured the ideal balance of sweet and salty, with a creamy, luscious texture that was light yet indulgent. The caramel layer provided a perfect touch of sweetness, while the hint of salt elevated the dish to a new level of sophistication. Each bite was an exquisite blend of flavors, making it a fitting end to an exceptional dining experience.
Conclusion
The Leonardo Royal Hotel London City not only excels in providing luxurious accommodations but also offers a dining experience that is truly outstanding. From the first bite to the last, each dish is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to excellence. The combination of premium ingredients, expert preparation, and elegant presentation ensures that every meal is an unforgettable journey through the finest tastes...
Read morePaid 375 per night and would never stay here again. The Aircon may as well not been there and as the control panel had been smashed up I couldn't change the temp - horribly hot all night. Sure, you can open the windows but London is never quiet at any time of the night..
The bathroom was filthy with stained taps bath, walls, celing and floor. The shower would go from scolding hot to ice cold for no reason.
Beds are ancient and impossible to get comfortable in.
The room reminded me more of a 1960's bedsit, not a hotel that charged 375 per night.
Best of all, and I promise I'm not making any of this up, I got back around 9pm and thought I'd have a decaff coffee in the bar / restaurant, the conversation was:
Hi, can I have a decaff white Americano please.
Sorry sir, we don't have decaff.
No decaff at all?
No, we have a real coffee machines with beans so we can't do decaff.
Any sachets of decaff?
No.
Do you do herbal tea?
Yes sir.
Great, can I see the menu?
Sorry sir, we don't have a tea menu.
OK, can I see the tea bags?
Sorry no, they are behind the bar and you can't go there sir.
OK.....well what ones do you have?
My apologies sir but I can't remember all of them, I think there is English tea, Earl Grey...
...I asked for herbal tea
...yes sir we have English tea and earl grey and maybe some kind of camomile one.
I'll just have a jug of water please.
Yes sir.
Waiter comes back with a small bottle of water.
Sorry, I asked for a jug, do you have anything larger?
Sorry sir we only do large bottles of sparkling water.
I just want tap water - a large glass of tap water.
Sorry we can only give you water in bottles.
I'll think ill just go to bed, thank you.
The plus point was the breakfast is very good and can't fault it at all and the location is perfect.
The staff were helpful, I wouldn't say they go out of their way to be friendly but they're not rude either.
This may sound over critical but they charged me 375 per night, so expectations are high.
I'll definitely never stay here again if it was the last hotel in London with a room. If you're a tourist coning to London please don't stay here, almost anywhere else...
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