I had a three-night stay at the Clifton Ford in January 2008, an unexpected trip booked by my employer. Reading the reviews here, I would, had time allowed, likely have tried to book my own room somewhere else. Having now stayed there, I am glad I did.
As other reviewers have pointed out, there is something of a disconnect between the hotel's public face and its guest rooms. The lobby and several sitting rooms have recently been redecorated and are lavish and beautiful, with stylish furniture, elegant lighting, and a quite wonderful range of art books and recently published novels, memoirs, and other books scattered about. Soft chillout/lounge music plays round the clock, and the overall effect is very impressive.
My third-floor executive room was perfectly comfortable, but after the deluxe first impression, did seem a little simple by comparison. That said, everything was spotlessly clean, the chairs and especially the mattress were extremely comfortable, and I much appreciated free high-speed Internet access. Closet space was more than adequate, and while the bath was small, it was well-appointed and, again, very, very clean.
It was by far not the largest hotel room I've ever spent time in, and it faced a light court rather than the street, but despite all that was a good base from which to do my business and explore London. Quality of linens and towels was very good, lighting was thoughtful and more than adequate, and little touches like a hot-water kettle and selection of teas made it seem quite cosy.
Service in the handsome breakfast/dining room reflected that throughout the hotel - young and somewhat slapdash, but willing. I had the continental breakfast included in my room rate and upgraded one morning (for 4 pounds) to the full English. Both were fine, but pricey if not part of your room rate. Dinner one rainy night was delicious (foie gras and lemon sole) and not out of line with similar restaurants in the neighborhood.
The health club is a nice addition, well-kept and, at least in mid-afternoon, not crowded. The pool and jacuzzi were especially relaxing.
At a corporate rate of 156 pounds, I feel the Clifton Ford offered good value and some real advantages. One of these, by the way, is the location - tourists should enjoy the proximity of attractions like the fabulous Wallace Collection and the shops and restaurants of Marylebone High Street, as well as the easy access to Oxford Street - even Trafalgar, Covent Garden, and Knightsbridge are, if not next door, then pleasant walks.







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