Thistle Piccadilly Hotel

While the immediate area is fairly loud and chaotic, the hotel strikes a different tone from the outset, with its Victorian facade and homey atmosphere once inside. The design throughout is clean and comfortable, just don’t expect any interesting artwork or cutting-edge interiors. Nods to the area include some sedate paintings of London’s iconic landmarks in pared-back unobtrusive neutrals. Though the lobby area is small, there’s a decent amount of seating in the form of ornate sofas with carved frames and plush upholstery. Check-in is by all accounts an efficient and speedy affair, with guests preferring to drop their bags and explore the immediate area than hang out at the hotel restaurant and bar. In the evening, it gets slightly busier with travelers, though the numerous options nearby mean few choose to eat here. The restaurant is less attractive than the rooms. This hotel offers competitive rates -- especially given the location -- but keep in mind that in this part of town that doesn’t equate to luxury. 

Thistle Piccadilly is positioned between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square Underground stations, at the center of London’s theater district. The property is located just off Leicester Square, with Covent Garden, Soho, and Mayfair all nearby. Obviously, there are theaters galore within walking distance, like The Harold Pinter Theatre, which is just one minute away. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are both a two-minute stroll from the hotel. It’s a three-minute walk to Chinatown where there are some great eateries to try away from the chain restaurants of Leicester Square. It takes six minutes to reach St. Martin-in-the-Fields, an easy-to-overlook historic church at the corner of Trafalgar Square. For shopping, head to the nearby markets at Covent Garden, just an eight-minute stroll away. Buckingham Palace takes twelve minutes to reach by train, though the longer 20-minute walk will give you a chance to wander through picturesque Green Park. Heathrow is the closest airport and is incredibly easy to get to by train. Take a three-minute walk to Piccadilly Circus Station and pick up the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow Terminal Four. The whole journey takes around an hour. By car, the trip can take as little as 35 minutes depending on the traffic.

The 82 rooms come in four categories: Twin, Double, Deluxe King, and Junior Suite, and all are decorated in an identical fashion. Interiors are comfortable and homey, with oversized fabric headboards, simple gray carpets, tub armchairs, and deep blue velvet throw pillows. It’s a safe and familiar color scheme of grays and soothing blues that won’t win any design awards but is nonetheless pleasant. The walls are plain white, which feels crisp and clean, with some simply framed artwork of London’s iconic sights in neutral hues. Hypnos beds are comfy, and all rooms have seating, while suites feature separate sitting areas. Good-sized desks have plenty of outlets plus practical desk chairs. Amenities include flat-screen Smart TVs with Freeview, free high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, plus safes, telephones, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and irons and ironing boards. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with grey tiles, large sinks, and modern rainfall showers, plus toiletries, and hairdryers. Upgrading to a Deluxe King Room will get you fluffy bathrobes, minibars, free water, and Nespresso machines. The best option is the Junior Suite, which has a spacious separate seating area with a chic gray sofa and work desk as well as a 48-inch Smart TV and heaps of room.

The best feature at the Thistle is undoubtedly the stylish gym. Equipped with Technogym equipment, it manages to squeeze in a comprehensive weights section, treadmill, and cross-trainer. There are smart wooden floors and a mirrored wall, which looks appealing and feels high-end. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar with a menu of British and European classics. There are small plates and tapas style dishes to share for starters, while mains include burgers, pasta, pies, and pizzas. The food is of a decent standard but is really only there as a convenient extra, given the plethora of options nearby. The hotel serves a fresh and extensive breakfast buffet here, although again, there are plenty of better places to go close by. Finally, the Thistle has various packages including the Family Package which entitles guests to free breakfast, free kids’ meals, and a late checkout. Wi-Fi is fast and free.