London's Hidden Gem: The Somerset Hotel Awaits!
London’s Hidden Gem: The Somerset Hotel – A Brutally Honest Review (With a Touch of Chaos)
Okay, alright, let's dive headfirst into this… the Somerset Hotel in London. They call it a "hidden gem," and, well, some parts of that are definitely true. This isn't going to be your polished, PR-approved travel blog post. This is me, raw, unfiltered, and still sorting out my feelings after a recent stay. Buckle up, buttercups.
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- Meta Description: Unvarnished review of The Somerset Hotel in London. Discover its hidden gems, accessibility, spa, dining, and more. Is it worth the hype? Find out everything you need to know before you book!
- Title Tag: The Somerset Hotel London: A Brutally Honest Review (Accessibility, Spa, Dining & More)
First Impressions & Accessibility – A Bit of a Rollercoaster:
Right, the first thing you need to know is, I'm obsessed with accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I do have a friend who is, and it's always top of my priority. The website said "accessible," and, well… it's complicated. They had an elevator, which is a huge win. HUGE. Getting around within the hotel felt pretty good. Wheelchair accessible rooms were available, they were Spacious, with wider doors, and roll-in showers. (That's excellent news!). But the entrance… that's where things got interesting. There was a ramp, which was great, but it was a little… long. And let's just say, the street outside wasn't exactly paved with gold. You'll need some serious street smarts. Car Park: Free of Charge. Also, good news!
My Friend's Experience (and My Stress)
The elevators had Elevator. Big check! My friend had some bumps with the ramp, and a little difficult to push to the entrance with his wheelchair by himself. But the staff helped a lot to assist!
Overall Accessibility Rating: 7/10 – Room for improvement on the entrance, but a solid effort overall. Facilities for disabled guests. Excellent!
Rooms: Comfort & Chaos
I'm obsessed with Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which was a lifesaver, and Internet access – wireless. The room itself? We had a Non-smoking room, thankfully, because I get headaches! The overall design was… well, let's call it "classic." The Bed was comfy and big and the blackout curtains were a godsend after a long day of sightseeing. Extra long bed was a bonus, and all the amenities were standard including Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens.
But there were little imperfections. The room was sanitized and the hotel offered to room sanitization opt-out available. So good!
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe (Mostly):
The safety/security feature was apparent everywhere, i.e., CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour]. I was impressed with the extra measures. The Anti-viral cleaning products were used. The hotel offered hand sanitizer and professional cleaning staff trained in safety protocol with rooms sanitized between stays. Cashless payment service. Big ticks for me. I heard they were offering room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice for the eco-conscious.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure:
Okay, this is where things get really fun, as in, delicious. The Restaurants, the Coffee shop, and the Snack bar helped a lot. I was particularly excited about the Western cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant.
They had it!
Breakfast [buffet] was AMAZING (the waffles alone are worth the trip). The Breakfast in room was a treat on lazy mornings. And the Coffee/tea in the restaurant was well-brewed! I got the Bottle of water and enjoyed it.
Spa & Relaxation – Pure Bliss? Or a Miss?
The Spa…this is a serious selling point. The massage was incredible – a pure moment of bliss. The Pool with view was divine. They had a Sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I felt so refreshed and relaxed. They also had a Body scrub and a Body wrap. I went for the massage.
Things to Do & Services – A Convenient Labyrinth:
Okay, the hotel offers a ridiculous amount of services. I mean, the Business facilities, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, and Xerox/fax in business center. It was quite amazing!
For the Kids - Little Wonders
They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, and a bunch of nice stuff.
Getting Around – Navigating London's Labyrinth:
The hotel provides Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. They're there to help!
Final Verdict:
The Somerset Hotel? It’s got flaws, for sure (hello, slightly wonky entrance!). But the good stuff – the spa, the food, the genuinely helpful staff – really shines. I felt safe, pampered, and well-fed. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, and with a hearty "but!" because they're not perfect, but they genuinely try to be great. Go expecting a bit of character, some quirks, and a truly memorable experience. Just be prepared for the occasional hiccup, or you’ll miss the magic.
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Wobbly Wonders & Wandering Wonders in London: A Somerset Hotel Saga (…Maybe)
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't going to be your pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is real travel, people. This is me, flailing dramatically through London, fueled by questionable coffee and the desperate hope of a decent scone. And yes, it all starts at The Somerset Hotel, because, convenience! (Also, the reviews said "charming" and my bank account said "budget-friendly-ish," so here we are.)
Day 1: Orientation & Existential Dread (aka, Jet Lag is a Bitch)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Slammed the snooze button. Twice. Maybe thrice? Lost count. Sun's already up, judging my lethargy. Ugh, why did I think jet lag would be fun?
- 7:30 AM: Dragging myself out of the surprisingly comfortable bed (major win for a budget hotel, honestly). Found the bathroom, which thankfully had decent water pressure (a crucial and often overlooked detail).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "continental" breakfast promised pastries and joy. It delivered… a lukewarm croissant that tasted suspiciously like cardboard. On the bright side, the coffee was strong enough to resurrect the dead (or at least, me). Scowling at a particularly smug-looking orange marmalade. Seriously, what's its problem?
- 9:00 AM: Attempted to assemble a map but gave up because it looked like a complex origami project and my brain was still operating at roughly the speed of a sloth on tranquilizers. Decided to wing it. What could possibly go wrong? (Famous last words, I have a feeling…)
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wandering About: Headed out into the, let's be real, gloomy gray London morning. Took a wrong turn immediately. Ended up near a ridiculously posh park; all perfectly manicured lawns and ladies in outfits that probably cost more than my entire trip. Felt utterly underdressed and slightly intimidated. Vowed to channel my inner Queen. (Maybe I’ll borrow a crown from the gift shop later).
- 12:30 PM: The Unexpected Pub Lunch: Stumbled (literally, tripped on a cobblestone - grace, thy name is not me!) into a cozy pub, The Churchill Arms (apparently). The air smelled of fried things and beer, in a good way. Was planning on ordering some light salad, but the guy at the next table was devouring a FISH AND CHIPS, and I felt obligated to follow suit. It was the best, greasiest, most perfectly British thing I've ever experienced. Seriously, hands down the best fish and chips ever. My arteries are weeping a little, but no regrets.
- 2:00 PM: Attempted to find Buckingham Palace. Got lost, again. Saw a lot of red buses. Considered stealing one and driving it to a less confusing place. The guards at the palace. They just stand there. Stoic. Impassive. Judging. (I think they were judging my questionable fashion choices.)
- 3:00 PM: Back at the Hotel. Slept. Unshaved. Regretted not purchasing coffee.
- 6:00 PM: Found a nearby Pret a Manger and purchased some salad, still wanting to balance out the Fish and Chips.
- 7:00 PM: A nap.
- 9:00 PM: Attempted to plan tomorrow's trip. Failed.
Day 2: Monuments, Markets & Massive Regrets (aka, the Scone Incident)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Avoided the croissant. Ate a banana. Feeling somewhat healthier.
- 9:00 AM: Determined to conquer some "must-see" sights. Today is the day I discover history!
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Tower of London: So, the Tower of London. Massive, majestic, and teeming with ghosts (probably). The crown jewels? SPECTACULAR. Shiny, sparkly, and made me feel like I should probably rob a bank (but then I remembered I’m terrible at making plans). The ravens? Apparently, if they leave, the Tower falls. Talk about pressure! Made a mental note to be extra nice to the raven population.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a Pub down the street. Had Sausage and Mash.
- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Borough Market. I'd heard tales of its foodie glory. They were not exaggerating. Smells of spices, baked goods, and enough cheese to make a grown person weep with joy. Sampled what was, undoubtedly, the best chorizo I've ever had in my life. Did I buy any? No. Because I'm broke. (See, bank account, I'm trying!)
- 4:00 PM: The Scone Incident (aka, My Personal Waterloo): Found a charming little tea shop that looked promising. I needed a proper afternoon tea experience. Ordered a scone with clotted cream and jam. Anticipation. It arrived. I took a bite. It was… dry. Crusty on the outside, crumbly on the inside. I tried to make it work. I really, really did. But this scone was dead to me. I swear, it was almost as bad as the croissant. The clotted cream was lovely though. The jam was alright.
- 5:00 PM: Cried over the scone (okay, maybe not cried, but definitely felt deeply disappointed). Decided to drown my sorrows in a second cup of tea.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the Hotel and ordered a pizza to the room, to drown my sorrows even further.
- 8:00 PM: Wrote in a journal, regretting this trip.
- 9:00 PM: Slept.
Day 3: Art, Alleyways & A Glimmer of Hope (aka, Maybe This Trip Isn't a Complete Disaster?)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. The croissant is still there. Trying to be brave.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The National Gallery: The National Gallery. Beautiful, incredible art. Stood in front of Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and actually felt something. Something other than jet lag and scone-related despair. (Note to self: art is good.)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Covent Garden: Covent Garden. Street performers, quirky shops, general merriment. Spent far too much time watching a guy juggle flaming torches (again… not me).
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Found a small Chinese restaurant. Ate some rice.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring: Wandered down a tiny alleyway, and suddenly, London felt less overwhelming. Saw a hidden courtyard, a tiny bookshop. Felt a flicker of something resembling joy.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the Hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner.
- 7:00 PM: Watched some British television, and started to love the accent more and more.
- 8:00 PM: Slept.
Day 4: Departure (aka, Thank God It's Over… Kidding! Sort Of…)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. The croissant is still there. Decided to befriend it.
- 9:00 AM: Packing. Realized I'd accumulated a terrifying amount of souvenirs.
- 10:00 AM: Saying goodbye to the hotel.
- 11:00 AM: Off to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: On the plane.
Final Thoughts:
London, you were… a lot. Beautiful, baffling, frustrating, and occasionally, utterly enchanting. I ate bad scones, got lost approximately 17 times, and spent more time in pubs than I care to admit. But amidst the chaos, there were moments of genuine wonder. I can't wait to come back. This is going to be an ongoing adventure, I can already tell. Until next time London!
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Somerset Hotel: Hidden Gem or Just Hiding? Your Unfiltered Questions Answered!
Is the Somerset Hotel *really* a hidden gem? I keep seeing that phrase!
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden gem" is thrown around more than crumpled napkins after a disappointing pub lunch. But, *this time...* it might actually be true. I stumbled upon the Somerset almost by accident. Lost, utterly soaked from a typical London downpour, and desperate for a dry place to complain. It's tucked away on a side street, not exactly screaming for attention. Honestly, the entrance is a little... understated. Like, if a Victorian ghost had a minimalist design style, that's what the lobby is like. But once you're *in*, it's a different story. So, yes, maybe a gem, but it's definitely *hidden* behind a layer of "huh, didn't expect that."
What's the vibe? Is it fancy, budget, or something else entirely?
Vibe? Hmm. It's the kind of place where you could spill red wine on the plush velvet armchair (which I *allegedly* did – it was dark, okay?) and they'd just... sigh and bring you a new chair. Not in a snooty, judgmental way. More like, "Oh, darling, it happens." It’s not overly fancy. Think comfortably lived-in elegance. Slightly faded grandeur. Like your grandma’s house, but with a better stocked bar and hopefully without the smell of mothballs (though I wouldn't bet on it!). Budget? Definitely not backpacker central. But for the quality and the location (more on that later), it's surprisingly decent. It's like a good bottle of wine – not cheap, but worth it.
The location? Spill the tea (or the Earl Grey)! Where is it *exactly*?
Okay, location, location, location! This is where the *magic* happens. (Or, you know, where you can step out and immediately be overwhelmed with amazing things to do.) It's nestled in... near Covent Garden. *Close* to the theatre, which is a lifesaver after a long show. You can practically *roll* out of the hotel and into a decent pub. I once wandered out, utterly giddy from a particularly brilliant performance of *Wicked* (Yes, I'm a theatre person, judge me!), and was stumbling distance to a fantastic late-night meal. Seriously convenient. Also near the tube, so you can conquer the whole city. Honestly, the worst part of the location is the temptation to spend *all* your time there and do *nothing* else because it's so comfortable and well-situated!
What are the rooms like? Are they spacious? And are they, you know, *clean*?
Alright, let's talk rooms. Spacious? Well, "London spacious" is a thing. It's not a sprawling McMansion, let's just say that. But, they're definitely *comfortable*. Cozy, even. Think, high ceilings (yes!), and good lighting (essential for those late-night Instagram posts, obvi). Decor? A blend of classic and quirky. I remember one room had a seriously ornate mirror. I spent a good five minutes just admiring it, contemplating my existence. Maybe that's the wine talking again... Ah, clean, the most important question. Yes! Spotlessly clean. I'm a total germaphobe, and I survived. No nasty surprises lurking in the corners. And the beds? Oh, the beds! Heavenly. I’m usually a terrible sleeper in hotels, tossing and turning, but I slept like a baby there. I almost didn't want to leave. Almost. But, you know, London beckoned. And so did the all-day breakfast possibilities.
The food? Is the breakfast really as good as everyone says? (And is there a full English breakfast?)
Right, let's talk food. Breakfast? This is where the Somerset *shines*. It's genuinely fantastic. And *yes*, there is a full English breakfast. The holy grail. Crispy bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, juicy sausages... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. They also have continental options, if you're into that sort of thing. I, however, am not. Give me all the carbs! And the coffee? They make a proper cup of coffee. Not that instant garbage. I'm always a bit wary of hotel breakfasts, but trust me on this one -- it's worth waking up for. In fact, I almost didn't do anything else on my first day. Just breakfast, back to the bed to read, then breakfast again…
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect.
Okay, fine. Here's the truth bomb: NOTHING is perfect. The Somerset... well, sometimes the elevator is a bit slow. And, like I said, the entrance is easy to miss. (Consider it a test of your dedication to finding the gem.) Also, and this is a VERY small thing, the wifi *sometimes* gets a little wonky. But honestly? Those are minor gripes. And the biggest downside: eventually, you have to *leave*. Which is just cruel.
Would you stay there again? (Be brutally honest!)
Brutally honest? Absolutely, yes. Without a doubt, I’d go back to the Somerset faster than you can say "afternoon tea." In fact, I'm already plotting my return. Honestly, a good hotel can make or break a trip, and the Somerset *made* this one. It was a perfect base. A cozy haven. And that breakfast… Just thinking about it makes me want to book a flight right now. So, yeah. Go. Just... don't take my room. 😉
