Sanderson

I have signed up to Trip Advisor to warn you not to waste your time or money at this appalling establishment. An expensive mistake on my part to book a night away in London to celebrate a special occasion. The staff try there best however the poor, high handed management ruin their efforts. We had two experiences at the Suka restaurant which were bearable however room service was over prices and inedible. Unfortunately we were woken during the night by a fire alarm, there was complete lack of care and organisation for residents and the only member of staff that we saw during the experience stunk of a alcohol- thank goodness it seems it had only been a false alarm!

This was my second stay at the Sanderson. I had previously forgiven its hipster quirkiness since I love staying at cool "design hotels". But this time...I found so many little annoyances, that it pretty much added up to one BIG feeling of frustration. I'm all for 'intentional imperfection", but the vanities and the artwork are askew enough to look like a mistake. I'm also a petite 5'2" woman...and yet, I keep running into table corners, the glass partitions that are slightly too wide, and the bathroom doors that are slightly too narrow. I felt like Alice in Wonderland on a very mild acid trip. What's the point?

If you are traveling for business, get ready to throw your computer out the window. The connection is so slow and craps out so often, that you're liable to lose all your work. (Which is why I've had to write this review 3 times!) I made several calls to the front desk, and just got the run-around and never got any help. I'm sorry, but in 2009, I have to dock any 5-star hotel for charging $15/day for wireless.

The spa and the gym is lovely, however. For me, a spa freak, it is its saving grace. I was disappointed though that I have been denied my Eve Lom facial several times because they are always overbooked. So plan well in advance.

Also, bring your own music and movies. I submitted a list of about 10 from their library, and got 3 of my least preferred back.

Again, this is not a horrible hotel and it does have a trendy vibe. But by 5-star standards, it's a bit frustrating, especially when one compares to the impeccable service and attention in 5-stars in Asia. It reminds me a lot of the Soho Grand or Paramount in NY...where the hype keeps it alive.

I would love this hotel to redeem itself to me!