Enjoy a stay in the lovely Strand Palace Hotel in the heart of lively London

IF you’re going to spoil yourself with a long weekend in London why book a hotel that is almost two hours travel from the heart of the city?

That’s been my downfall in the past, save a few quid and kid yourself on it’s not THAT far away on the tube…trust me it is.

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But I’m not going to have that problem when I visit the big city any more thanks to my stay at the magnificent Strand Palace Hotel which really is in the HEART of London in the West End.

After a long train journey the thought of another hour on the tube is not a pleasant one, but the Strand Palace is only ten minutes from Kings X, and even better it’s just a 10 minute stroll through Covent Garden to the hotel, quicker than a taxi, result.

Walking along on the Strand is a real buzz as it really is at the centre of everything but arriving at the hotel is a proper wow moment.

The massive white stone building is a real throwback to the golden age of hotels and as the doorman greets you and escorts you through the huge lobby to the check-in area you get the feeling you are in for a very special weekend.

Despite arriving just on peak check-in time on a very busy Saturday I was in my room within five minutes. And what a room it was!

My newly refurbished Deluxe King featured a bed so big and so luxurious you almost needed a taxi to get from one side of it to the other!

Another big plus was the complimentary mini-bar in the room which contained a few cans of Camden Hells, one of my favourite lagers.

I’ve found hotel Wi-Fi patchy in the past but no such problems at the Strand Palace.

It’s the fantastic location of the hotel that makes it so appealing. On your doorstep, and ALL within a few minutes walk you have Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Soho and Charing Cross.

As I’ve mentioned Covent Garden, now back to its very vibrant best, is also a stone’s throw from the hotel.

But best of all the Strand Palace is in the middle of the theatre district and Shaftesbury Avenue. There’s a superb selection of shows on, including The Bob Marley Musical, The Book of Mormon and Abba Voyage.

If shopping’s your thing then get ready to max out those cards especially with the vast amount of stores in Covent Garden.

There are also hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs in the West End and again nearly all are within walking distance but with my head spinning at the choices available I decided to take an easier option and try one of the hotel’s own restaurants, Haxells, and I made the right call.

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Haxells has a mouthwatering menu focusing on the best of British but the feel of the restaurant is definitely American and you could easily be in a New York steakhouse or cocktail bar with the design and atmosphere. It’s buzzy and lively and the food is delicious.

Haxells do a great selection of small plates or you can just have one as a starter and pair it with their tempting range of main courses.

My fried prawns tempura with aoili were perfect and my main of mixed seafood linguini was even better.

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My waitress Selina persuaded me to try one of Haxells signature Negronis, after two of them I definitely need a lie down in that Hampden-sized bed.

I was slightly concerned about my chances of a good night’s sleep given my room directly overlooked the Strand, but once I pulled my shutters I couldn’t hear a sound despite being in one of the busiest areas in London.

The Strand Palace first opened its doors in 1909 and you still get the sense of grandeur and lavishness from those days although the major refurbishment means a perfect blend of old and new.

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If you want affordable luxury in a stunning hotel in a dream location in London then the Strand Palace is impossible to beat.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit and another one of those killer Negronis.

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