We stayed at Blakes back in September. The hotel is visually stunning, yet inviting. The staff were all helpful and cheerful and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. Our very, very late night roomservice request was served promptly and cheerfully. The pillows are so exceptional that I bought a set for myself.

Simply stunning stay at Blakes on Friday - charming service, superb location and Suite 005 is certainly one not to be missed. Would return within a flash.

We had a wonderful stay. Everything you expected was there and it was truly lovely. However, 3 points that annoyed me about the place.

We stayed in a luxury double suite, which was in fact two single beds pushed together. Not good.

The other point was the confusing light switches. You can't turn on the lights in the bathroom without without turning on the main light by the door, the same goes for the bedside table lamps, it was a real nuisance. They need to sort this out pronto. If I want to get up to use the toilet I have to set the whole room on and then figure out which lights need turning off. So stupid!

We treat ourselves to a luxury short stay in London once or twice a year and have previously stayed at the Gore in Queensgate which we would have been happy to return to had we not decided to take advantage of a recent Mr & Mrs Smith offer which enabled us to stay 4 nights at Blakes for the price of 2. We were glad we decided to have a change because there is as a great deal to like and enjoy in this hotel. As to whether we'll return for another stay - we're not quiite sure. We're certainly not averse to spending money on things that are worth it but some of the prices charged here for incidentals and extras are eye wateringly expensive. There's no denying that the decor at Blakes is stunning and our room - not the expected most basic thanks to a complimentary upgrade on arrival - was lovely. It was huge, spotlessly clean and had the most comfortable hotel bed we've ever slept in. The flowers which were replaced during our stay were a nice touch as was the complimentary bottle of wine and fruit on arrival and the complimentary daily newspaper. Minor complaints were the carpet which seemed at odds with the rest of the luxurious decor - it had a horrible rubbery feel which was uncomfortable underfoot, and the fact that despite having numerous lights and tablelamps all of which worked the room was incredibly gloomy - there wasn't one that could be positioned and brightened to make reading easier. The bathroom was lovely too - the bath was enormous with a hugel shower head over, hot water was plentiful and the towels, changed daily were white and fluffy and came in all sizes. There was a range of Molten Brown toiletries which were replenished as and when necessary but no hand soap other than a Blakes monogramed bar that was strategically placed on the handbasin. Thanks to an on-line blog I had been forwarned that this was a chargeable extra, but there was nothing obvious on display to say that this was the case and for a little while I doubted that what I had read was true. It was only when I looked at the minibar menu that I noticed that the soap was listed there at a cost of £16.00. It could be argued that if you're staying in a hotel like Blakes then £16 for a bar of luxury soap is neither here nor there, but it seems a little disingenous to list it along with the drinks, crisps and nuts. Not everyone wants to spend that amount of money on something to wash their hands with and it would have been very easy to have used it before realising that there was an added charge. Another thing that disappointed slightly was that there was nowhere in the hotel that you could get a 'free' cup of tea/coffee or soft drink. Bearing in mind all the complimentary items that are offered, and the drinking water that was left in the room every evening it seems almost mean spirited to mention this, but having been used to the Gore where there is a machine in the lounge that guests can use at anyime plus a small range of bottled drinks it was a little extra that we missed and left us disinclined to spend an additional £10 on a couple of teas/coffees.

Continental breakfast (at £16.50 per person) was included in our tariff, but was so disappointing that in view of the high cost of other items on the menu (eg fresh grapefruit @ £5.50) we weren't tempted to choose anything else or to eat in the restaurant in the evening despite the interesting sounding menu and the good reviews. The fruit juice we were served was delicious and certainly freshly squeezed, but unfortunately the toasted bread, croissants and pastries were nothing more than bog standard supermarket fare and along with the little pots of Wilkins jam, marmalade and honey didn't seem befitting of the image the hotel portrays.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the staff - everyone of them we came into contact with was helpful and friendly and were a credit to the hotel.