The Goodenough on Mecklenburgh Square

"I chose the Goodenough Hotel very carefully for a three-night stay in London, as I was attending an important job interview and wanted somewhere particularly peaceful, comfortable and welcoming. The hotel's location in a quiet residential area was lovely, but unfortunately the accommodation and overall experience fell considerably short of my expectations. The double room I was allocated bore little resemblance to the elegant, spacious rooms featured on the hotel's website. There were no high ceilings, no attractive curtains like those shown in the promotional photographs, and the room generally lacked the character and quality I had been expecting. A friend who stayed on the Sunday night, also in a double room, told me that hers was considerably larger than mine. The website specifically advertises bathrobes and slippers as included with double rooms, but neither was provided. Had I known, I would have brought my own slippers, as I ended up with cold feet walking around the room. I had also corresponded with the hotel in advance about my accessibility requirements, particularly the need to minimise stairs, and had accepted their recommendation to book a double room. I was therefore especially disappointed that the accommodation didn't reflect the standard I had anticipated. Most upsettingly, on the day of my important job interview, I received a telephone call from reception asking me to vacate my room because their system apparently showed a two-night booking, despite my having booked for three nights. This happened just a couple of hours before my interview and caused considerable unnecessary anxiety, as I worried I might have to resolve a booking dispute or even move rooms when I needed to be concentrating on my interview preparation. I appreciate that mistakes happen and that rooms in historic buildings naturally vary, but I do feel that the hotel's advertising should accurately reflect what guests can expect, and that booking details should be checked carefully before asking someone to vacate their room. The peaceful location was a definite positive, but overall I left feeling genuinely disappointed. For the standard of accommodation and service advertised, I had expected considerably better."

"Location of the Hotel was satisfactory - 15 minutes to Russell Square, a little more for the British Museum. Quiet neighbourhood. Reception staff very helpful. Not really value for money though as room was cramped."

"Due to its historic structure, this hotel doesn't have a lift. Our room didn't have a bathtub either, although I'm not sure whether some other rooms have one. However, the hotel is located in a quiet, beautiful and convenient area of central London. In addition, the staff were very thoughtful and made special arrangements for my elderly parents. I was also pleased that the hotel's revenue helps support the running of Goodenough College. We appreciated the staff's kindness and care."