Sloane Square has always been my favorite spot in London, ever since my very first trip to the city in 1981. At that time, I stayed at the home of a family friend off of the King's Road, and Sloane Square was my Tube stop, so the first sight I had of London was that area, and it was love at first sight. Ever since, I have stayed somewhere within walking distance from Sloane Square every time I've come to London, and when I discovered the Sloane Square Hotel about 7 years ago (not sure why it took me so long!), it became my absolute favorite place to stay, and every time I've been able to get a decent rate for my budget, I have pounced on the opportunity, and I have never been disappointed. This time around was no exception. The location could not have been more perfect, every inch was spotless, the staff were kind, friendly, and super helpful. All the previous times I've stayed, I've only been able to afford a single room, and this time was no exception. After a grueling travel of 2 days, I straggled into the hotel close to 9 pm on a wintry night, and was greeted by 3 smiling faces at reception, who seemed very happy when they informed me that I was getting an upgrade to a double room. I was so happy I almost cried (to quote "And Then She Kissed Me"), and when I threw open the door to my room and saw the double bed, the spacious bathroom and the glorious view onto the square, I realized that there is, in fact, a god! The bed was just the perfect firmness, the sheets were silky soft and crisp, the towels in the bathroom plush and cozy, the lotions and potions in the bathroom were wonderful, and there was ample closet space. I often am plagued by insomnia, but that night, I slept like a baby, and my joy was only dimmed by the fact that this time I only got to stay a single night, since my flight back to LA was the next day, alas. This is not the only time I have been given special privileges by this marvelous hotel, at which the Beatles once stayed as well. Years ago, I was enchanted by the teddy bear in my room, and when I got back to LA, I wrote to the manager and asked whether it was possible to order one, only to have him tell me he'd be happy to gift it to me. Sure enough, I soon received my sweet Sloane Square Hotel teddy in the mail, and I treasure it to this day. This is the kind of service you get from this hotel, and it is so much appreciated! This time around, I was elated when I received an email several weeks before arrival in London announcing their fall promotion with an amazing price for a single room, which also included a bottle of wine and a chocolate bar. I immediately booked my room for the one night I needed, and to then be gifted further with the upgrade to the double room sealed my true love for this hotel. I wish I knew the names of the lovely ladies who gifted me so generously, but whoever they are, I hope they know that they absolutely made not just my day, but my month. The area around the hotel is just fantastic, whether it's the King's Road, or Sloane Street with all its glamorous designer boutiques. A short walk away are the swanky digs of Eaton Square where Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara herself) once lived, as a blue plaque will tell you (PL Travers, who wrote Mary Poppins, lived on Smith Street, off of the King's Rd., and there are countless other blue plaques to remind you of the luminaries who once resided in that area-even Mozart himself lived nearby in Belgravia!). The Peggy Porschen cafe, which is often voted prettiest cafe in London, and rightfully so, is a short walk away at the corner of Elizabeth and Ebury Streets, as is the delicious grocery store Bayley and Sage. Elizabeth Street is so charming and lovely in general, and even boasts a branch of the famous French bread baker Poilane. Another fabulous grocer is Partridge's, a short walk down the King's Rd. My favorite London restaurant, Colbert, is just across the street from the hotel, and Harrod's too is not too far of a walk. I discovered on this trip that there is a Tiffany's cafe at Harrod's, and, had I known earlier, I could have had Breakfast at Tiffany's (which would have been extremely appropriate as I am just about to start working at one of their LA branches!). I could go on and on but I had better stop there. Thank you Sloane Square Hotel, I cannot wait to see you again.
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