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London Belgraves by Thompson opens soon – but no free WiFi!
Nice cushions!
London Belgraves is the new boutique hotel from the Thompson chain set to open in the capital on Wednesday 1st February. The hotel will be the first Thompson property in the UK featuring 85 rooms, a Mark Hix restaurant and library bar, gym and outdoor terrace with retractable roof. But the main thing we’re interested in is whether or not the hotel will have free WiFi, and after doing some research we have to admit it doesn’t look good!
Our online research suggests that when Thompson Hotels was originally set up the hotels did offer (and champion) free WiFi; however in 2009 HotelChatter reported they’d begun to charge guests to get online. After a look at the group’s website we discovered that the London hotel, like the other hotels state that the property offers “WiFi access” but no mention of whether or not it’s free. Without being too sceptical this usually means you have to pay – pretty poor form for a new hotel opening in 2012.
Our worst fears were confirmed when we phoned the hotel to check – they’ll charge £15 extra per day to their guests for internet access. And that’s irrespective of the room category booked.
On the plus side the hotel interiors are looking great having being designed by acclaimed British designer Tara Benerd.
With Mark Hix behind the restaurant, food and drinks are bound to be superb too. The hotel - formerly the Sheraton Belgravia - is located close to Hyde Park, Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and the Victoria transport hub.
There are seven different room categories and the lead in room rate for a King Superior is priced at £336 per night which gets you a King Bed, TV, ipod dock, walk-in shower and marbled bathroom. However when we checked online we found rooms for £235 - either way for that price we would definitely expect free Wifi as standard!
We’re excited to see the hotel open but would suggest booking 4 star London hotels with free WiFi to send the message loud and clear that new hotels in 2012 can’t get away with seeing WiFi as a profit centre!
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Photo credits: London Belgraves.
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