Harrow

The Rookery is a real find - but only if you are happy with a few quirks. Reading some previous reviews, some folks seem to have a few issues. It seems that it is a ‘marmite’ hotel - lots love it, a few don’t rate it But we loved it! But if you expect a sanitised 4 star Hilton/Marriott experience you may be disappointed. No walk in shower, no mixer taps, no lift, no kettle in room etc. BUT you do get fantastic help with all your bags, a wonderful bathroom completely in keeping with an 18th century property, excellent tea & coffee delivered fresh to your room. And a fantastic room, great location, a well priced & well stocked mini-bar, a lovely honesty bar in a beautiful lounge downstairs, superb other sitting areas & great staff - smiles, professionalism, spot on. And no one looking for a tip all the time We also read the reviews about street noise & warm rooms. This hotel is bang centre in the middle of one of the up & coming & trendiest parts of London so yes there is street noise. And yes the nearby Smithfield Market works through the night. But the rooms have great double glazing & the noise through the night is barely noticeable. But if you’re a light sleeper go for a different (& much more boring!) location! The rooms were quite warm & the air conditioning isn’t brilliant but having the window open for 20 minutes before bed soon cooled the room down Yes the bacon sandwich wasn’t cheap but it was the best I have ever had, it comes with fresh coffee & fresh orange juice, and is delivered to the room. But equally there are many great places to eat breakfast in the surrounding streets. So take your pick Our only other gripe was that there wasn’t a plug near the mirror but that is a small, albeit annoying, problem. So not a hotel for sanitised travellers but a real find for those of us happy to plough our own furrow & discover hidden gems!