Strand Palace Hotel review: old-world charm with a modern edge
Unbeatable location makes this hotel perfect for a central London city break

A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
London powerhouse the Strand Palace has established itself as one of the largest independent hotels in the capital, yet still manages to ooze old-world charm. Traditional, personalised touches such as the doormen who greet you on arrival, make you feel welcome and cared for.
Inquisitive guests can learn about the Strand Palace’s rich heritage in the Palace Papers, the hotel’s in-house magazine. For example, the hotel stands on what was once home to a menagerie which held all sorts of exotic animals, even an elephant that performed at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. Also, the 1930s-designed Art Deco foyer was recognised as one of the most opulent hotel foyers in Britain. When the structure was removed upon restoration in 1969, the V&A bought the dismantled foyer and brought it back to life in one of its exhibitions. The Strand Palace was also instrumental in the Second World War as the rooms were occupied by American servicemen who used their ration vouchers in the hotel’s restaurant.
Beyond the hotel’s doors, the Strand is alive with some of London’s most awe-inspiring buildings, old and new – from Somerset House and the Royal Courts of Justice to 180 The Strand, where you can find some brilliantly thought-provoking exhibitions.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The rooms
The bedrooms are classy, compact and clean, and you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a bed you won’t want to get out of, blackout blinds and beautifully scented shower products from The White Company. Plus, there’s high-speed internet and a HD TV. You’ll also find a great little guide called The 500 Hidden Secrets of London. This book is the ideal companion for exploring the city, and the Strand Palace’s prime location means you’re practically on the doorstep of many of the interesting places that feature.
Eating and drinking
Served at Haxells Restaurant & Bar, breakfast at Strand Palace runs daily from 7.30am to 10.30am. You’ll find a bustling atmosphere with friendly staff on hand to show you to your seat. The continental-style buffet is filled with hot and cold items from fruit and pastries, to all of the hearty full English breakfast items you could desire. Breakfast is an added extra on top of your stay, but it is a great way to set yourself up for a busy day of sightseeing.
For a low-key dinner, Maxwell’s Bar and Grill on nearby King Street, is a fun, diner-style spot for families. For something more upmarket, SushiSamba on the Opera Terrace overlooking Covent Garden serves up a selection of fusion dishes perfect for sharing. Or if you’re just a little bit peckish, grab an outdoor table at Ladurée on Covent Garden’s Piazza, a charming spot perfect for watching the world go by and enjoying an afternoon snack. Gordon’s is also worth seeking out. London’s oldest wine bar transports you to another world and is a must-visit for anyone partial to a glass of Beaujolais and a cheese board.
What to do
My favourite winter activity to do in the area is ice skating in the magical courtyard at Somerset House, followed by a wander around the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. This is also the heart of “Theatreland”, so you may be tempted by the latest stage productions. I particularly enjoyed Frozen the Musical at the beautiful Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.
Chinatown and Soho are also worth checking out, or take a blustery walk along the River Thames. Enjoy the city’s dramatic skyline, spot skateboarders mastering tricks at the South Bank and much more. Public transport is also excellent in this area if you wish to travel further afield. Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Waterloo stations are all nearby, and buses travel in various directions from the Strand and Aldwych.
The verdict
You can’t get as desirable a location in London for this price. Yes, the rooms are snug, but they are perfect for a short city break. London’s greatest landmarks surround you, and having a comfy, central base to come back to is the dream.
Strand Palace Hotel, 372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ. Double rooms start at £162 per night; strandpalacehotel.co.uk
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
-
Why the Roman Empire is suddenly everywhere online
The Explainer It fell more than 1,500 years ago — so why is it dominating social media?
By Justin Klawans Published
-
How climate change is going to change the insurance industry
The Explainer Some regions will soon be 'uninsurable'
By Devika Rao Published
-
TV to watch in October, from 'Loki' to 'The Fall of the House of Usher'
The Explainer Celebrate spooky season with some eerie streaming shows
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
Black Atlantic: Power, People, Resistance review
The Week Recommends Fitzwilliam Museum exhibition features lives affected by the Atlantic slave trade
By The Week Staff Published
-
Private Lives review: a 'witty' revival of Noël Coward's classic comedy
The Week Recommends Patricia Hodge and Nigel Havers play the warring exes in this 'delicious retro treat'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Wilderness review: a soapy drama set in the American southwest
The Week Recommends Amazon series starring Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen is 'full of twists'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Volkswagen ID.5 review: what the car critics say
Feature The ID.4's 'sportier, more stylish twin' – but 'don't believe the hype'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Jamaica Inn review: a small patch of Caribbean heaven
The Week Recommends Guests will feel like one of the family at this boutique beach resort in Ocho Rios
By Natasha Langan Published
-
Scottish Women Artists review
The Week Recommends Exhibition uncovers the work of female artists long hidden in 'historical obscurity'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Dracula: Mina's Reckoning review
The Week Recommends A groundbreaking and distinctively Scottish retelling of Bram Stoker's classic novel
By The Week Staff Published
-
Top Boy review: a fitting finale to the gangland drama
The Week Recommends This brilliant show is bowing out at exactly the right time – at the top
By The Week Staff Published