Charing Cross - A Guoman Hotel

Introduction: You couldn't ask for better transport links than being situated adjacent to Charing Cross Station as the Guoman Charing Cross Hotel is (Grade II listed building). A nice bit of trivia is that this hotel is officially the most central hotel in London as the centre of London is taken as being the station itself. (although on the website we prefer using Piccadilly Circus as the central point) A grade one listed Victorian Railway Hotel the Thistle has been been completely refurbished while retaining the 19th century elegance. Situated at the end of the Strand, opposite Covent Garden and by Trafalgar Square this is an ideal base to explore all that London has to offer. The Strand itself is full of theatres, bars and shops with a McDonalds adjacent and starbucks across the road. Transport links are great with the station next door, buses running along the strand frequently and taxis using the strand as main through route. To the rear of the hotel and station is the River Thames which affords some excellent walking opportunities along its banks as well tours of the River by boat. London now also has a river bus service. Nearest river stop to the hotel is Embankment pier. From this location you are on the edge of London heartland for nightlife and day time sites and shopping. Just off from Trafalgar Square is Regent Street with its excellent mix of departments stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Covent Garden which begins almost opposite the hotel is a must for any visitor. Famous for its buskers (street artists) and indoor markets as well its great nightlife and bars. Local attractions are numerous but a selection includes: National Gallery (0.1 miles), Cleopatra's Needle (0.2 miles), Leicester Square (0.3 miles), London Transport Museum (0.3 miles), Theatre Museum (0.3 miles) and the London Eye (Millennium Wheel) (0.4 miles).

Hotel:
The hotel Lobby features a marble floor and you will be checked in at the wood panelled reception desk.
Bedroom amenities include high speed internet access, safe, wakeup calls, modem connection, iron and ironing board, trouser press, hairdryer, cable TV with movies, radio, air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, desk with lamp, mini bar and express check-out. Use of pastel colours is to be found in most rooms. En-suite facilities are provided where you will also find complimentary toiletries.
Room to breathe. Relax. Spread yourself out. Live a little. Our junior suites give you all the benefits of our executive and deluxe bedrooms, but with the added comfort of your own lounge area. Plus, of course, a few other treats that go with the territory.
Junior suites, executive and deluxe rooms have flat screen Television and Wi-Fi internet access.
Junior suites also give access to the exclusive Guoman Club lounge. here complimentary internet access is available along with printing services, plasma TV screen and reading material. Open from 07.00 till 23.00.
24-hour room service is provided for all rooms.

Dining options:
Strand Bar: A traditional Victorian lounge with a relaxed atmosphere. Serves both a rnage of drinks along with a bar menu. Open throughout the day.
Terrace on the Strand: This is the hotels main restaurant, the Victorian styled terrace looks over the Strand with views to Trafalgar Square. The decor includes original mosaic Inlaid floors. A feature are the windows that run from the floor right up to the high ceiling. Serves breakfast (English and continental), lunches, afternoon tea and dinner as well as an extensive range of light snacks. The menu offers fixed price lunch and dinner choices and the cuisine is traditional English which changes according to the season. Open: Monday to Saturday 08.00 till 10.00, Sunday 09.00 till 11am, Lunch served every day noon till 15.00, Afternoon Tea served every day 15.00 till 17.30,  Dinner served every day 17.30 till 22.00.
Strand Lounge: Modern decor and furnishings in a roomy and sumptuous area. Intimate atmosphere.

For the business traveller the hotel can offer 8 meeting rooms all with air-conditioning, audio visual equipment, high speed internet access and with a capacity of up to 150 guests theatre style. Extensive range of serves available including Wi-Fi and video conferencing.
Other hotel services include laundry and dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage, express check-in and safety deposit box facilities at the reception which is manned 24 hours.
WiFi can be picked up in all public areas.
This is an all areas non-smoking hotel.

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Parking: Nearby public pay car park at Spring Gardens, SW1A 2BN (0.2 miles)
Room Numbers: 239 / 6 floors
Check-in: 14.00 (2 pm) (minimum age 18)
Check-out: 12.00 noon

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History: The hotel has a long history dating back to its opening on the 15th May 1865. This was just over one year after the station itself opened. The hotel was designed by Edward Middleton Barry. Most notable was the magnificent façade  of the hotel which was a French Renaissance style. The hotel and station are built on the site of the Victorian Hungerford Market. In 1878 the hotel was further extended and then again in 1952 when two more floors were added to the top. In front of the hotel is a 70 foot replica of the original Eleanor Cross which stood here in 1291. The cross was commissioned by the hotel and erected in 1865.