Hotel Indigo London - 1 Leicester Square By Ihg

This hotel is highly regarded for its unbeatable central location in Leicester Square, making it an ideal choice for sightseers, theatre-goers, and couples looking to explore London's vibrant West End. Its signature feature is undoubtedly the rooftop bar and restaurant, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, particularly at night. Guests frequently praise the modern, Art Deco-inspired design of the rooms and the generally friendly and helpful demeanor of the staff. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and stylish decor, some note concerns regarding bathroom privacy and room size. For an enhanced experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor with a view of Leicester Square, and be aware that the rooftop bar may occasionally be closed for private events.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular rooftop bar and restaurant that serves as a major draw, offering stunning city views. Guests consistently highlight the availability of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. However, a recurring point of concern is the performance of the elevators, which are frequently described as very slow, often with only one of two being operational, leading to significant wait times, especially during peak hours. Some guests also noted that the elevators can feel shaky. In-room amenities typically include coffee and tea facilities, often with espresso pods, and a powerful hairdryer. The lobby area is generally perceived as small, and while slippers are not always provided in rooms, they are usually available upon request.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many describe the rooms as modern, stylish, and generally clean, appreciating the comfortable beds and quality linens. However, a significant number of guests report issues with room size, finding them very small, even by London standards, with limited hanging space or storage. The bathroom design is a frequent point of contention due to glass walls or doors that offer minimal privacy, and showers that can cause water splashing onto the bathroom floor. Some guests also noted issues with low sink faucets and a lack of ventilation. While some rooms offer excellent views of Leicester Square, others are described as having no windows or curtains that do not adequately block light. Reports of stains on carpets or walls, dust, and occasionally dirty floors or mold indicate inconsistencies in housekeeping. Noise levels from Leicester Square can be an issue for rooms facing the square, though some found their rooms surprisingly quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service, served in the rooftop restaurant, receives widespread praise for its quality, variety, and the spectacular views it offers of the London skyline. Guests appreciate the selection of both cooked and continental options, with some noting the availability of made-to-order eggs and fresh juice. However, some feedback indicates that buffet items can occasionally be cold, and there might be slow service for made-to-order dishes. The rooftop restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, with food quality generally well-received. The bar area is popular for evening drinks, but many guests find the prices to be quite high, often with an additional service charge. Room service for drinks or a comprehensive menu is not consistently available.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Leicester Square is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, providing unparalleled access to London's major attractions. Guests find it exceptionally convenient for visiting West End theatres, exploring Chinatown, and reaching popular areas like Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and Soho within easy walking distance. Its proximity to the Leicester Square tube station also offers excellent connectivity to other parts of the city and airports. While the location is vibrant and bustling, guests should be aware that rooms facing the square can experience noise levels from street performers and general activity. The main entrance features steps, which can pose a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility impairments, as there is no direct vehicle drop-off point in front of the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor, with many guests highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist. Positive experiences include quick check-in processes, flexibility with early check-in and late check-out requests, and complimentary room upgrades for loyalty members. However, feedback regarding reception staff can be mixed, with some guests reporting slow service, unresponsiveness to issues like room changes or refunds, or a perceived lack of communication. While many found staff accommodating in resolving problems, others experienced difficulties, particularly with complex booking or payment issues. Housekeeping service also received varied comments, with some guests noting missed service or inconsistencies in towel replacement.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest reviews involves booking and payment issues, with numerous reports of incorrect charges, double billing, and difficulties in obtaining refunds for security deposits or overpayments. Guests frequently express frustration with the hotel's communication regarding these financial discrepancies, often citing unreturned calls or emails. The rooftop bar and restaurant, a major hotel highlight, is often closed for private functions without prior notification to guests, leading to disappointment for those planning to use the amenity. Some guests also noted that certain loyalty points benefits were not honored for bookings made through third-party sites. In-room issues such as non-functional key cards or concerns about the hotel's smoking policy (with reports of smoking on balconies) were also mentioned.