The Rembrandt Sarova Hotel

I'm not sure whether the first reviewer of the Rembrandt went to the same place as I did.

I didn't stay but went here for afternoon tea following a trip to the V&A - it is just across the road.  I found it quite dingy, expensive for what was provided and all-in-all, a bit tacky.  Having done tea at the Ritz recently, (which completely blew me away), I was quite keen to see how this place measured up to that...  Well, I couldn't have been more disappointed.

Crockery that looked like it belonged in the NAAFI, cakes and sandwiches that were averagely presented and made from less than top-class ingredients and furniture that looked a bit "Utility".  The service was friendly enough and the one saving grace was that the tea was pretty tasty - even though it was served in tacky pots.

It was far from elegant, having afternoon tea while the remnants of a Sunday lunch roast buffet ticked over on some hotplates just across the way.  I am not a snob in any way, but this was a "Little Chef" experience on a "Knightsbridge" budget.

I won't be returning to the Rembrandt, either to eat again or to stay.  The whole public space needs refurbishing and a good dash of class sprinkled around would not go amiss.  Quite sad really.

Always wanted to stay in a top class central London Hotel, with a stylish country house feel but without pretension?

Add a friendly service from ever helpful staff, huge beds, great linen and a good selection of room sizes and styles so you can find a price to suit your budget?

Family of three and want an extra bed in your room? A swimming pool in the basement and a fab full english breakfast when you rise in the morning?

Finally, add in the fact that you are opposite the V&A, Science and Natural History Museums and a short stroll from Harrods and all the other shops.

There you have it, the perfect London Hotel, try and it and love it!