London's Xanadu: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You WON'T Believe!
London's Xanadu: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You WON'T Believe!
London's Xanadu: Unbeatable Hotel Deals You WON'T Believe! – My Chaotic, Honest, and Wi-Fi-Loving Review
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some complimentary Earl Grey the hotel provides!) on London's Xanadu – or, as they like to put it, "Unbeatable Hotel Deals You WON'T Believe!" Let's see if the hype measures up to the reality. Because, frankly, my expectations are perpetually high, bordering on unreasonable. And, being perpetually online, I NEED that Wi-Fi. Seriously.
First Impressions & the Wi-Fi Debacle (A Love Story, Kinda):
Okay, so the name "Xanadu"… a bit much, no? Conjures up visions of opulent palaces and…Kublai Khan? Honestly, I was expecting a bit more… glitter. The exterior isn't exactly a jaw-dropper. More like, solid, functional, London-y. But hey, we're here for the deals, right? And the Wi-Fi. Did I mention the Wi-Fi?
First things first: Internet access is a MUST. They scream "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and that's a HUGE win. You'll find Wi-Fi in public areas too which is also cool. In my room? Solid signal. Like, Netflix-and-chill quality. Happy dance! They also offer Internet [LAN] if you're old-school, and plenty of Internet services if you need them. Look, I'm a digital nomad at heart, so this is crucial. The internet is more reliable than some of my relationships.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!):
Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, so I can't speak from personal experience, but they claim to prioritize accessibility. I did spot the elevator (a big win!), and there are facilities for disabled guests. They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms which boosts up the safety for all.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Inner Germaphobe is (Mostly) Pleased:
Okay, this is crucial right now. I'm a bit of a germophobe, especially since… well, everything. And I'm happy to report Xanadu seems to be taking things seriously. They highlight Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and the whole place looks and smells clean. They have Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even offer a Room sanitization opt-out available, which is pretty cool! I’m not planning on taking advantage of any of those. Professionally-grade sanitizing services that is all I want in my life. Staff trained in safety protocol too. They have an array of items which assures that place is safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Carb-Loading Odyssey (and the Poolside Bar Bliss):
Alright, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's like, 80% of the hotel experience, right? The first day, I stumbled into the Breakfast [buffet]. A solid spread! Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, the works. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant. They also have a Coffee shop. The Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant caught my eye. The buffet food was your typical hotel fare: decent, nothing mind-blowing. The Breakfast takeaway service is such a great idea since sometimes I don’t want to deal with people.
But the real dining highlight? The Poolside Bar. Okay, maybe it wasn't that big of a highlight, but I am going to double down on it. It was a perfectly breezy afternoon. The pool looked tempting, but I'd already done a lot of swimming at the local YMCA. That pool… that's where Xanadu truly shines. I spent a good hour or so nursing a cocktail (or two… or three… don't judge me, I was on vacation!) while staring up at the London sky. Pure bliss. The drinks were reasonably priced (a plus!), and the atmosphere was just… relaxed. I could’ve stayed there all day. Happy hour is a perk, and they also have a Snack bar which is perfect when you're too lazy to leave those poolside chairs.
They also have Restaurants with A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Asian cuisine in restaurant.
The Perks & Services: Conveniences and Concierge Chaos!:
The hotel offers a ton of services and conveniences. Concierge is there, ready to help (I tested them with something ridiculous and they delivered). They have Daily housekeeping and Dry cleaning, an Elevator for easy access, and the oh-so-important Laundry service. Plus Luggage storage and Safety deposit boxes. They have Cash withdrawal services, which is good, but I mostly pay by card. They also have Currency exchange services. They provide Food delivery (hello, room service!) and they have a Convenience store, in case you forgot something. Basically, they have you covered!
Rooms: My Home Away From Home (Kinda):
The room itself? Solid. Not the Taj Mahal, but perfectly comfortable. Air conditioning, check. Free Wi-Fi, check. Air conditioning in public area, check and check. A Coffee/tea maker (essential!), check. The Bed was comfortable, the bathroom clean. They are Non-smoking rooms. They all have amenities, like Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Safety/security feature, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, and much more.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Dreams & Fitness Center Fiascos:
Okay, so the "Xanadu" bit… they're pretty good on the relaxation front. But, let me tell you, I had a whole experience. They emphasize Spa. The Fitness center is there. They have a Gym/fitness, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] (Pool with view). The Spa/sauna is here too!
During my stay I wanted to have a massage and Body scrub but since I was busy, I only used the Foot bath. It was one of the most relaxing parts of my stay.
Things I Loved (And a Few Gripes):
- The Poolside Bar: Seriously, heavenly. That alone might bring me back.
- The Wi-Fi: Solid, reliable, and a digital nomad's dream.
- The Cleanliness: Made me feel safe and comfortable.
- The Staff: Friendly and helpful, even when I was being a pain.
The Gripes (Because I'm Honest):
- The Name: It's a bit pretentious.
- The Buffet Breakfast: It could be more exciting.
- The "Unbeatable Deals" Claim: Needed to see if prices are worth it
Final Verdict & How to Book (Because You Want to, Right?):
Look, London's Xanadu isn't perfect. But it's a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, well-located, they offer enough to choose what you want to do. And the Wi-Fi is amazing. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable stay in London, with a decent spa, pool, and reliable internet, go for it.
Here’s My Unbeatable Offer (Because I Want YOU to Go):
Alright, here's the deal. I can't guarantee anything, but based on my highly scientific assessment, you should search for deals on their website. They actually have some pretty sweet offers. And if you do, you might get a chance to bask in the glory of that poolside bar… just like me.
Why Book Now?
- Guaranteed Solid Wi-Fi: Essential for work, play, and Instagramming your amazing trip.
- Sparkling Cleanliness: Enjoy peace of mind.
- Poolside Bliss: Need I say more? Sun, cocktails, and the London sky.
So go on, book that room! And if you see me at the pool, come say hi. I'll probably be ordering another drink. And, if everything else fails, at least you’ll have the Wi-Fi.
Escape to Paradise: Motel Sierra, Whangarei Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your polished travel brochure. This is me, jet-lagged and probably fueled by bad coffee, writing down my hopefully hilarious and utterly chaotic adventure at Hotel Xanadu in London. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and probably a few typos. Let's go!
Itinerary: Hotel Xanadu, London – AKA "Operation Get My Act Together (Maybe)"
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
10:00 AM (ish) - Land of the Lost (Heathrow Airport): Ugh. Heathrow. It’s like the entrance to a dystopian future where everyone is perpetually stressed and clutching overstuffed backpacks. Passport control was a blur of stern faces and mumbled apologies (mine, mostly). Finally, freedom! …into a downpour. Naturally.
11:30 AM - Black Cab Bliss (or near-bliss): Found a black cab. He was… a character. "Right, love," he boomed, surveying my pathetic attempts to hail him. "Hotel Xanadu, is it? Excellent choice. Bit of a hidden gem, that place.” (Spoiler alert: Everything is a hidden gem in London, apparently.) He regaled me with tales of… well, stuff. Lost the thread of the conversation somewhere around the history of the London Eye. All I know is the ride was bumpy, smelled of old leather, and I felt incredibly London.
1:00 PM - Xanadu Check-In: The "Wow, Really?" Moment: The hotel itself… well, it's a bit… eccentric. Think Victorian grandeur meets a slightly overenthusiastic interior designer with a penchant for velvet. The lobby is like stepping into a particularly fancy (and slightly dusty) antique shop. "Charming" is the polite word. "Overwhelming" is the truth. The woman at the desk (who looked suspiciously like she hadn't slept in a week) was lovely, but the key card promptly failed. Twice. "Bit temperamental, these things," she sighed, handing me a third, with a knowing look that said, "Good luck, you'll need it."
1:30 PM - Room Revelation: The "Is This Real Life?" Moment: My room. Oh, my room. It was…huge. And darkly lit. And had a four-poster bed that looked suspiciously like a pirate ship's mast. The wallpaper was a riot of clashing patterns. I stared. I giggled. I felt like I'd walked into a movie set, possibly a Wes Anderson movie that went slightly off the rails. The view of the brick wall and the noisy street didn't matter. The room was the experience.
2:30 PM - The Hunt for "Real Coffee": The hotel’s "coffee shop" ("cafe" being far too pedestrian) was a dark little haunt. The coffee, however, was a crime against caffeine. Weak. Watery. Soul-crushing. I’m officially on a quest for decent coffee in London. Wish me luck.
3:00 PM - First Real London Steps: I figured must walk, even if it's just to get away from the coffee. Wandered through the backstreets. I got turned around almost immediately (per usual. I have the worst possible sense of direction. If there were a compass that always pointed the wrong way, I’d be the owner.) but the chaos was lovely. Smells of spices and roasting meat wafted from unknown restaurants. Heard snatches of conversations in languages I couldn’t even begin to place. It was a glorious muddle.
6:00 PM - Return to Xanadu and Existential Dread. The long walk gave me the energy to shower!
7:00 PM - Dinner - The Hotel Dinning Room. The dining room was truly something. It was like stepping into a ballroom from a historical drama, but with a menu that read "British classics with a modern twist." More like "British classics with a slightly confused twist, apparently. I ordered the fish and chips. The fish was flaky. The chips were… well, chips. Service was attentive, if a little too close. I swear the waiter had an eye on my every bite.
8:00 PM - I was so tired I slept
Day 2: Covent Garden & Coffee-Induced Euphoria (and a lot more Chaos)
9:00 AM - Coffee Breakthrough: Found a tiny, independent cafe around the corner. Actual espresso. Glorious espresso. I may have shed a tear of joy. World restored. London, you are forgiven.
10:00 AM - Covent Garden: The "Everything-Happening-at-Once" Experience: Okay, Covent Garden. Prepare yourselves. Street performers galore. Buskers belting out songs. Tourists tripping over each other. It was a glorious, chaotic mess. I watched jugglers, mimes, and a guy who could make balloons into things the size of my head. Brilliant!
12:00 PM - Lunch in Covent Garden: the fish was soggy and expensive, but still good.
1:00 PM - The Theatre District (and a near-miss…): I made plans to see a show! I almost saw a show! I found someone to watch theatre. I went to a box office, and they told me I could get a cheap ticket. The queue was just too long.
2:00 PM - Second Coffee.
3:00 - National Portrait Gallery. I'm not the biggest art buff, but the portraits were… mesmerizing. Seeing the faces that defined history? Suddenly, all those history lessons in school didn't seem so pointless. Even fell in love with one about an unknown person who was a complete unknown! One with a very interesting beard.
5:00 PM - Back to Xanadu: Rest, relax, get ready for dinner.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Xanadu: Ordered the duck. I ordered duck. The duck was.. okay. I won't say it was what I wanted, or expected. But there was something about the dining room. It felt like I was in a movie, a play, a dream.
9:00 PM - Bed, Sweet Bed, and the sound of London, London.
Day 3: Unexpected Twist & Farewell (For Now!)
9:00 AM - My Last Coffee.
10:00 AM - The British Museum - A History Lesson, More Than Just Objects: I had to visit the British Museum. And it was… enormous. And overwhelming. It's a museum that makes you feel small and insignificant… in a good way. I was most fascinated by the Rosetta Stone, a relic that unlocks the secrets of ancient Egyptian civilization.
1:00 PM - Lunch Near the Museum: The worst sandwich ever. It was dry, flavorless, and almost offensive.
2:00 PM - Unexpected Twist: A Chance Encounter with a Local: While getting lost, I started a conversation with a woman by the street corner. She told me about the best things in town, what to do! She knew all the secret places!
3:00 PM - Packing and Regret. Goodbye, Xanadu. Goodbye, chaos. Goodbye, surprisingly tasty duck. I do not want to leave!
4:00 PM - Airport Bound. The Last Thoughts: Heathrow again. The crowds were worse than last time. I will miss London.
Reflections & Ramblings:
Hotel Xanadu: A mixed bag. Quirky, certainly. Comforting, maybe. I still don't know how to describe the place. It's a collection of everything and nothing. It's the perfect place to be lost, and the perfect place to be found.
London: A city that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Overwhelming, expensive (good grief, the prices!), and sometimes infuriating. But also beautiful, vibrant, historic, and full of surprises. Did I love it all? Absolutely not. Was it an experience? 100%.
Would I recommend it? Definitely. Will I be back? Absolutely. Next time, I'll pack more coffee… and a stronger sense of direction. London, you glorious mess, I’ll see you again.
**Nhu Minh Plaza: Your Dream Da Nang Getaway Awaits!**
Okay, look, I get it. "Xanadu" conjures up images of… well, *everything* that isn't legitimate. I initially thought the same! But after three trips to London using their deals – and no, I haven't mysteriously disappeared or had my credit card details leaked to a Nigerian prince – I'm… cautiously optimistic. They seem to be a platform curating REALLY good deals on hotels. Think of them as the slightly chaotic, slightly secretive, cool friend who always knows where the after-party is, the secret's just… well, it might involve a dodgy alleyway and a password whispered just loud enough to hear.
Honestly, I *still* don't know their exact business model. Maybe they're secretly ninjas. Maybe they have a time machine. But the deals are real. And for underpriced London hotel rooms, I'm willing to overlook the mystery. I recently stayed in a place in Kensington Gardens for less than a hostel! Seriously! I almost cried when I saw the price! (Pure joy, I assure you).
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this is where it gets interesting. I snagged a room at the Royalton near Hyde Park for a bloody song! It was a room which, if I had booked direct it would have cost me an arm and a leg. I mean, ridiculously expensive! With Xanadu, I practically paid for the bed, and the chandeliers were basically free. (Okay, maybe not literally free, but you get the point!).
Then last month, I went to the East End! The Shoreditch room had a balcony with stunning city views. The catch? It wasn't a catch! I actually got a better deal there than the dingy hostel I was considering! And the hostel had bed bugs, the room was nice, and I was extremely happy. That's the level of good we're talking about. They're often 30-60% off, sometimes even more! It’s like winning the lottery… only instead of money, you win ridiculously cheap, lovely hotel rooms!
Nope! The deals change. You have to be *vigilant*. I'm talking, refreshing the website like a hawk watching a particularly juicy field mouse. If you see something you like, JUMP ON IT. Don't think about it. Don't contemplate the meaning of life. Just book it. Because the good stuff vanishes faster than a free donut in a room full of hungry tourists.
As for catches... Well, the slightly chaotic nature is probably a big one. Also, you might *not* know the exact hotel name until after you book. Think of it as a blind date…for your accommodations. Which, admittedly, sounds a little scary. BUT! Xanadu tells you the general location (Shoreditch, Kensington, etc.) and lists the star rating. (Although, I suspect they round up sometimes… just a hunch.)
Also, be aware that it wasn't *always* perfect. One time, last year, I almost found myself in a room that smelled vaguely of damp and despair. My fault, I didn’t read the reviews carefully (they usually have them). Lesson learned. I learned what "charming" really means (very old building). Xanadu’s deals require a little bit of risk tolerance – and a good nose (just in case).
Okay, this is where I have to be brutally honest. I haven't faced, like, a full-blown hotel Armageddon with Xanadu. But I have seen some reviews with customer service complaints. So, while their deals are great….their customer service... might be. "under construction" at times. They have a contact form - that's about it.
If you're a control freak who needs constant reassurance and hand-holding, Xanadu probably isn't your ideal travel buddy. BUT! In *my* experience, the deals are so good, that if there's a minor issue, I'm willing to roll with it. So, if you book, be prepared to be your own advocate. Know your rights. And maybe pack a small emergency kit of sanity (and a can of air freshener, just in case).
Whew, no blood sacrifice required! Relax. It's surprisingly straightforward. You go to their website, enter your dates and desired location (or, you know, city). Then, the magic happens. You'll see a list of deals, with the star rating, and rough location. Check reviews for the exact same hotel before booking (It may take some digging).
Once you've chosen your… well, your risk, you pay, and they send you the hotel name (usually within a few hours). Boom. Done. It's actually quite easy. Easier than finding a decent cup of coffee in some parts of London, that’s for sure. Just… try not to overthink it. The best things in life are often found when you take a leap of faith. And, when you do... send me a postcard… with photos!
Look, I understand the hesitation. There's a little voice in the back of my head whispering, "This is too good to be true!" But the thing is… it's *usually* true. I've had way more successes than failures. Even the slightly "charming" places (aka, potentially haunted, but hey, at least cheap) added to the experience!
So, is it worth it? For me? ABSOLUTELY. Especially if you're on a budget and want to experience London without selling a kidney. Just temper your expectations a bit, be prepared to do a little research (seriously, read the reviews!), and embrace the adventure. You might end up with a room that's a bit…quirky. But hey, that's London, isn’t it? And sometimes, quirky is the best kind.
I've seen deals all over, but it changes based on the season. The popular tourist areas (like Covent Garden, Westminster, etc.) are always there. I’ve found hidden gems in less-touristy areas like Islington and even out in Ealing! That one was a total score – great transport links, and much cheaper than staying smack-dab in the centre.
Generally, you get to choose the city itself, and then see how they've broken it down. I've focused my hunts on Kensington and Chelsea, but my friend keeps finding steals in Shoreditch. Honestly, I think it depends on the deals in any particular time. Just check back regularly and see what they have.
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