You know what? The Radisson Blu on Oxford Street is one of those places that gets things mostly right, even if it doesn’t blow you away at first glance. I’ll be honest – walking up to it, you might miss it entirely since it’s basically embedded into the Oxford Street shopping madness, right across from John Lewis. But that’s actually part of its charm once you’re inside, because suddenly you’re in this surprisingly calm bubble while the tourist chaos continues outside your window.
The lobby has that sleek Scandinavian vibe that Radisson does well – lots of clean lines and muted colors that feel deliberately understated rather than trying too hard. What I really appreciate is how the staff actually seems to know the neighborhood. When I asked about getting to Neal’s Yard (you know, that tiny colorful courtyard near Covent Garden that’s impossible to find), the guy at the front desk gave me proper walking directions instead of just pointing toward the Tube. The rooms are… well, they’re London-sized, which means you’re not doing cartwheels in there, but they’re thoughtfully laid out. The beds are genuinely comfortable – I’m talking about that perfect firmness where you don’t sink in but don’t feel like you’re sleeping on a board either.
Here’s the thing about the location that the booking sites don’t really tell you: yes, you’re right on Oxford Street, which means shopping heaven if that’s your thing, but it also means it can get absolutely mental during sales periods or around Christmas. The good news? The windows are properly soundproofed, so you’re not listening to the crowds at 2 AM. Bond Street station is literally a two-minute walk, which gets you anywhere in central London without fuss. And – this is key if you’re planning to eat well – you’re walking distance from some brilliant spots on Charlotte Street and Fitzrovia that most tourists never discover because they get stuck in the Oxford Circus vortex. The hotel’s restaurant is decent enough, but honestly, with places like Dishoom just a short walk away, why wouldn’t you explore? I did notice the elevators can be a bit slow during peak times, and the fitness center is more of a “fitness corner” – functional but don’t expect a full gym experience. But the 7.7 rating feels about right to me. It’s solidly good without being spectacular, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want when you’re spending your days wandering around London and just need a reliable, comfortable base that doesn’t eat your entire budget.