The Guardsman – Preferred Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Guardsman? It’s tucked away on this tiny street called Vandon that most people walk right past, but you’re literally a two-minute stroll from Buckingham Palace. I mean, I’ve stayed in plenty of London hotels that claim to be “near” the palace, but this one actually delivers – you can practically hear the changing of the guard from your window if you’re facing the right direction. The building itself has this classic red-brick thing going on that fits perfectly with the whole Westminster vibe, and honestly, walking up to it feels like you’re arriving somewhere that matters.

The inside is where things get interesting though. It’s definitely got that boutique hotel feel – not huge and impersonal like some of those chain places on Park Lane, but polished enough that you know you’re somewhere special. The lobby’s got these deep leather chairs that actually look comfortable (and are), and there’s always this subtle smell of something expensive – maybe it’s the fresh flowers they keep everywhere, or just that particular scent that good hotels seem to master. Check-in was smooth when I was there, though I’d imagine it gets pretty hectic during the summer tourist season since you’re right in the thick of everything. The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood too – not just the obvious tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this little pub on Great Peter Street that I never would’ve found otherwise.

What really sells this place is the location without the chaos, if that makes sense. You’re close enough to walk to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, St. James’s Park – all that essential London stuff – but Vandon Street itself stays relatively quiet. I was worried about noise with all the government buildings around, but honestly, it’s more peaceful than you’d expect. The rooms themselves are what you’d hope for at this level – well thought out, comfortable beds, and those little touches that show someone actually considered how people use hotel rooms. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the water pressure in the shower was fantastic, which matters more than people admit when you’re dealing with London’s unpredictable weather. At an 8.9 rating, it’s clearly doing something right, and after staying there, I get it. It’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in London – it’s just being really, really good at what it does, right where you want to be.

Rooms

• Single Room with 1 single bed for 1 adult
• Superior Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Executive Double Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• The Copeland One-Bedroom Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• The Horsbrugh Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Wintringham Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Bondfield Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Summerskill Two-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• The Astor Three-Bedroom Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 5 adults, 4 children
• The Guardsman with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Facilities