BW Select Shaftsbury - Good Location, Bad Hotel

This place looks good on a map and Expedia, but beware. This area is ground zero for aggressive gays and binge drinking lager louts. Rooms are very small. The coldest shower water is scalding hot (I know, usually it's the other way around). If you want help, you must go downstairs as reception won't answer the phone. Staff in general is friendly but poorly trained. You'll feel safe knowing there is fire station next door; you will be reminded of this every half hour or so as they use the loudest sirens on the planet. Bring a fan - the ac doesn't work. The free wi-fi is nice - use it to arrange a move. Not good for kids, or adults.

Great Location and Rooms

I recently stayed at the Shaftesbury for a business trip to London. The location is superb, just a quick walk from the tube station, which will get you easily to Heathrow or Paddington (for the Heathrow Express). And it's in the heart of the theatre district, so there are plenty of restaurants and pubs. The staff was friendly and the rooms were very modern. The bathroom and shower are superb, and the beds are super comfortable. Despite being on a busy street, I had no problems with the noise. My only complaint is not having Internet access. I would love to see the hotel provide WiFi or a high speed connection to the room (especially for business travelers). Fortunately, there are 3 Starbucks with a T-mobile WiFi connection in walking distance. Also, I highly recommend the "trendy" Indian restaurant next door, it has great food.

Very Nice and Affordable

Scared after a previous stay in an "excellent B&B" that was more WC, I was super cautious about booking in London. My cootie-phobic friend and I were really pleased with the clean, attractive, safe and convenient accomodations this hotel provided. Really close to the Tube, Leicster Sq. for discount theater tickets, and Chinatown, this hotel is perfect if you want a lot of things right outside your door. The only drawback was the noise level. Both nights we stayed, the street noise was almost overwhelming, but since that's what we signed up for staying in Soho, we weren't bothered too much by it. Definitely recommend.

Simple, Clean, Nice Bathroom, what more could you ask?

Stayed for a night at the Shaftsbury hotel, which is in a great location. We booked online, a couple months in advance and got a GREAT rate. Simply put the room was clean, the clean bathroom was a nice size, and the bedding was better than expected for the price. What more can you ask for in a place to crash for a night while being a tourist? I'd definately stay there again.

A wonderful surprise!!!!

I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised by the Shaftsbury hotel. I was pressed for time and only got an opportunity to read the reviews after I booked the room. I stayed at the hotel in March 2004 in one of the junior suites. I believe renovations had already been fully completed as my room was excellent, the service was fabulous and the location in the heart of West End was superb, walking distance to many local attractions and plenty of great resturants and nightlife!!!!

Maybe the earlier reviews were pre-rennovation, but I would definetly recommend to a friend and stay there again!

Its fine

well some reviews are petty. i stayed here for valentines 2004. it was clean mordern and yes small but small who cares. the bed was huge anc nice. bathroom was fine. and the location is fab. the room price is ok but look around online for deals. i stayed in a deluxe for £115 when it was suppose to be 170. so i recomend it.

Unbeatable value and location

We have stayed at the Shaftesbury 3 times now - the last time being December 2003 when it was still being refurbished. It's absolutely fine. The price is unbeatable and the location is superb. Right by Chinatown and within easy walking distance of the theatres. Happily recommend it.

Just terrible - stay away from that place

Checked in - was sent to a room of 5 Sq metres, lift not working, called reception when I saw the room, had to wait 20 rings before call was taken, no hangers in wardrobe, door cannot close when i put my suitcase, no minibar, dirty bathroom, no toilet paper - a nightmare.

Left the room immediately and went to another hotel. I booked at GBP 170 based on photos on internet. MANAGED TO GET A REFUND (STILL WAITING FOR THE MONEY THOUGH) I WILL NEVER GO CLOSE TO THAT HOTEL AGAIN.

Great Location, Average Accomodation

From the street, the sign currently reads: "H tel Shaftesbury"... and from that auspicious introduction, the Hotel Shaftesbury mildly rebounds to become an adequate accomodation for exploration of London.

Granted, the hotel is undergoing some renovation and the lobby looks minimalist and nicely redone; however, you would think that one of the first steps in renovation would include reposting the letters on the hotel marquee. The prime location (and at least this summer, a working AC) make the Shaftesbury an ideal hotel for those looking for a central location and merely a bed to crash on at night. The bathroom literally was a water "closet". No other ammenities stand out. The room had the necessary furniture (although it had only one nightstand, the wall paper was peeling and the comforter was stained). I would recommend this accomodation only for those who want walking access to Picadilly/Leicester Circuses, Soho, Covent Garden and the entire Theater District for a decent price. Perhaps a completed renovation will change these drawbacks, but for now it remains a solid **star and barely a *** star hotel (don't believe the websites-- the renovation is not complete). NOTE: If you require a non-smoking room be sure to specify clearly upfront... the smoking rooms are extremely musty-- go non-smoking if you can.

Can't beat the location

The accomodations are nice but simple, but the location and price can't be beat. You're in the heart of Theaterland and you're not paying a fortune. Despite the busy location, the hotel is quiet. The bed is comfortable and room is well appointed. Highly recommended.