Rafayel Hotel & Spa

The hotel is widely recognized for its exceptionally spacious rooms and stunning River Thames views, offering a memorable stay for guests. Its unique, often quirky decor sets it apart from typical establishments. This hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking comfort and convenience, couples looking for a romantic riverside retreat, and sightseers who appreciate scenic walks and easy access to public transport. Families also find the large rooms accommodating. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a river view and be aware that the hotel is situated near a heliport, which can occasionally generate noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed regarding their quality and availability. The spa area is generally described as clean and peaceful, featuring a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. However, the swimming pool is often noted as being very small, sometimes cold, or even out of service, and spa opening hours are frequently cited as limited, which can be disappointing for guests hoping to use them. The gym is well-equipped and often quiet, providing a good space for workouts. Free Wi-Fi is available and generally reliable. While air conditioning is present, some guests report it can be noisy or difficult to control, occasionally leading to rooms being too cold.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are a significant highlight, offering much more space than typically found in London hotels, with large bathrooms that often include both a shower and a bath. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews, with some finding beds very comfortable, while others describe them as too soft, too hard, or even worn. In-room amenities like toiletries, robes, slippers, and coffee/tea facilities are appreciated. Noise levels can vary; while the hotel itself is often quiet, some rooms experience noise from the nearby heliport, street traffic, or noisy air conditioning units, and occasionally from neighboring rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive feedback. Breakfast is frequently described as delicious, with an ample selection of buffet items and the option for made-to-order eggs. Many guests highlight the quality and freshness of the food, though some find the breakfast basic or expensive for what is offered. The attached restaurant, "Banyan on the Thames," is highly regarded for its delicious food, particularly its Indian and Asian cuisine, and its stunning river views. The bar area is also popular, offering a nice atmosphere, good cocktails, and snacks, often with pleasant views of the Thames.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's riverside location is a major draw, offering picturesque views of the Thames and opportunities for scenic walks along the river path. While it provides a tranquil environment, many guests note that the hotel is far from central London and not directly connected to a tube station. However, it is well-served by bus routes right outside the hotel, providing easy access to areas like Victoria and Clapham Junction, which has train connections. An Uber River Boat stop is also conveniently located nearby. On-site underground parking is available and considered safe, though it comes at an additional cost.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, from quick check-in processes to accommodating specific needs. The service in the restaurant and at the front desk is frequently commended. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a small number of guests reported isolated instances of staff being perceived as rude or unwelcoming, particularly regarding check-out procedures or specific inquiries.

Additional Information
The hotel's quirky and eclectic decor is a distinctive feature, with guests having varied opinions on its artistic style, ranging from unique and charming to cluttered or dated. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though guests with dogs should be aware of an additional nightly fee and the potential challenge of finding suitable outdoor areas nearby. A recurring theme in reviews is that despite its self-representation, many guests feel the hotel's overall experience aligns more with a three or four-star rating rather than a five-star one. Guests should also be aware that a refundable deposit may be required upon arrival.