Swissotel The Howard, London

The Cranley Report

Swissotel The Howard

Swissotel The Howard , London

Hotel Address

Swissotel The Howard
Temple Place
London WC2R 2PR
England

Cranley Rating

Swissotel The Howard

Photo 1 of 25. Click to enlarge

Hotel Summary

Category	Hotel
Awards Won	2007 – Three Rosettes AA Restaurant Guide 2006 – Two Rosettes AA Restaurant Guide

Hotel Opened	2001 (The Swissotel Howard Hotel occupies a purpose built building dating from 1972)
Refurbishment	2008 – Restaurant (JAAN) 2006 - Mauve

Cranley Summary

The Swissotel The Howard is a purpose built hotel situated on Temple Place just off the A3211 Victoria Embankment that runs along the River Thames. The hotel is found opposite Temple underground station which is serviced by the Circle and District lines, Waterloo and Charing Cross main line stations are both close by. Within a short walk is The Strand and the famous Law Courts and Covent Garden which has a number of shops and a large selection of restaurants, pubs and clubs, many of London’s famous theatres are also found in this area. The hotel features a selection of guest rooms and 2 suites, many offering views along the River Thames from St Pauls Cathedral, the Gurkin, to the London Eye and Big Ben. The Classic guest rooms are well equipped and have an en-suite shower and Garden Courtyard view, the remaining rooms with en-suite bathrooms have either Garden Courtyard or River views many benefiting from balconies. Specially adapted children’s rooms are available and are furnished with bright colours and friendly cartoon characters. The 3 * award winning restaurant is located on the ground floor and like the Temple Bar, spills out onto the secluded Garden Courtyard. Mauve, the Cocktail Bar and Lounge area is open 24 hours a day to hotel guests. There is a small Business Centre with 2 computer stations and 2 versatile conference rooms for functions, meetings and events and private terraces suitable for small parties.

Hotel Location & Layout

Location Description

The Swissotel The Howard is located on Temple Place just off the A3211 Victoria Embankment that runs along the River Thames. The hotel is found opposite Temple underground station which has a few little kiosks selling fruit, newspapers and sandwiches. Temple underground station is serviced by the Circle and District lines, Waterloo and Charing Cross main line stations are both close by. Within a short walk are the Victoria Embankment Gardens – Temple Gardens and along Arundel Street to the north of the hotel is The Strand, the famous Law Courts, and Covent Garden which has a number of shops and a large selection of restaurants, pubs and clubs, many of London’s famous theatres are also found in this area.

Airports
Distance	15 km
Airport Transfers	Approximately 30 minutes in light traffic

Cities and Sights
Distance	2.5 km
City/Sight Transfers	Approximately 10 minutes in light traffic

Layout Description

The Swissotel The Howard Hotel is found on the left of Temple Place which is a one way street leading from the Embankment. As you enter the hotel you proceed down a crescent shape staircase, directly in front of you are the lifts and to the left is the Reception and Concierge area. The Restaurant and quiet Garden Courtyard Terrace area leads off from this towards the rear of the hotel. From the entrance, to the right ,is a Lobby Lounge area and the Mauve Bar. Leading from this, you will find the Temple Bar, the Business Centre, the hotels 2 Conference Rooms and the Ladies, Gentleman and Disabled lavatory facilities. There is a short corridor at the rear of the hotel that also connects the 2 public areas.

Lobby & Guest Relations

Open Hours	24 hours
Languages Spoken	English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, most European languages, and several other languages spoken.
Payment Methods	All major credit cards and cash accepted
Foreign Exchange	24 hours Exchange rates are commissionable and guests must produce an ID card with photograph.
Taxis Arranged	There is a taxi pool outside the hotel
Tours Arranged	A full range of tours and tailor made packages can be organised through the Concierge to include: Buckingham Palace Hampton Court Kensington Palace Luxury River Thames cruises Madame Tussauds St Paul’s Cathedral The London Dungeon The London Eye Tower of London Windsor Castle

Guest Relations	Standard Service
Concierge Services	The Concierge located to the right of the Reception Desk is on hand 24 hours a day and will assist guests with any arrangements including restaurant reservations, flowers, limousines, car rental, airport transfers, or organising tickets to the theatre, opera or ballet at any time during a guest's stay. Additionally the Concierge has a selection of personal and grooming items available to guests and complimentary guest passes for the Holmes Place Health Club on the Strand.
Medical Facilities	Staff are trained to administer first aid for minor incidents. A doctor is available 24 hours a day with a typical response time of within 1 hour, according to the hotel. St Thomas’s hospital has an accident and emergency facility which is just across the river.
Parking	34 underground chargeable spaces are available to hotel guests, valet parking is complimentary. The Swissotel The Howard Hotel is within the London Congestion Charge zone.

Cranley Comment

The Lobby area is central to the Swissotel The Howard Hotel, it has large windows overlooking Temple Place and crescent shaped steps and grey mottled marble floors with high ceilings and glass chandeliers. Close to the curved reception desk on the left is a small seating area for guests to relax and an archway that leads to the entrance of the restaurant and a corridor with a well stocked complimentary magazine and newspaper table that links the two public areas at the rear of the hotel together. The 3 guest lifts are discreetly hidden behind a glass panel in front of the entrance and to the right of this you will find Mauve, which is a large Lobby Lounge and Cocktail Bar that is open for hotel guests 24 hours a day.

Shops & Amenities

Description

The Concierge has a selection of personal and grooming items available 24 hours a day.

Temple Station Kiosks

Newspaper Kiosk
04:30 to 20:00, Monday to Friday
Tobacconist
07:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Fruit Stall
07:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Sandwich Bar
07:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday

Cranley Comment

There are no shops or amenities within the Swissotel The Howard itself. Directly opposite the hotel at the entrance of Temple Underground Station there are a small selection of kiosks that are generally open from 07:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday that sell a small selection of fruit, tobacco, newspapers and sandwiches.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

Number of Floors	9
Total Rooms	189
Elevators	3
Rooms per Elevator	63
Total Staff	133
Staff per Room	0.7

Check-in Time	15:00
Check-out Time	12:00
Late Checkout	Subject to availability Some weekend packages have a late check-out of 16:00
Smoking Rooms	40 Smoking rooms in total Premier Garden Courtyard Room - 7 Premier River View Room - 19 Swiss Advantage Garden Courtyard - 4 Crest Room King Balcony - 4 Grand Room River View Balcony - 4 Grand Room River View Terrace - 2
Room Service	06:00 to 10:00 Breakfast 11:00 to 23:00 All Day Dining 14:30 to 17:30 Afternoon Tea 23:00 to 06:00 Night menu
Laundry Service	Hand finished dry cleaning and laundry service is available Monday to Sunday inclusive, with the exception of Bank Holidays Clothes collected prior to 09:00 will be returned the same day. Express Service is available Monday to Saturday before 11:30 at a supplement. Pressing is available Monday to Sunday inclusive. Shoe cleaning is available Monday to Sunday inclusive.
Unique Features	Kids Guest Rooms

Cranley Comment

Standard rooms at the Swissotel The Howard hotel have an extensive range of amenities. The predominant colour tones are beige which is complimented with light wood furniture and quality fabrics. The inner courtyard rooms face a large quadrangle that is flanked with offices and bellow the hotels pretty Garden Courtyard that is mainly covered in the winter months by a marquee. The Swiss Advantage guest rooms and above are decorated in contemporary modern colours, a mix of mauve, beige and browns and have views of either the courtyard area or uninterrupted views along the River Thames. Room rates at this hotel increase dependant on views and not necessarily room size. The hotel offers special Kids Guest Rooms at the hotel that take on a home from home appearance and have children’s pictures, curtains, linen and towels.

Type of Room, Views & Facilities

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Classic Queen Garden Courtyard	8	Courtyard	Facilities include: Electronic locking system Viewfinder spy hole Security Chain Individually controlled air-conditioning Work space/desk 2 DDI Lines Voice mail Fax – on request WI-FI (chargable) High speed Internet access (chargeable) 3 pin square British sockets 2 pin round European sockets LCD television International Satellite TV Movie channels pay per view DVD player – on request TV Radio/alarm Large windows Dimmer switches Double closet Full length mirror Iron and ironing board Shoe shine service Large safe suitable for laptop Mini-bar Filter coffee and tea making facilities Free (local) daily newspapers Turndown service Down duvet Hyper allergenic pillows En-suite shower room Single vanity basin unit Bathrobes Slippers Shaving/Make up mirror Shaving point Heated towel rail Hairdryer Telephone in bathroom Luxury Swiss Spa toiletries	2 Adults	24

Cranley Comment

The 8 compact 24sqm Classic Queen Garden Courtyard rooms at the Swissotel The Howard have Queen sized beds with modern curved headboard and are furnished to the same standard as the Premier guest rooms with a work desk and swivel chair, Lavazza Espresso Machine, mini bar and lights with dimmer switches. The rooms are bright and have large windows that overlook the hotels pretty Garden Courtyard below and a further large courtyard that belongs to adjoining offices. The functional shower en-suite has all the amenities that you would expect to find including bathrobes, slippers and luxury Swiss Spa toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Premier Garden Courtyard Room	56	Courtyard	As for Classic rooms with the added benefit of: Larger work space/desk Easy chair and foot stool Bath tub with fitted jet shower over Retractable drying cord	2 Adults and 1 Child	27

Cranley Comment

There are 56 Premier Garden Courtyard rooms that benefit from extra space and an additional chair and foot stool. There is a King sized bed and a good sized work station with both British and 2 pin round European sockets and a Lavazza Espresso coffee machine. These rooms have a modern crisp feel and are decorated with light woods and predominantly beige soft furnishings. There are 13 inter connecting rooms and 7 smoking rooms. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath with shower over, a single basin, mirror, heated ladder towel rail and luxury Swiss Spa toiletries. These rooms have views over the Central Courtyard area that is shared will 3 other buildings, directly below is the pretty hotel Garden Courtyard.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Premier River View Room	84	River	As for Premier Garden Courtyard rooms with the added benefit of: floor to ceiling windows with views over the River Thames	2 Adults and 1 Child	27

Cranley Comment

There are 84 Premier River View rooms that benefit from extra space and an additional chair and foot stool. There is a King sized bed and a good sized work station with both British and 2 pin round European sockets and a Lavazza Espresso coffee machine. These rooms have a modern crisp feel and are decorated with light woods and predominantly beige soft furnishings. There are 34 inter connecting rooms and 19 smoking rooms. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath with shower over, a single basin, mirror, heated ladder towel rail and luxury Swiss Spa toiletries. These rooms have views along the River Thames and the Victoria Embankment Gardens and a popular rooftop spot that has benches over looking the river and beyond.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Swiss Advantage Garden Courtyard Room	18	Courtyard	As for Premier Garden Courtyard rooms with the added benefit of: Lounge Area CD Player / Radio Luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries	2 Adults and 1 Child	49.5

Cranley Comment

The 18 Swiss Advantage Garden Courtyard guest rooms are 49 sqm and benefit from an ‘L’ shape lounge area with a larger darker wood workstation. Swiss Advantage rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a seating area with a couch and coffee table. There are 4 smoking rooms. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath with shower over, a single basin, mirror, heated ladder towel rail and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries. The rooms have floor to ceiling windows that overlook the large central courtyard area that is shared will 3 other buildings, directly below is the pretty hotel Garden Courtyard.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Swiss Advantage River View Room	7	River	As for Swiss Advantage Garden Courtyard rooms with the added benefit of: Sofa bed	2 Adults and 1 Child	41.4

Cranley Comment

The 7 Swiss Advantage River View rooms are slightly smaller than the Swiss Advantage Courtyard rooms but benefit from views along the river. Swiss Advantage rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a seating area with a couch and coffee table. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath with shower over, a single basin, mirror, heated ladder towel rail and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries. The rooms have floor to ceiling windows that overlook the River Thames and the Victoria Embankment Gardens and a popular rooftop spot that has benches over looking the river and beyond. There are 4 interconnecting Swiss Advantage River View rooms.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Crest Room King Balcony	4	River	As for Swiss Advantage River View rooms with the added benefit of: Long balcony 2 balcony chairs	2 Adults	29

Cranley Comment

The 4 Crest Room King Balcony rooms are 28.97m in size although smaller than the Swiss Advantage guest rooms they benefit from a long floor to ceiling window and sliding door to lengthy balcony with table and chairs that stretch along the bed and lounge area offering guests panoramic views along the River Thames from St Pauls, the Gurkin to the London Eye and Big Ben. The Crest rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a seating area with a couch and coffee table. The en-suite bathrooms have a bath with shower over, a single basin, mirror, heated ladder towel rail and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Grand Room River View	4	River	As for Swiss Advantage River View rooms with the added benefit of: Better views Separate 5 jet body shower	2 Adults	39

Cranley Comment

The Grand Room River View rooms are 39.09sqm and are found on the 8th and 9th floors of the hotel so have better views of London’s famous landmarks. In the same style as the Swiss Advantage rooms and the Crest rooms, the Grand guest rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a lounge area with a couch and coffee table and separately, a mini bar area and workspace. The en-suite bathrooms benefit from a separate large 5 Jet body shower, bath, double vanity unit and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Grand Room River View Balcony	4	River / Balcony	As for Grand Room River View rooms with the added benefit of: Better extended views Balcony 2 balcony chairs	2 Adults	59

Cranley Comment

The 4 Grand Room River View Balcony rooms are 59.40sqm and are found on the 8th floor of the hotel and have a balcony with table and chairs that overlooks the River Thames and offers panoramic views of London’s famous landmarks. In the same style as the Swiss Advantage rooms and the Crest rooms the Grand River View rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a lounge area with a couch and coffee table, a separate workstation and mini bar area. The en-suite bathrooms benefit from a separate large 5 Jet body shower, bath, double vanity unit and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Grand Room River View Terrace	2	River / Terrace	As for Grand Room River View Balcony rooms with the added benefit of: Large terrace/balcony Terrace dining table and chairs Terrace bar and cocktail tables	2 Adults	59

Cranley Comment

The 2 Grand Room River View Terrace rooms are 59.40sqm and are found on the 9th floor of the hotel. Situated on each corner of the hotel they benefit from an additional 37sqm terrace with picture postcard panoramic views of London’s famous landmarks. It has a cocktail table and chairs, a bar and additional dining table and chairs making it ideal for alfresco dining and private parties. In the same style as the Swiss Advantage Rooms and the Crest rooms the Grand River View rooms are decorated with dark heavy woods with tones of creams and beige, there is a tall modern suede headboard over the King sized bed and a lounge area with a couch and coffee table and a separate workstation and mini bar area. The en-suite bathrooms benefit from a separate large 5 Jet body shower, bath, double vanity unit and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries.

Type	No.	View	Facilities	Max. Occupancy	Size m2
Suite River View	2	River / Balcony	As for Grand River View Balcony rooms with the added benefit of: Entrance hall Fax Large flat screen television DVD player CD / Radio / Alarm Dining Table with 4 chairs, extending to 8 Master Bedroom Additional Television Bathroom scales	2 Adults and 1 Child	59

Cranley Comment

The 2 River View Suites are 59.40sqm and are found on the 8th floor of the hotel. Situated on each corner of the hotel they benefit from a separate King sized bedroom with views of London’s famous landmarks. The suites have an entrance hall, open plan living and dining area with a table and 4 chairs that extends to 8, a large wall mounted plasma television screen with DVD player, master King sized bedroom with additional television and en-suite bathroom. They are decorated in the same style as the Grand River View rooms with dark heavy woods and tones of creams and beige. The lounge area has an ‘L’ shaped couch, coffee table, a workstation, and mini bar area. The en-suite bathrooms benefit from a separate large 5 Jet body shower, bath, double vanity unit and luxury Pascal Morabito toiletries.

Restaurants & Cafés

Number of Restaurants

Restaurant Comments

The Swissotel The Howard has an award winning 3 star rosette 2007 restaurant located on the ground floor level with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors overlooking the quiet Garden Courtyard Terrace area where guests can also enjoy al fresco dining. The Scottish Executive Chef serves seasonal inspirational modern British cuisine influenced by various regions of Britain, the menu includes a 5 course tasting menu. Whilst staying open, the restaurant has been undergoing a refurbishment programme which is due for completion in June 2008 which includes a complete new décor to compliment the menu.

JAAN

Restaurant Type	Modern British Cusine
Restaurant Capacity	80 Total (of which 40 is inside and 40 on the terrace)
Opening Times	Breakfast 06:30 to 10:30 Monday to Friday Breakfast 07:00 to 14:00 Saturday and Sunday Lunch 12:00 to 14:30 Dinner 17:45 to 22:30 Monday to Saturday
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No smoking allowed inside the restaurant
Children’s Facilities	High Chairs Available Children’s Menu
Breakfast Options	Continental English Cold Buffet A la Carte

Cranley Comment

The Swissotel The Howard has an A la Carte award winning 3 star rosette 2007 restaurant located on the ground floor level, adjoining the Temple Bar. The airy room has floor to ceiling sliding glass doors overlooking the quiet Garden Courtyard Terrace area where guests can also enjoy al fresco dining. The Scottish Executive Chef serves seasonal inspirational modern British cuisine influenced by various regions in Britain and has included a 5 course tasting menu. The Restaurant is popular with local businessmen at lunchtime and is more intimate in the evenings. Whilst staying open, the restaurant has been undergoing a refurbishment programme which is due for completion in June 2008 which includes a complete new décor to compliment the modern menu. During the summer from June to the end of August a Spit Roast is served on the Terrace, in the winter months the Terrace is covered. A pre theatre and upmarket children’s menu is available and on selected evenings there are Wine and Beer Pairing Gourmet meals served.

Bars

Number of Bars	2
Bar Comments

Mauve Lobby Cocktail Bar is open 24 hours to hotel guests and from 07:00 to 1:00 for non residents. It is located to the right of the entrance of the hotel and lobby area. It specialises in Cocktails, wines and champagnes and serves light breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. Temple Bar is situated to the rear of the hotel and enjoys the extensive London Garden Courtyard Terrace. It is a formal bar that is open 7 days a week between 11:00 to 01:00. It has a wide selection of whiskies and also serves other spirits and cocktails, a small selection of bar food is available.

Mauve

Bar Type	Lobby Cocktail Bar
Bar Capacity	100
Opening Times	24 hours – Hotel Guests 07:00 to 01:00 non residents
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No Smoking Allowed

Cranley Comment

Mauve Lobby Cocktail Bar is open 24 hours to hotel guests and from 07:00 to 1:00 for non residents. It is located to the right of the entrance of the hotel and lobby area. It specialises in Cocktails, wines and champagnes and serves light English and Continental breakfasts, lunches and sandwiches. Afternoon Teas are served between 15:00 to 18:00. As the name suggests, the colour scheme is predominantly mauve with a tall bar area and floor to ceiling windows overlooking Temple Place. There are a wide selection of formatted seating areas for small gatherings or larger groups. On Friday and Saturdays a live DJ plays between 16:00 and 19:00 for a more contemporary tea, on Saturdays this is also complimented by a Jazz musician.

Temple Bar

Bar Type	Piano Cocktail Bar
Bar Capacity	50
Opening Times	11:00 to 01:00 Monday to Sunday
Dress Codes	Smart Casual

Air-Conditioning	Yes
Smoking Policy	No Smoking Allowed

Cranley Comment

Temple Bar is situated to the rear of the hotel and also enjoys the use of the large London Garden Courtyard Terrace and waterfall. It is a slightly more formal bar that is open 7 days a week between 11:00 to 01:00. It has a wide selection of whiskies that are on display in the central bar, it also serves other spirits and cocktails a small selection of bar food, snacks and sandwiches. The Temple Bar has casual seating arrangements and a Baby Grand Piano. Live music is played on Wednesday and Thursday evenings between 19:00 to 22:00.

Business & Event Facilities

Wireless Internet

Lobby area
Meeting rooms
Business centre
Coffee Shop
Restaurant
Chargeable, access number obtainable via the Internet or from the reception.

In-Room Services

High Speed Internet connection
WI-FI Connectivity
Chargeable, access number obtainable via the Internet or from the reception.

Business Centre

The Business centre at the Swissotel The Howard is located to the rear of the right of the hotel close to the Conference rooms, it is open to guests on a 24 hour basis. It has 2 computer work stations a printer and a fax machine. Secretarial services are available.

2 computer workstations with Internet connections
Conference rooms
Meeting rooms
Printer - black and white
Fax
Typing

Meetings & Events

The Swisotel The Howard Hotel has 2 versatile event spaces which are suitable for banquets, conferences, lectures, business meetings and weddings.

Fitzalan;
is 132.8 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.6 metres undefined. Direct access to the Garden Courtyard Terrace is available and natural day light is available. The Fitzalan can be configured as follows:
Theatre 120, Classroom 60, U Shape 60, Boardroom 60, Cabaret style 50, Banquet 120, Cocktail/Reception 200.
The Fitzalan can be separated into 2 smaller event spaces – Fitzalan I and Fitzalan II. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Fitzalan is licensed for Civil weddings.

Arundel;
is 116.5 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.3 metres undefined. Natural light is available. The Arundel can be configured as follows:
Theatre 100, Classroom 50, U Shape 45, Boardroom 40, Cabaret style 40, Banquet 80, Cocktail/Reception 100.
The Arundel can be separated into 2 smaller event spaces – Arundel I and Arundel II. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Arundel is licensed for Civil weddings.

Fitzalan II;
is 69.6 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.6 metres undefined. Natural day light is available. The Fizalan II can be configured as follows:
Theatre 60, Classroom 30, U Shape 25, Boardroom 30, Cabaret style 25, Banquet 50, Cocktail/Reception 80.
The Fitzalan II can be adjoined to Fitzalan I. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Fitzalan II is licensed for Civil weddings.

Fitzalan I;
is 63.2 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.6 metres undefined. Direct access to the Garden Courtyard Terrace is available. The Fizalan I can be configured as follows:
Theatre 60, Classroom 30, U Shape 25, Boardroom 30, Cabaret style 25, Banquet 50, Cocktail/Reception 80.
The Fitzalan I can be adjoined to Fitzalan II. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Fitzalan I is licensed for Civil weddings.

Arundel II;
is 59.85 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.6 metres undefined. Natural light is available. The Arundel II can be configured as follows:
Theatre 50, Classroom 20, U Shape 20, Boardroom 20, Cabaret style 20, Banquet 40, Cocktail/Reception 40.
The Arundel II can be adjoined to Arundel I. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Arundel II is licensed for Civil weddings.

Arundel I;
is 56.7 square metres, with a ceiling height of 2.6 metres undefined. Natural light is available. The Arundel I can be configured as follows:
Theatre 50, Classroom 20, U Shape 20, Boardroom 20, Cabaret style 20, Banquet 40, Cocktail/Reception 40.
The Arundel I can be adjoined to Arundel II. Located on the ground floor level it is easily accessible. There are ladies', gents' and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor level. The Arundel I is licensed for Civil weddings.

Facilities and equipment for the Swissotel The Howard business and conference rooms include:

High speed Internet connection, modem lines, WI FI, air conditioning, telephone points with conference facilities, built in 2x2 meters projection screen, built-in sound system, audio visual equipment, controls in room for dimmers, sound, and air conditioning.

Cranley Comment

The 2 dedicated event spaces at the Swissotel The Howard can accommodate up to 200 guests. Both the Fitzalan and Arundel Suites are sound proofed and have drop down screens and built in audio visual equipment, they have natural light with Fitzalan benefiting from direct access to the Garden Courtyard that has a secluded atmosphere and fountain and can also be hired for al fresco events during the summer or marquee events in the winter. The 2 Terrace Suites on the 9th floor of the hotel have large 37.2 square meter private terraces that can be used for private dining or cocktail parties.

Children’s Facilities & Clubs

Restaurant Facilities

See Restaurants

Babysitting service

A professional chargeable babysitting service is available by special request only, 24 hours notice should be given

Cranley Comment

While Swissotel The Howard Hotel presents no special games room or playground for children young guests between the age of 2 to 12 benefit from interconnecting Swissotel Kids Guest Rooms. Kids rooms have special hotel linen smaller sized bathrobes and a range of toys and accessories including DVD programs. Nappies and bottle warmers are available for the not so old! Baby sitting is only by special arrangement.

Entertainment

Daytime Activities

Afternoon Beats

Afternoon Beats Friday and Saturday live DJ from 16:00 to 19:00
A “Funky” Deluxe Champagne Afternoon Tea is served to Afternoon Beats on Friday and Saturday afternoon between 16:00 to 19:00 in Mauve with live DJ.

Cranley Comment

A “Funky” Deluxe Champagne Afternoon Tea is served to Afternoon Beats on Friday and Saturday afternoon between 16:00 to 19:00 this modern “Funky” elaboration on a traditional English Tea is served in Mauve on the ground floor level of the Swissotel The Howard. The live DJ is oftern complimented by a Jazz musician.

Evening Activities

Piano Bar

Live piano music is played on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 19:00 to 22:00 in the Temple Bar.

Cranley Comment

The Temple Bar which overflows onto the Garden Courtyard Terrace has a Baby Grand Piano where live piano music is played on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 19:00 to 22:00. Musicians vary and cover a wide range of music from Jazz, Classical to Contemporary. On Wednesday evenings guests can also enjoy the Spit Roast that is served on the Terrace.

Sports & Gym

Gym & Health Club

Cranley Comment

Guest staying at the Swissotel The Howard can obtain complimentary passes from the Concierge for the well equipped Virgin Active Gym located on the Strand a short walk from the hotel.

Golf

Brocket Hall

Description

Brocket Hall Golf Club is part of the splendid 543 acre Brocket Hall Estate and was designed from the first to offer some of the best golf in the United Kingdom. The two Championship standard courses, the Melbourne and the Palmerston, are each named after the 19th Century Prime Ministers to whom Brocket Hall was home. Both courses are set within the contours of the Estate and provide a challenging and varied game for golfers of all abilities.

The Par 72 Melbourne Course designed by Peter Allis is set in the picturesque parkland surrounding the Hall and provides a rigorous and challenging test of golf. In contrast, the par 73 Palmerston Course designed by Donald Steel is over 7,000 yards from the back tees. Donald has sculptured many beautiful holes playing through the ancient woodlands with some very undulating fairways.

Location	48 km
Holes	36 Melbourne and Palmerston
Length/Par	Melbourne Par 72. 6,616 yards. Palmerston Par 73, 7,080

Facilities

Two 18 hole courses
Nick Faldo Gold School
Practice Facilities
Pro shop
PGA qualified tuition

Wentworth

Description

Wentworth has three courses. The West is world famous and is home each year to the HSBC World Matchplay and the BMW PGA Championship. The other "original" course is the East and finally the most recent addition is the Edinburgh which opened in the 1990’s. Many golfers visit Wentworth for the West course and very few courses can boast a tournament history on a par with the West course. It hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup and then in 1956 the Canada Cup, the forerunner to today’s World Cup of Golf. It has the distinction of hosting two of golf’s most prestigious championships; the World Matchplay and the PGA Championship. In addition the East course is in most golfers' lists of the top fifty courses in the British Isles. It was the setting for the inaugural Curtis Cup in 1932 and hosted a friendly match in 1926 between two teams from the US and Great Britain and Ireland which was the inspiration for the contest we now know as the Ryder Cup. Lastly the Edinburgh course was opened in more recent times and was designed by coach and former Ryder Cup player and captain John Jacobs in consultation with nine-time major champion Gary Player and the Club’s then professional Bernard Gallacher.

Location	48 km
Holes	54, West, East and Edinburgh courses
Length/Par	West Course par 72 (7308 yards). East Course par 68 (6201 yards). Edinburgh Course par 72 (7004 yards).

Facilities

Three courses
Par 3 nine hole course
Practice range and grounds
PGA qualified tuition
Restaurant
Outdoor pool

Spa

Name of Spa

Virgin Active Spa located on the Strand.

Cranley Comment

Guests staying at the Swissotel The Howard can obtain complimentary passes from the Concierge for the well equipped Virgin Active Spa located on the Strand a short walk from the hotel.

Special Needs

Communal Areas

The entrance to the hotel is at street level and has a large revolving door and separate door to the side. Once inside the hotel there are 3 steps down to the Lobby area which has a banister and a slope to one side. The disabled lavatory is situated between Mauve Bar and the Business Centre and conference rooms it has a panic cord connected to the Reception and 4 grab rails. The door leading from the Restaurant to the Garden Courtyard has a lip of 4 – 5 cm that a small ramp can be attached to.
The hotel has its own wheelchair that is available to guests if necessary.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The Swissotel The Howard has no specific DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) rooms. Guests with limited mobility are offered the Swiss Advantage River View rooms that have standard entrance doors. These rooms are 41.44sqm in size with a seating area and workspace. The bathroom door can be removed for ease of entrance and be replaced with a screen. The basin is built into a unit and there is a phone to hand, the bath is low level and has a shower over it and one grab rail. Guests who would prefer a room with separate shower should request it. The hotel can provide guests with a bath stool.

Restaurants & Catering

The Restaurant and 2 Bars at the Swissotel The Howard are located on the ground floor. The door leading from the Restaurant to the Garden Courtyard Terrace has a lip of 4 – 5 cm, a small ramp can be fitted to this if necessary. Menus are available in larger print for the partially sighted. The hotel asks guest to advise them if there are any specific dietary requirements and tries to be as accommodating as possible.

Visual & Hearing Aids

The 3 lifts at The Swissotel The Howard have braille, and menus are available in larger pint. No Induction Loop systems are in place within the hotel.

Staff Assistance

Staff are on hand to give some assistance to guests if. There are normally 2 staff on duty that are trained in First Aid.

Cranley Comment

The Swisshotel The Howard has no special needs guest rooms but is able to adapt the Swiss Advantage River view rooms with basic equipment. The entrance into the lobby has a ramp and a temporary ramp can be put in place over the small lip that leads out to the Garden Courtyard Terrace. There are no Induction Loop systems in place at the hotel, Guests who are partially sighted may benefit from enlarged menus and the braille in the lifts. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Environment

Measures

Recycling
Environmental Audits

Cranley Comment

The Swissotel The Howard follows the Swissotel Groups policies with regards to the environment which are about to be revised. Currently within The Howard there is a Green Executive Committee that meet regularly. The hotel recycles glass, plastic, paper and food waste and they hope to introduce energy saving light bulbs in the near future. The hotel uses Fair Trade Coffee beans and supports the SOS Children’s Village Charity.

Swissotel The Howard, London, Report Details

First Review 6th May 2008

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