Some key information for the busy traveller including opening times, public holidays and the nearest facilities to our hotel.
Time Zone
London is GMT + 1 hour
Language
English is the main language spoken throughout Britain although many people, including our hotel staff, do speak other languages and are always happy to help.
Currency
Pounds sterling is the only accepted currency. Units used are: GBP (pounds sterling) GBP 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. Coins are Pence.
Remarks:
- ATMs and bureaux de change are widely available
- Many stores will provide a cash back service if you use a credit card to pay for purchases
- If you wish to make a cash withdrawal using a Visa card, it will be necessary to show your passport
- Exchange rates vary between banks and stores, but some do offer commission free exchange and are worth looking out for.
Electrical Standard
The local voltage is 230/240 volts AC. Universal adaptors are placed in every room for guests’ convenience.
Store Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday (excluding Thursday): 9:30am to 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday: 9:30am to around 5pm
Sunday: 11:00am to 5:00pm
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 3:30pm officially, but many stay open until 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm in some areas but banks are often closed on this day.
Sunday: Closed
Local Facilities
Our hotel is situated at the top of Knightsbridge and nearby Chelsea, both busy shopping districts.
The City, the ‘square mile’, is the financial hub of London and lies to the east of the city centre, around 4.8 miles from the hotel. The City can be easily reached by tube or taxi and would take around 20 minutes either way.
The West End is a busy shopping and business area around 2 miles from the hotel, 10 minute tube or taxi ride.
Nearest Shopping
The hotel is moments away from Harrods and directly opposite Harvey Nichols. All necessities and luxuries can be purchased within the area.
Nearest Medical Facilities (24h)
The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (A&E) - 5 to 10 Minutes by taxi/1.3 Miles.
The Cromwell Hospital - 5 to 10 Minutes by taxi/1.3 Miles.
Nearest Bank
Lloyds TSB Knightsbridge is right across from the hotel.
9-13 Brompton Road
London SW3 1DD.
Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm
HSBC
202 Sloane Street
Knightsbridge
London SW1X 9RG
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 11am to 4pm
Tips on Tipping
Generally, tipping is expected where services are provided, at a basic level of 10%. Restaurants often include service, so it is worth checking; if particularly impressed you may be moved to add a discretionary amount to round the total tip upto 15% and staff would be happy. You are not expected to tip in pubs or bars, unless it is an extremely upmarket venue, in which case you might be invited to leave change on a dish, this is completely up to you and by no means expected.
A taxi driver would normally expect 10%, but 12% would not be seen as too generous, this would very much depend on the character of the driver, which can vary wildly between garrulous and grumpy even though consistently efficient. Bell boys and anyone moving your suitcases would be pleased with GBP 2 or so. At airports there are sometimes official porters who have a set charge.
Public Holidays/Main Festival
Public Holidays
Date
New Year’s Day
1 January 2008
Good Friday
21 March 2008
Easter Monday
24 March 2008
Early May Bank Holiday
5 May 2008
Spring Bank Holiday
26 May 2008
Summer Bank Holiday
25 August 2008
Christmas Day
25 December 2008
Boxing Day
26 December 2008
Note: If Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next weekday becomes a public holiday.
