Radisson Edwardian owns a sizeable chunk of prime West End real estate, with two properties squeezed between Odeon cinemas on the southern side of Leicester Square.

The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is billed as a four star deluxe boutique property, while its big sister next door, the Hampshire, is five star.

The other description for the Leicester Square Hotel is boutique.

When I think boutique hotel, I think quirky, compact and great personal service, but without the trappings of a big chain hotel. The Leicester Square lives up to these in some sense – it’s design is fun, with fresh, bright pieces of art and a contemporary room design – but lets down on other fronts. The service I got was mixed and there’s not a great feeling of intimacy in the hotel – except in the lift, which is tiny.

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• Thistle Hotel, Charing Cross, London WC2

BACKGROUND

• Covent Garden Hotel, Monmouth St, London, WC2

• Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square, London WC2

• Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel, Leicester Square, London, WC2

• Thistle Hotel, Charing Cross, London WC2

• The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, WC2

Related Internet Links

• More reviews of hotels in Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Holborn

After an efficient check-in procedure I squeezed into the lift with my bag and two other guests and emerged at the sixth floor. The building is historic, which presumably accounts for the lack of space and although I felt my room was adequate in size I think an American guest (known for their desire for big rooms) would have felt confined.

I loved the view – a fascinating cityscape of Soho rooftops – a reminder of this hotel’s awesome location – it’s major selling point.

The facilities in the room were good – wide screen television with radio and free internet access, more original artwork, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes, slippers and iron. The décor was attractive – soft beiges and taupe with a padded leather headboard on the wall behind the bed and a bright lime green and dark red bedspread and pillows.

The bathroom was decked in gleaming granite and marble with a great rain-soak shower and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries.

We had dinner in the hotel’s only eating and drinking area, a contemporary space with large windows onto the quiet side street by Leicester Square and the back of the National Gallery. It’s attractive, with pale lather armchairs, that work surprisingly well as dining chairs, more contemporary art, and soft background music.

There’s also a bar here for drinks before dinner. There are eight wines by the glass from £4.50, an impressive selection of New World-dominated bottles and great cocktails – the Black Thai, with Thai basil and fresh orange was subtle, refreshing and beautifully presented.

The food was equally attractive – colourful presentation and contemporary china. We started with smoked haddock leek and potato soup (£5.75), which was creamy and delicious, and Six Galway Bay oysters (£11), also good and elegantly presented.

The mains of pan-seared tuna on a warm potato salad (£7.50 from the starter menu) and Irish rib eye steak with vine tomatoes and chips (£15), were both fresh and perfectly cooked, but it was the desserts that took the biscuit. A perfect, comforting glass of brown bread ice cream (£5) and a melt-in-the-mouth warm chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream (£5).

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