The launch of InsideFlyer.co.uk was going to finish too late for me to get home, sleep and get to work at my normal ungodly hour. The rates at the launch hotel, the Churchill were upwards of £700 and so I had to look for alternatives.

Right across the road from the Churchill is the Radisson Blu, Portman Square. Their recently announced ‘double status stays’ promo attracted me and so I booked a room, turning up at around 8pm. The hotel looks pretty good from the outside – a large imposing property. Once in to the lobby its faded glory is fairly obvious.

All the furnishings look dated, and indeed that is the property in a nutshell.

The check-in agent was able to secure me an upgrade to a Superior room on the top floor. It was large, for a London hotel, and fine for a short, one night stay. The lifts are being the fireplace shown above and you need your room card to access the bedrooms. I was in 1061 on the 10th floor.

The room had two bathrobes which was a nice touch:

The room was clean and there was free WiFi in the hotel. The bathroom was fine, but again slightly dated.

The bath was quite narrow when I used it in the morning. There was a kettle and tea/coffee making material in the room.

I slept well once I had my preferred temperature set in the room.

The next day I checked-out early and had a chance to have a look at the rest of the lobby whilst I waited for my cab driver to arrive.

The outside is quite striking with its bright blue lights.

All around a fine stay, but I won’t be back until they finish off the rest of their refurbishment – 78 rooms are done so far.