The Rochester Hotel, located at 69 Vincent Square in London, offers guests a central location in the heart of Westminster. This recently refurbished establishment by Blue Orchid boasts air-conditioned rooms and shared facilities with its sister property, the Wellington. With an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from over 1,700 guest reviews across other review sites, I tested the waters to verify if the Rochester Hotel does actually provide a solid option if you are seeking comfortable and functional accommodation in the capital.
You can expect to find a range of amenities, and this includes restaurants, bars, gardens, and a gymnasium. The hotel’s prime position allows easy access to many of London’s iconic attractions, making it a convenient base for both leisure and business travellers.
While some external reviews have highlighted areas for improvement, I noted that the newly updated rooms might make some of these no longer relevant.
Location and Accessibility
What is beyond any doubt is that the Rochester Hotel enjoys a prime position in Westminster, London. Its central location provides guests with easy access to major landmarks and excellent transport connections. Yes, the location is really one the biggest appeals of the Rochester.
Proximity to Westminster Attractions
The hotel sits on Vincent Square, a peaceful green space in the heart of Westminster. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are just a 15-minute walk away, allowing guests to easily explore these iconic symbols of British democracy. Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarch, is roughly 1.2 km from the hotel – a pleasant 20-minute stroll through St James’s Park.
Westminster Abbey, the historic coronation church, is also within walking distance at about 1 km away. For those interested in art, Tate Britain can be reached on foot in approximately 15 minutes.
Transport Links – Victoria Underground and Rail Stations
Victoria Station, a major transport hub, is conveniently located just 800 metres from the Rochester Hotel. This 10-minute walk provides guests with access to:
- London Underground (Victoria, District and Circle lines)
- National Rail services
- Gatwick Express airport train
The proximity to Victoria Coach Station also offers budget-friendly travel options to various UK destinations. For those preferring to use taxis or rideshare services, the hotel’s central location ensures quick and easy pick-ups.
Hotel Amenities and Services
The Rochester Hotel offers a range of amenities and services to enhance guests’ stays. Recently refurbished in April 2024, the hotel now boasts upgraded facilities and modern comforts.
Rooms and Facilities
All rooms at The Rochester are now air-conditioned, providing a comfortable retreat from London’s weather. The hotel has undergone extensive renovations, resulting in refreshed and modernised accommodations.
Guests can take advantage of the on-site gymnasium to maintain their fitness routines. This facility is shared with the adjoining Wellington Hotel, expanding the available exercise options.
A noteworthy feature is the hotel’s gardens, offering a tranquil outdoor space rarely found in central London hotels. These green areas provide a pleasant spot for relaxation or informal meetings.
Dining Experience – Bar and Restaurant Review
The Rochester features multiple dining options to cater to various tastes and occasions. The hotel’s restaurant serves a selection of meals throughout the day, though specific menu details are not provided in the available information.
A bar is also present, offering a space for guests to unwind with drinks after a day of sightseeing or business meetings. The atmosphere and drinks selection would likely align with the hotel’s 4-star rating.
Guests have the added benefit of accessing dining facilities at both The Rochester and The Wellington, as the two hotels share amenities. This arrangement increases the variety of culinary choices available.
Conveniences – Free Wi-Fi and Parking Availability
Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, allowing guests to stay connected for both business and leisure purposes. This amenity is essential for modern travellers and meets expectations for a 4-star establishment in central London.
Information about parking availability is not explicitly mentioned in the search results. Given the hotel’s central London location, on-site parking may be limited or not available. Guests planning to drive should contact the hotel directly to enquire about parking options.
Additional conveniences include dry cleaning and laundry services, which are typical offerings for a hotel of this calibre. These services cater to the needs of both short-term and extended-stay guests.
Accommodation Details
The Rochester Hotel offers a range of rooms with modern amenities and convenient booking options. Recent refurbishments have upgraded the facilities, though guest experiences vary.
Room Features and Comfort
Rooms at The Rochester Hotel are equipped with flat-screen TVs and satellite channels. All rooms now feature air conditioning following a refurbishment in April 2024. The hotel offers a mix of single, double, and family rooms to accommodate different guest needs.
Comfort levels can be inconsistent, with some guests reporting satisfactory experiences while others note issues with room size or maintenance. Bedding quality and bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews from travellers.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, allowing guests to stay connected during their stay.
Booking Information – Prices and Dates
Room rates at The Rochester Hotel vary depending on the season and availability. As of summer 2024, prices start from £95 per night for standard rooms. These rates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check current pricing when booking.
The hotel offers flexible booking options, including:
- Standard rates
- Non-refundable discounted rates
- Package deals with breakfast included
Availability can be limited during peak tourist seasons in London, so advance booking is recommended for the best rates and room selection.
Check-In and Check-Out Procedures
Check-in at The Rochester Hotel begins at 2:00 PM. Guests arriving earlier may be able to store luggage at reception, subject to availability. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to assist with check-in procedures.
Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out may be possible upon request, but this is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Key points for check-in:
- Photo ID and credit card required
- Pre-authorisation may be taken on the credit card for incidentals
The reception can assist with arranging airport transfers or providing information about local attractions upon request.
Dining and Entertainment
The Rochester Hotel offers dining options and access to nearby entertainment. Its central London location provides convenient proximity to shopping and attractions.
Culinary Offerings at Rochester Hotel
The hotel features an on-site wine bar for guests to enjoy drinks and light fare. A buffet breakfast is served daily, providing a selection of hot and cold items to start the day. The breakfast includes typical English options alongside continental choices.
Room service is available for those preferring to dine in private. While the hotel lacks a full-service restaurant, its Vincent Square location puts many dining establishments within walking distance.
Hotels Near Entertainment and Shopping Centres
The Rochester’s Westminster location places it close to major London attractions. Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament are a short walk away.
Victoria Station, with its shops and transport links, is nearby. Oxford Street’s renowned shopping district can be reached in about 15 minutes by tube.
Numerous theatres in the West End are accessible via a quick tube or taxi ride. The Tate Britain art gallery is within walking distance for culture enthusiasts.
Guest Experience and Reviews
Expanding on what my thoughts are, I thought you’d also want to get a bigger picture. The Rochester Hotel receives quite mixed feedback from guests from external reviews. Although it’s sometimes difficult to know which of these are authentic or not, they do highlight both positive and negative aspects of people’s’ stays there.
Guest Reflections and Ratings
At time of this review, the Rochester Hotel has an average rating of 3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from 1,316 traveller reviews. Guests often praise the hotel’s tranquil location in London’s Vincent Square.
Many of those reviewers express their appreciation of the proximity to London’s attractions and public transport. The quiet surroundings are frequently mentioned as a plus for those seeking respite from the city bustle.
Room quality and cleanliness receive varied comments. Some guests find their accommodations satisfactory, whilst others report issues with maintenance or dated furnishings.
Staff interactions are a point of contention in external reviews. Certain guests commend helpful and friendly service, but others describe encounters as lacklustre or unhelpful. I had no such issues and found the staff to be pleasant and helpful enough.
Value for money is another topic of debate. Some people feel the rates are reasonable for London, whereas others expect more given the price point.
Verified reviews from UK visitors tend to align with the overall sentiment, offering a balanced view of the hotel’s strengths and weaknesses.