Hotel Cafe Royal occupies a large building at 68 Regent Street, in the entertainment district close to Piccadilly Circus, and it carries the name of one of London's most storied restaurants, a Regent Street institution since the 1860s. The hotel lists 159 individually furnished rooms and a 9.6 guest rating from 593 reviews, with high scores for cleanliness, location and staff. Piccadilly Circus station is one to two minutes on foot, Regent Street and Theatreland about a minute, Trafalgar Square within roughly ten, and Green Park about eight. The hotel lists Akasha Holistic Wellbeing, a spa over three floors with nine treatment rooms, and an indoor pool described as sixty feet long. Dining is a feature: Cafe Royal Grill, Cakes and Bubbles, Alex Dilling, a French restaurant that the page describes as holding two Michelin stars, and afternoon tea in the Oscar Wilde Lounge. Bars include the Green Bar, known for botanical cocktails.
The location makes this one of the best West End bases for visitors who want to walk to theatres, shops and restaurants. Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden and St James's are all close, and the Piccadilly line gives a direct link toward Heathrow. Check-in is from 3:00 PM with express options, and check-out is before noon. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms and some public areas, valet parking is offered for a nightly fee, and breakfast is a cooked-to-order surcharge item.
Families and pet owners should note the policies. Children are welcome, and a child up to age two can stay free in existing beds. Children from five to sixteen may use the pool only during set hours with an adult, under-sixteens are not allowed in the fitness facility without supervision, and under-fives are not admitted to the spa. Pets up to a stated weight are allowed free of charge. Credit cards only are accepted and the cardholder must show the card and photo ID at check-in. Free cancellation applies on select rates.
Choose Hotel Cafe Royal if you want a grand, centrally placed hotel with serious dining and a spa, and you are happy to be in a busy part of town. Regent Street and Piccadilly are lively day and night, so ask about quieter room positions if noise is a concern. It is less suited to travellers who prefer a quiet residential area or green space nearby.
The honest comparison is with the Savoy and the Langham: this is a strong, central alternative with a more contemporary feel and a distinctive history. For a first visit built around theatres, shopping and fine dining, it is an excellent choice.
Why stay here
- ✓159 individually furnished rooms
- ✓Akasha spa over three floors
- ✓Indoor pool
- ✓Alex Dilling restaurant
- ✓Oscar Wilde Lounge afternoon tea
- ✓Green Bar botanical cocktails
- ✓Piccadilly Circus one to two minutes away
- ✓Pet-friendly up to a stated weight
Good questions
Where is Hotel Cafe Royal?+
At 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY, close to Piccadilly Circus, which is one to two minutes on foot.
Does it have a spa and pool?+
Yes. The hotel lists the Akasha spa over three floors with nine treatment rooms and an indoor pool. Age rules apply to the pool, gym and spa.
Can I have afternoon tea there?+
The hotel lists afternoon tea in the Oscar Wilde Lounge. Check availability and booking terms with the hotel.
