Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf Review: Business Class

Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf Review: Business Class

Holy smokes that is a name! For those of us stateside the Radisson Blu name isn’t that familiar. Radisson Blu pretty much means Radisson, and when you’re abroad they add on the blu; however, I think the Radisson Blu brand is more upscale abroad than the Radisson brand is domestically. There appears to be an effort to rebrand the domestic Radissons to Blus as well, but that’s in its nascent stage and it’s unclear whether it’ll be applied countrywide. So that’s the backstory.

“Edwardian” is what you want to keep your eye out for, that means Lux!

Radisson Blu Edwardian is a group of 14 luxury hotels in the U.K. that are 4 and 5 star. In fact, when I studied abroad in London way back when, I always wanted to stay at the Hotel Bloomsbury, which is now a Radisson Blu Edwardian. I’ll have to stick it on the list to check out on one of my next visits.

I’d say this is a sufficient 4 star business hotel with quirk

• like this big white lobby stag

London is packed with hotels. Tons with charm, location, lux, history, elegance, etc. Which is why I’m shocked this hotel is ranked 75 on tripadvisor.

I would rate both the Conrad London and the JW Marriott Grosvenor House WAAAAAAAAAAAAY above this place. But hey, people have different opinions, I just prefer mine 😉

The Deets:

• When: May 2016
• Where: London near the O2
• Program: Club Carlson
• Status: None

Check In was…..

No one asked me if I had a Club Carlson account, if I’d like one, or anything relating to loyalty. It was late when we arrived so I kind of wrote it off as the night crew and addressed it with the morning staff. I asked if I could put my award number on the room and was given a rather incredulous look. Well sir, you’re on a convention rate so it’s pointless. Haha pointless…Pun intended? The Joke was lost. I mean, I don’t have status, but he didn’t know that, and I should have at least been given the bennies of the status even if the convention rate didn’t earn points. I just said….uhhhh ok. And then left.

Anyway, the rooms are standard 4 star business affair with flare. The color palate isn’t my fave…by a long shot.

• The positives:
  • two fresh bottles of water each day
  • buffet breakfast
  • international plugs
  • turn down

Standard Business Class Double

The Bath and the American plug were my fave parts of the room. I’d forgotten my converter and was desperate for a charge and was relieved to know I didn’t need to buy one. Big Thumbs up!

The odd thing about the room was that there wasn’t a chest of drawers, and I’m assuming it was to accommodate the desk. The wall had a built in unit with hairdryer ( you had to hold down the on button), ironing board, etc. As a result the only storage for clothes was above. I tend to leave my clothes unpacked, but for anyone who unpacks…it’s a mindbend. Panic attacks could ensue.

The views were partial.

ohhhhhhhhhh if you squint and twist you can see some river water and a piece of the 02. But beware…right across the alley people will be watching 😉

Scoff and Banter: LOOOOOOVE the name

I think one of the best parts of the hotel is the brunch on the river and its views. The spread was very nice;however, if you want hot items, you’ll pay a little more.

The dining area accomplished what I think the motive of the hotel design sought: A Sleek, modern, quirky, business minded joint. Scoff and Banter executes whereas the rest of the hotel feels like it’s trying too hard. I liked the ole SAB quite a bit and thought that the breakfast was very solid

The River Views

I’d say this part of the hotel is what people must be so impressed with. Dining on the Thames is cool, but I still don’t get why it’s ranked 75. I mean, we are literally so far away from everything.

The Location

As you can see from the above pics we are directly across the Thames from the O2. So we are FAAARRRRR from anything that the traditional tourist would be interested in seeing. In fact, you can’t even take the tube. You have to switch to the Light Rail and get off at the Blackwall station, then walk under the road, wind through some gates, and you’ll kinda just find the hotel. It’s a real palava if you haven’t done it before, and at night, it’s flipping SKETCH. 

There are a lot of Conventions at the Excel, but this hotel isn’t really near it. In fact, it’s 10 minutes away by car. Don’t even try to walk cause it’s a real head thump. If you’re ambitious you can take the light rail to the Custom House stop. I’d say that’s the best station for accessing the Excel. If you’re looking for the 02 you need to take the Emirates cable car over to the 02 which provides some cool views of the city.

Aside from maybe seeing the Excel and the 02 the only other thing that you’d opt to do down there is maybe take the Thames ferry, which is a really cool thing to do and you see a lot of the city and can exit near Parliament, but you could also just access it Parliament and ferry back and forth and make your origin central.

We were there specifically for the Excel so it made sense as to why were in that Area. Other than that…I wouldn’t advise staying this far away from central London.

The other Amenities: Gym, Spa, Work Center

It’s a super nice gym for a hotel. Lots of treadmills, cross trainers, free weights, and machines. They hit this out of the park. You have to cross the lobby to access the spa and the gym and it gives a good look at the entrance.

The work center is modest, but accomplishes its goal. Print, fax, copy. I actually popped in for water a few times. A very nice perk. 

The Verdict

This is a very solid business hotel and if you need to be in this area of the city, it’s a solid property. The staff were very nice, competent, and helpful even despite the sort of odd awards debacle. Would I go back…if i had to stay in the area. It is a nice hotel, but would I chose to stay in the middle of nowhere. HAAAAAAAAAAAIL CAESAR, no.

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