Get more, pay less... our guests describe us best.

“You get more than what you pay.”

Reviewed December 9, 2011 NEW

Extremely good value for your money.
It is not a five star hotel but is ten stars in value for the money.
Fabulous views to the river.
Recommended for couples,you will impress your lady.
Huge bedrooms.
Nice and attentive service.
Stay there when you go to London.

Room Tip: Stay in the suites with river view.

“Outstanding Hotel With Fantastic Service”

Reviewed December 5, 2011 NEW

Stayed at the Hotel Rafayel 01.12.11. The hotel is approx 5-10 mins drive from Clapham Common Tube. We found it very easy to travel from here across London (o2 & most of the major shopping districts such as Oxford Street). The standard of service received at this hotel was absolutely fantastic, staff could not have been more helpful or informative. The little touches made by the hotel made our stay that little bit more special.

The size of the room was unusually big for most city hotels, let alone London and everything was finished to a very high quality.

I would definitely recommend coming here and hope to be back the next time I am in the city. 

“Mixed feelings on this. Chic venue.”

Reviewed December 5, 2011 NEW

Amazingly large room, huge windows, booked a 'suite' through an Agent ' Splendia' expected a little better than a view of the local builders merchant and the main road from the panoramic windows.

Room wasn't made up on second day until we asked for it to be done. Everything had to be asked for (including milk for a cup of tea) which for 5 star is not 'really' great.

Lighting is probably amazing in summer, but was dreadful on these darker winter nights, no shaving light or bright dressing lights.

Comfy and chic it most certainly is. Decor would make me suggest it would be a perfect wedding venue, and I do like the environmentally friendly ethos they are promoting.

Chauffeur service is wonderful and much needed because the location is obscure, drivers are the most courteous people I've ever come across in London I think,

Good, if not pricey, breakfast. Very quiet ambience.

Room Tip: ASK for the river views, I wish I had. ALSO if you want a bath tub..prior request it!

Management response to guest:

December 6, 2011

Dear Ms Quinonostante,

We appreciate your views and thank you very much for your compliments.

We would like to set the records straight on the room you booked. As you explained, you booked through the agent Splendia, and not directly. 22% of your reservation price goes to them. You voluntarily opted for a room that did not have a river view, but it is very large (about 280-290 sq.ft.) compared to an average London hotel. We cannot offer you a river view room when you have selected one with limited views. Although we wish we could do that for everyone unfortunately rooms with scenic views obviously sell at a premium. In any event, the price you paid was a mere 100-odd pounds per night which included VAT. As far as breakfast is concerned, we believe that the prices are very reasonable for London standards.

Once again, we appreciate your positive comments, and look forward to welcoming you again.

Kind regards,

The Management

“Super Service and Excellent Facilities”

Reviewed December 4, 2011 NEW

Stayed at the Rafayel just for a one night business trip but would not hesitate to stay longer in the future. Great location and excellent facilities matched by superb service.

“Love it!”

Reviewed December 3, 2011

The hotel is close to the city center, the staff is nice and helpful, and the room was beautiful confortable and really clean! I will definitly come back there!

“THE BEST MODERN HOTEL!!!!!!”

Reviewed December 1, 2011

Me and my partner was celebrating our annivesary and decided to do the spa package and dinner and breakfast included. even though we were running late for our treament in the spa we still got seen to and they were so polite. food was lovely and the cocktails. The hotel was very clean and fresh will definetly go back thier again and good price aswell check out thier website. The spa facilities were amazing it was quite and it felt like we had the whole spa to ourselves which was very romantic.

Room Tip: deluxe room was a lovely room try the nile room they have a big jucuzzi tub.

“Nice for a weekend getaway”

Reviewed November 30, 2011

Took my wife here for here birthday for a nice relaxing weekend.

Nice quiet location with pick up from Clapham Junction. Was a slight problem with the complimentary pick up as they went to Clapham Common station instead. So not the greatest start.

However hotel was lovely. Received an upgrade to a huge room with river view. Nice big bathroom but TV not working in tub.

Has drinks and dinner at Banyan. Great food and very good value. 50% off voucher a must!

All in all a good stay. Hotel felt a bit empty at the weekend though.

“Wow!!!!!!”

Reviewed November 29, 2011

Me and my partner stayed here for the night and from the minute we arrived we were in heaven.
The hotels location may not be the most central, however, after a day of hectic sightseeing in London it was so relaxing and peaceful and the bus stop outside the hotel takes you straight to Victoria too, so its really straightforward to get into the city.
The room we stayed in was absolutely amazing, spotlessly clean and huge.
I would definitely stay at this hotel again.

The only negative I had was that for some strange reason they wouldn't accept my card for payment so had to venture into battersea to find a cash point but it wasn't a big deal as the staff were really helpful about it all. 

Worthy of all great reviews
Reviewed November 2011

It was nice to see great reviews before I booked this hotel but everything about the reviews and what the hotel promised was more than fulfilled. Whilst only a brief stay - lovely courteous staff, a wonderful room with everything you needed, very reasonable parking cost and great location and the courtesy lifts to the station a lovely extra touch. Faultless and trying to find reasons to stay again and this time to try the restaurant too!

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The good, the best, the bad – Rafayel’s hits and misses

Rafayel is grateful to all its patrons for their glowing reviews on the hotel’s 5-star standards and the top-notch quality of our hospitality and services.  Even a thumbs-down on any of Rafayel’s features is accompanied by several positive comments, which we are proud to share.  Transparency and open communication with our customers is our unique stock-in-trade.

“Excellent service upgraded room”

Reviewed November 23, 2011 NEW

Wonderful experience
Great view
Had a massage in the spa
The restaurant manager couldn't,t have been more helpful
Room was upgraded
Errol the valet guy was helpful too

Room Tip: Room 214 has a great view

“BEST HOTEL IN LONDON AREA”

Reviewed November 22, 2011 NEW

I have stayed twice and I am sure I will be staying more in the future! The reception staff, bar staff, all the staff (espeacially the driver) was warm hospitable and just down right lovely. It was my birthday the second time round to which I recieved the best cup cakes I have ever tasted! I would like to recommend this hotel to everyone... but Im scared that if everyone knows this gem of a hotel it would be harder for me to book a room! Thank you Rafayel keep up the good work!!

Room Tip: You can look over the thames which is worth paying a little extra for for something special! 

“7th Stay and High Standards Remain”

Reviewed November 17, 2011 NEW

I first stayed in the Rafayel upon its soft opening just over 2 years ago and the excellent standards and level of Service has remained if not got better over the years. The Staff from the Owner Iqbal ,to the waiting staff remain nearly all the same so they have created a Great personal ambience and a welcoming warmth. Rooms are still to the same high standard and when on occasion I have reported any faults within the room the response from the Owner and his Team have been suberb.
I visit London regulary and would not stay anywhere else as I always recieve excellent treatment from all. Banyan Restaurant whick overlooks the Thames is still very good and there are some great deals to be had in the Hotels Spa. Location is also excellent with the Victoria Station Bus service stop on the Hotels doorstep as well as Clapham Junction Rail station. Well Done Iqbal and staff.

Room Tip: Amazon Rooms are Excellent and Spacious. Always contact Hotel for best rates available.

“More 4 star than 5”

Reviewed November 16, 2011

Stayed at this hotel before our honeymoon in the Thames room. View was brilliant especially of the helipad. Room was comfortable and clean. Bed was uncomfortable for me but wife thought it was OK. Only 3 stars given as many of the promised facilities were not available or working. iPod dock not working, DVD player not available and no games console in sight. Called reception 3 times, which was severely under-staffed, and asked for help. Went for dinner and returned to no solution. When the "IT Manager" finally arrived who looked strangely like the receptionist, he mentioned there was a problem with the dock. In the morning we asked what would be done about it and was met by the Manager in charge who was very rude and condescending suggesting the problem was with my iPod of which I have 2 and an iPhone and that "there was no need looking for a discount". Peeved me right off and ruined my afternoon. This is not what 5 star treatment is about. Parking also extra at £15, which manager did discount to his credit (after I flipped out). No valet or concierge in sight both times we arrived. Car returned with dirt splashes on the bonnet. In the middle of nowhere too, which isn't bad if you have your own transport but don't expect to walk out to any hustle/bustle or tube. More of a business hotel for those who just happen to be in the area. Simply because of that Manager I will never return. I've stayed in 5 star hotels before and this place doesn't come close. 4 star at the most.

Room Tip: Nile and Thames room provide great views of the river.

“Rafayel on the 170 bus route..... but fantastic hotel!!”

Reviewed November 16, 2011

Stayed for two nights from 10th November, this hotel is fantastic, I can't believe that we payed £130 a night and got this standard of hotel in London. I can't fault the hotel apart from the location and the staff in the spa weren't 5 star. We tryed to go into the relaxation room twice but there was hotel staff in there doing various things which isn't very relaxing. The spa could do with been managed a little better, it could easily have been more professional and relaxing with a few finishing touches. We were waiting to use the hot tub and two male staff were testing the water which I'm aware is very important but could have been done at a more suitable time when the spa was empty.

Apart from those small things everything was great, we stayed in a Mississippi room and the room was immaculate, we could plug our ipod in and listen to our music and the views from the huge windows are great.
The rooms are very stylish and comfortable and the bathroom was fantastic.

The hotel was a little difficult to get to and from but the hotel offers a free car to Clapham Common/Junction. We also found it just as easy to jump on or off the 170 bus from just outside the hotel, depending on traffic it takes between 15-30 mins to get to and from Victoria. The hotel shuttle takes about 10 minutes to get to Clapham Common.

We didn't get time to eat at the hotel as we had things booked but we went to the bar overlooking the Thames. We saw a helicopter land at the heliport while we had a drink and waited for the hotel shuttle to Clapham Common.

Overall we had a great stay at the hotel, I know I've mentioned a couple of faults but there is always room for improvement, the hotel can't improve the location and it wouldn't be such good value if it was north of the Thames. The hotel could very easily brush up the professionlism of the spa which is very nice but the staff need just a bit more direction to do there jobs and not been seen.

“A bit of luxury!!!”

Reviewed November 14, 2011

I travelled to this hotel on business with Tigi haircare.I was upgraded to a room with a river view it had panoramic views across the river. Check in was fast and efficient, staff are very friendly.
The room was a cresent shape with a huge bed and stunning lighting above.
The bathroom was large and well fitted to a 5 star + standard.
Food was very good and as a guest I was offered a discount on all meals ,in the asian style rest.
Quality of sleep was amazing well soundproofed and comfy,the decor throughout is boutique style to the highest of standards ,girly girls will love it!....but is not barbie doll so men will feel very at home as well!!!
Only downside is its not near tube stations but worth the taxi ride for the ambiance !!

Room Tip: Upgrades to above restruant very special rooms

“excellent for the price”

Reviewed November 13, 2011

We received a warm welcome and upgrade at check-in. The room was large and comfy as was the bathroom which had a rain shower and tub with tv. This hotel deserves all the praise it receives and I would not hesitate in returning, but it does lack that true 5* air, that 'knowing what you want before you know you want it' feeling. But for the price, it is outstanding.

We ate at the restaurant and sat by the window which was nice to watch the people pass by and the view over the Thames. Hotel guests are given a 50% discount and the food is lovely. I found it difficult to choose a starter as they all sounded fantastic. One thing which would be nice would be a little background music to lift the atmosphere a little. It was a Saturday night, and the restaurant was quite busy, it just seemed a little flat without music.

Check-out is a little early at 11am, but they will extend this to 12pm or later for £20. The building is mostly longer term rentals and the actual hotel part is quite small, so get in there early and book your room in this hidden gem south of the river.

“Amazing upgrade”

Reviewed November 13, 2011

Stayed here for two nights we booked the Yangtze room and were given an upgrade to the Nile suite. The suite was lovely and very spacious, the bathroom had a jacuzzi and a tv! Staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is a 30 minute tube journey into the centre so catching the 170 bus to Victoria from outside the hotel is much easier.

“5 Star Hotel at a 3 Star Price”

Reviewed November 12, 2011

I stayed at this 5 star hotel for 5 Nights in November for a Business Trip to London. Absolutely amazing stay, the staff was super friendly and very accommodating to any request. The room was very modern with plush beds, great showers, and excellent views of the river. The hotel offers meeting areas which were great for attending to clients. The restaurant and bar was very luxurious with some of the best food in London with priceless views of the river and Battersea. I would recommend this hotel to anyone staying in London for business or pleasure. In fact this this is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in, and the staff made it an unbelievable experience. Treat yourself to luxury.

Room Tip: I would recommend the Yangtze rooms which are next to the meeting rooms if you are on business.

“Cracking Birthday Stay”

Reviewed November 11, 2011

My wife and I stayed here for a birthday treat whilst going to the Royal Albert Hall. The hotel was excellent from top to toe. The rooms had everything you could wish , were very clean as were the corridors and main area. The carpet in the hallways was very plush and your feet could actually sink into the pile.

The location was not ideal for our particular stay as it was a far ride to get the RAH, however the next day it was perfect for shopping/browsing and eating on the Kings Road.

I would definitely go back.

Check out Rafayel's special packages for the Christmas season and New Year's Eve bash (Hollywood Theme)!