Unsafe for guests the Leonard Hotel
My recent stay at the Leonard Hotel in London was deeply disappointing and, frankly, concerning from a safety standpoint.
The hotel is clearly undergoing major refurbishment, yet it remains open to guests. On arrival, instead of a proper reception, there was a makeshift setup in the hallway consisting of a single staff member with a laptop. This immediately set the tone for what followed.
One of the most troubling issues was the lift. It worked on the first day, but by the evening it was out of service. My elderly mother, who has a serious heart condition, was then forced to climb three flights of stairs. This alone is unacceptable. Even more alarming is the condition of the staircases, which appear to double as fire exits. They are steep, uneven, poorly lit, and feel unsafe to use. To make matters worse, the fire extinguisher mounted on the wall looked extremely old and was covered in a thick layer of dust, raising serious concerns about whether basic safety equipment is maintained.
Payment for the room was required upfront upon arrival, which differs from standard hotel practice where payment is typically taken after the stay. Given the overall condition of the property, this felt like a precaution on their part rather than a customer-friendly policy.
The room itself was in poor condition. It felt dated and neglected, with inadequate lighting and a non-functioning fridge. There was also a rodent pesticide box in the room, which is unsettling and raises obvious hygiene concerns. Adding to this, there was a large gap at the bottom of the door, making the room feel neither secure nor properly insulated. The internet did not work for the first day either, adding further inconvenience.
The rest of the building is effectively a construction site. Most floors are occupied by workers, with dust everywhere and temporary wooden planks laid out for walking—these are uneven and easy to trip over. It doesn’t feel like a space that should be open to paying guests.
The kitchen and restaurant area was equally unappealing. Given the visible presence of pest control measures in guest rooms, it’s difficult to feel comfortable eating there. Cleanliness and food safety immediately come into question.
Overall, the hotel should not be accepting guests in its current state. The combination of ongoing construction, poor maintenance, and safety hazards makes it an unsuitable and potentially dangerous place to stay. I would strongly advise others to avoid booking here until the refurbishment is fully completed and proper standards are restored.
One rotten potato awarded. 🥔💀