The Grand Royale is the Edwardian diamond in Shaftesbury's tiara! The new general manager, Nema DaSliva, has rolled up her sleeves and is restoring the shine to this historic gemstone. I found the hotel spic and span, my usual room (a club Double, which I recommend) spotless, and the dining room spruced up and its buffet generous and tasty. The wonderful Romanian sisters, Manuela and Carmen, who oversee breakfast, are models of professionalism -- and kind to boot. One should not come to the Grand Royale expecting to find the Emory or the Dorchester. Instead, one finds a lovingly worn hotel with small rooms, the prettiest common areas in London, and an emerald necklace staff. The location, directly across from Kensington Gardens and a block from two Tube stations and a host of restaurants, is unbeatable. With reasonable expectations and an appreciation for charm and cleanliness over modern luxury, I love my stays here.