While it is not cheap Brown's offers the traveler a great location, professional service, and a variety of food and shopping establishments within feet of the hotel. Despite its central location it is surprisingly quiet.
I found Londoners eager to come to Brown's for meetings.

We had the romanic retreat package, as that offered an upgrade to the room. We ended up taking a junior suite (i.e. one larger than average room with a sofa, coffee table etc.) for £500 + VAT. First night included bottle of Taittinger Champagne, strewn rose petals (of limited utility) and chocolates.

The staff are excellent, they give it a small hotel feel. Full breakfast in the room (£32 each, but included in the package) was very good. It is, of course a wonderful location if you fancy wandering around Bond Street/St James' and pretending to be uber rich. Speaking as a Londoner, it gave me a new perspective on that part of town.

Only disappointments were that the in-room entertainment was weak (poor choice of movies, problem with sound on DVD player, radio on the blink) and, for a romantic retreat they could perhaps have provided some flowers or something. The mini-bar snacks were over-priced, even by the extravagant mark-ups which hotels always seem to feel obliged to inflict. Also, I think they charge for internet access - the notice in the room claims it's £15. I didn't try it, but if that's true, I wouldn't go back; it's so irritating.

Overall, if you feel like pretending the cc hasn't happened, or doing a little single-handed stimulation, it's not a bad place to start.

Having stayed in so called four star hotels in London before, this five star hotel was a real treat - but it is very expensive. We liked everything about Browns: the manageable size, interesting boutique style decor, the huge choice of cocktails in the bar, the charming and approachable staff, the good breakfast and the lovely room.

We we in London for my husband's birthday and to use a voucher for dinner at the Dorchester on Park Lane. The Dorchester dinner was dreadful (in the Grill restaurant: boring menu, staff who didn't make eye contact, slow service, food unexceptional). In contrast, we had dinner the following night in Browns' Albemarle restaurant, which was excellent. Interesting range of dishes and beautifully cooked. Pricey though at £150 for two - without pudding.

Browns is in a brilliant location, just off Piccadilly. It's an easy walk to many of the tourist attractions in West London, the tops shops, etc. We would definitely stay here again, credit crunch permitting.

Stayed with teenage daughters for some shopping and shows. Felt at home from the moment the doorman took our bags. Lovely bright large room - perfect temperature and so quiet despite being busy and such a central location. Very comfortable beds, good turn down service. The bathroom was large with lots of little extras. They didn't forget anything. Enjoyed breakfast each morning - both from the buffet and the a la carte selection. Concierge charged my mobile as I'd forgotten my charger, and wrapped and sent a package home for me. Will definitely stay again and hope to visit one of the other hotels in the collection.