"Love the Strand Palace = 5 min walk to Covent Garden, 10 min to Leicester Square and right on the Strand. Strand Palace has been fully remodeled and quite nice. Check in was friendly and they found a room even though I arrived at noon. Rarely ever a wait on the lifts and also easy to walk down the stairs and I was on the 6th floor.
My only slight issue was the breakfast was a bit chaotic and room was quite sterile. I believe they are remodeling the prior breakfast room. I have stayed at the S.P. 7 or 8 times now and always had a good experience. Only other tiny consideration is commute from Heathrow - I arrived on Sun and departed Fri early so no traffic. If you arrive during commute time the time from South Ken to Cov Gdn adds 20 mins. "