The inspector visits the Art’otel – the much hyped hotel at Battersea Power Station in London

Perhaps it’s unfair to judge a hotel on the day it opens. But here I am at the much-talked about Art’otel at Battersea Power Station on the banks of the River Thames in London, hoping to spy on at least one of the four iconic chimneys from my £415 room (breakfast not included).

Unfortunately not. Nonetheless, it’s exciting to be close to this magnificent building which eventually cost around £5billion after 40 years of wrestling. The results are inspiring.

Art’otel is part of the Radisson group, “but completely independent,” the receptionist assures me.

So far, around 50 of the 164 rooms are ready, while she says it’s a “soft opening” — by which she must mean prices will be tougher in the near future.

The inspector visits Art’otel – part of the Radisson Group – on the banks of the River Thames on opening day

The hotel’s swimming pool – “for those who don’t mind being the center of attention” – will open in early 2023

The Inspector writes: “It’s exciting to be close to this magnificent building which has finally spent around £5billion after 40 years of wrestling. The results are inspiring’

The interiors are designed by Jaime Hayon with great photography in the lobby area by Studio KlunderBie. My favorite is a woman with a rubber boot on her head.

Early next year, a restaurant called Joia will open on the 15th floor, with a swimming pool above for people who don’t mind being the center of attention.

At the moment food is served on the ground floor in the Tozi Grand Cafe which is overseen by a chef who once worked in the original Ivy restaurant in London’s West End. Call it imaginative Italian. My burrata is outstanding and the halibut falls off the bone poetically. At £38.50 I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Der Inspektor sagt, dass sein „modernes Zimmer zu diesen Preisen[£415]not quite fancy — or modern — enough,” but he adds that he likes the “huge circular mirror and navy blue curved built-in closets.”[£415)’butheaddsthathelikesthe’hugeroundmirrorandthenavybluecurvedbuilt-incupboards'[£415)’butheaddsthathelikesthe’hugeroundmirrorandthenavybluecurvedbuilt-incupboards’

The inspector complains that there is no hot towel rail in his room (stick advert above) and that the TV is moody

Interiors are by Jaime Hayon, “with great photography in the lobby area”

The inspector says he enjoyed his stay, but not as much as he had hoped. Pictured above is the power plant’s shopping complex

My modern room isn’t fancy — or modern — enough at these prices, though I like the huge circular mirror and navy-blue curved built-in closets that reflect the general curvature of the building that sits alongside the blocks of apartments created by Frank Gehry.

There is no hot towel rack; only a small bottle of complimentary water; Disposable shampoo and conditioner — and the TV is temperamental. The lights are all operated from mini tablets.

Service at breakfast is not as sharp as at dinner the night before.

My flat white takes ages to arrive even though only one or two tables are occupied.

“I hope you enjoyed your stay,” says a member of staff. I have – but not quite as much as I was hoping.