London Hotel Tips by JulesH

I have to stay here occasionally when I have a conference or an early start at work as this is just across the road from my office. It may seem expensive, but it is really no worse than many hotels anywhere in central London and is defintely a very pleasant experience. The hotel has some real character, which you spot as soon as you walk through the doors. The first thing you notice as you walk in is the huge sweeping grand staircase leading upstairs. The more observant among you might also notice the painstakingly restored original mosaic floor. There are grand pillars and opulent plants everywhere you look. You can't get much closer to Russell Square itself. The bedrooms at the front of the hotel look out over the Square and Southampton Row so may suffer from traffic noise. The back of the hotel is quieter so ask to be located there if you are a light sleeper. Personally I think the view across the Square more than makes up for a bit of city buzz.

Unique Qualities: The hotel was built in 1898 and claims to be the oldest purpose built hotel in London. Although the lobby and many of the bedrooms remain decorated in keeping with the architecture, the top floor of the hotel boasts some very snazzy and exclusive modern executive rooms with blue neon signs indicating the room numbers all along the corridor, plasma televisions in the rooms and jet showers in the bathrooms. The modern styling may not be to everyone's taste, but they're definitely something different!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: 44 20 78376470
Address: Russell Square London WC1B5BE
Directions: Turn left out of Russell Square tube station, walk to the end of the street (you will see Russell Square itself on the other side of the road) and turn left at the corner. The hotel entrance is the first on your left in Southampton Row.
Website: http://www.londonrussellhotel.co.uk/

I've never stayed here myself, but this is where I book clients in who need somewhere reasonably priced but respectable in the Bloomsbury area. It is certainly possible to find a whole raft of budget hotels in Bloomsbury, but as we all know, you get what you pay for in many cases, and the service in these hotels can often fall way short of being called "acceptable". However, the Harlingford is very reasonably priced, yet provides an "above average" standard of service. Breakfast and VAT are included in the price qoted and the prices are fixed throughout the year. £99 per night for a double/twin room, £79 for a single. You can also get triple or quad rooms too. The only downside is that there is no lift, so the stair-phobic among you may want to request lower floors. There are easy access rooms available if required subject to availability.

Unique Qualities: Not found on many budget hotel search websites, this hotel usually gets it's trade from repeat bookings and word of mouth recommendations. From the outside it is difficult to tell it apart from the other B&Bs in the area, but this hotel has a family feel to it which is often missing in the other budget hotels in the area. Guests are also entitled to use the tennis courts in the gardens opposite. Recommended.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Phone: +44 (0) 207 387 1551
Address: 61-3 Cartwright Gardens, Bloomsbury, London
Directions: From Russell Square tube you cross the road and walk down Marchmont Street keeping to the left hand side of the road. You will come across a crescent called Cartright Gardens and the Harlingford is located here.
Website: http://www.harlingfordhotel.com/welcome.html

For sheer cheapness, you can't beat hostels or student Halls of Residence.
From £15 for a dorm room in a hostel (single rooms available also) , about £20 for a self contained flat in a hall of residence.

Unique Qualities: Just need somewhere to lay your head that is cheap and basic, but centrally placed? The Halls of Residence are available for use during the summer break and are basic self contained flats.

You should bear in mind though the sort of people who are likely to be lodging alongside you. If you don't like noise while you are trying to sleep, hostels may not be the best place for you. Try halls of residence or a cheap rate B&B. If you're really fussy, you'll have to dig deep into your pocket and pay for something a bit more classy! Yes, London can be expensive, but there are ways around it if you are prepared to compromise. If you're travelling alone and intend to stay for a couple of months, it would be a good opportunity to flatshare.

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Theme: Hostel
Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Various key locations in London..eg Camden, Bloomsbury, Soho, Covent Garden
Other Contact: www.londonhostels.co.uk (hostel

www.spareroom.co.uk is a flatshare website which actually covers the whole of the country. The most cost effective way to live any length of time in london is by flatsharing with someone who already lives here. Bold adverts and picture upload facility available. Very easy to use site and free to room searchers.


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Theme: Other

I stayed in the Copthorne Tara for two nights on business and it was perfectly fine. The rack rates seemed a bit expensive to me, but I understand that you can always get good discounts on these. It was nothing special in my opinion, but I'm very hard to impress when it comes to hotels. Food was fine, especially the buffet breakfast, rooms were clean and spacious. No problems at all.

Unique Qualities: Good location close to local shops.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Scarsdale Place, London, England W8