London Hotel Tips by KennetRose

You have to look hard to see that this row of tall stucco town houses in a very elegant street in Notting Hill is actually a hotel.

I've walked past this place many times and I've heard its terrific reputation as a quirky but very friendly, special and discreet hotel a world apart from the production-line hotels all too common in London. I've never stayed there though, or even been inside, so if anybody stays there please let me know how you found it.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 0 20 7727 2777
Address: 22 Stanley Gardens W11
Directions: Notting Hill Gate tube
Website: http://www.portobello-hotel.co.uk/
Other Contact: info@portobello-hotel.co.uk

Most accommodation in central London is shockingly expensive but this is good value. Singles, doubles and shared rooms to suit budgets. Book well in advance.

The Quakers want to close it and sell the building - don't let them! The site is worth a fortune and Quakers are chronically broke! Quakers also take a long time to reach a decision though, so make your voice heard to keep this oasis!

You don't have to be a Quaker to stay here by the way.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Bed and Breakfast
Comparison: least expensive

Phone: 0 20 7387 5648
Address: 1-3 Byng Place WC2
Directions: Off Gower Street. Russell Square, Goodge Street and Euston Square tube stations are all about equidistant

Comfortable and friendly, though not cheap. Close to chi-chi Notting Hill and handy for Notting Hill Gate tube and from there to wherever you meant to be.

The dining room is also a public restaurant ("Caps"), with a separate entrance in Pembridge Road.

Unique Qualities: In 1946, a suave army officer called Neville Heath checked in here with a lady called Margery Gardner (under the name of Mr & Mrs Heath, of course!). Ms Gardner was known to enjoy S&M activities, but she got more than she bargained for. Her battered body was found in her room. Heath was subsequently convicted of her murder of Ms Gardner and another woman, and hanged. The case was one of the causes celebre that enlived the Sunday papers in post-way austerity Britain.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 0 20 7229 9977
Address: 34 Pembridge Gardens, W2
Directions: Notting Hill Gate tube
Website: http://www.pemct.co.uk