London Hotel Tips by planxty

Kensington Close Hotel: Huge, central and pleasant Kensington Close Hotel Review

Living in London, I don't often stay in central hotels but recently I had occasion to stay at the Kensington Close Hotel and very pleasant it was too. I used to work in this area of London and always regarded the hotel as being a little rundown but a recent refurbishment has put paid to that. It is spotless and has obviously had a lot of money spent on it.

The Kensington Close appears to cater a lot to coach parties and there were two checking in as I did. Despite this, the pleasant and very efficient reception staff dealt with me quickly and I went in search of my room. I had never realised just how far back this place extended, it is absolutely huge. As you can see from the photo, the corridors seem to go on forever. This is not even the full length of the place but I really couldn't be bothered to walk the whole distance just to take a photo. Please take my word for it.

The room was well-appointed with all the things you would expect, flat-screen TV, comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities etc. The bathroom would be more properly called a shower room as there was no actual bath if this is a consideration for you. It was spotless with decent toiletries and even at the peak time early in the morning there was plenty of piping hot water.

One thing to mention is that unless you are on an expenses account steer clear of the room service food. I had a look at the menu and it is very expensive even by central London hotel standards. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel which I did not sample as I literally just slept there and left. Should you be feeling energetic there is a swimming pool and gym and if you do not there is a spa offering various treatments.

Located a few minutes walk from Kensington High Street the Kensington Close offers a good base for central London.

Unique Qualities: Nothing unique, just a decent, recently refurbished and comfortable hotel.

Address: Wrights Lane, Kensington, London, W8 5SP, United Kingdom.

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest Tube, High Street Kensington.

Phone: +00 44 (0)870 751 7770

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.kensingtonclosehotel.com/

Holiday Inn Garden Court London - Oxford Circus: Reasonable and central Holiday Inn Garden Court London - Oxford Circus Review

It really is very hard to find much to say about the Holiday in Oxford Circus. It is in an excellent location, merely a few minutes walk from the shopping areas of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. The reception area is clean and tidy although the bar area is a bit soulless and certainly overpriced even for a hotel in central London. This, however, is not a problem as there are plenty of eating and drinking opportunities nearby.

The room is not particularly spacious but I expect this in the area where space is at such a premium. The room itself is well-appointed with everything you would expect like flatscreen cable TV, complimantary toiletries and morning newspaper, wifi throughout the hotel etc. I can report that the bed is particularly comfortable.

I would suggest you check if your tariff includes breakfast or not. It was a fairly average hot and cold buffet affair and at £15 for the English breakfast well over-priced. You can get an excellent cooked brekfast nearby for half the money.

The Holiday Inn is just what you would expect, a chain hotel, clean and well-run but hardly anything special. If you need to be central, however, this is as good a place as any.

Unique Qualities: Nothing unique at all, just a decent chain hotel in a good location.

Address: 57-59 Welbeck Street, London, W1M 8HS, United Kingdom

Comparison: about average

Directions: From Oxford Street, walk up James Street, right into Wigmore Street, then second left into Welbeck Street. It is on the left. Nearest Tube is Bond Street.

Phone: +00 44 (0)207 935 4442

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/london/lonmr/hoteldetail

Grange Langham Court: Good and very central. Grange Langham Court Review

The first thing that strikes you about the Grange Langham Court is the delightful black and white tiled exterior which you can see in the image. I am not sure what architectural style this would be described as but I found it very aesthetically pleasing. A closer examination of the building shows that it was formerly a Nursing Home which is quite usual for this area as it is near Harley Street and very much in the medical area of central London. It is also located very convenient to Regent Street and Oxford Street which are some of the main shopping area, it really could not be much more central.

The reception area is very pleasant and check-in was quick and efficient. The room has all the amenities you would espect of a venue in this price range with things like tea and coffee making facilities, tolietries, trouser press, cable TV etc. and I have to report that the bed was very comfortable. Not that you need it in this British so-called summer but there is air-conditioning as well.

There was only one slight drawback and that was a degree of road noise quite early in the morning. If this is an issue, I would suggest requesting a room at the rear of the premises. Otherwise, it is an excellent choice and the location is great. If you do not wish to use the hotel dining facilities (I did not), there are ample eating and drinking options nearby.

Unique Qualities: Nothing unique, just a comfy, well-appointed and staffed hotel in a very central location.

Address: 31-35 Langham Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1N 5RE, United Kingdom

Comparison: about average

Directions: It is about equidistant between Oxford Circus and Great Portland Street tube stations, just off Great Titchfield Street.

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7436 6622

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.grangehotels.com/hotels-london/grange-langham-court-hotel/grange-langham-court-hotel.aspx

Days Hotel Shoreditch: Convenient but uninspiring.

This is yet another one of those fairly soulless places aimed primarily at the business market. It' location is probably it's best selling point in this regard as it is walkable distance from Liverpool Street and the financial district.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with it, the room was clean and comfortable, the communal areas similarly clean and the staff efficient and polite throughout. It has all the facilities you would expect, wifi is available, aircon, flatscreen TV, laundry service etc. etc. there are disabled friendly rooms and disabled parking. On the subject of parking, facilities for able-bodied guests attract a charge of £20 per day.

There is a bar / restaurant there but I did not try it as I know much better places nearby. I don't really frequent hotel bars or restaurants as I find them all a bit sterile and homogenous.

I have not forgotten to append a telephone number to this tip but, bizarrely, there is not one shown on the website, or any other website I can find.

In summary then, perfectly adequate but nothing exciting.

Unique Qualities: There are no unique qualities here.

Address: 419 - 437 Hackney Road, Shoreditch, London, E2 8PP

Comparison: about average

Directions: Coming from the City side, it is about a mile up Hackney Road on the left.

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.dayshotellondonshoreditch.co.uk/

Travelodge London Covent Garden: Adequate but a bit soulless. Travelodge London Covent Garden Review

For those of you not familiar with the Travelodge chain they provide a fairly no frills service at a reasonable price, and they generally do it pretty well.

I remember many years ago, my late Mother stayed here and I do recall a very pleasant public area with a pleasant bar where I waited for her to get ready to go out. I think the pictures speak for themselves here. This is now part of a chain, and you could equally be sitting in Liverpool, Cambridge or anywhere else, it is all a bit sterile. From the number of laptops in evidence in the foyer as I checked out, it appears to be much patronised by the business community, although it is in a prime position for "theatreland" should that be the reason for your visit. Perhaps the reason for all the laptops was that, somewhat oddly, wifi internet is free in the foyer but charged in the rooms.

I may sound a bit negative but there really was nothing wrong with the place. The accomodation was spotless with all the usual trappings, tea and coffee making facilities, flatscreen TV etc. The only problem with the room was that the basement location meant there was absolutely no view whatsoever with frosted mullioned windows. Note also that Travelodge do not provide complimentary toiletries, so bring your own.

I didn't eat in the restaurant but the menu in the room indicated that it was quite good value for a central London hotel.

Unique Qualities: Nothing unique, just a functional hotel in a good location.

Address: 10 Drury Lane, High Holborn, London, WC2B 5RE, United Kingdom

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +00 44 (0)20 7208 9988

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/info?hotelId=318

Novotel London Greenwich: Decent hotel in a good location. Novotel London Greenwich Review

Ordinarilt I would have put htis on my Greenwich page, as that is where it is located but it appears in the London section of VT which is why it is here.

Check-in was quick and friendly, the room comfortable with all the amenities you would expect from a hotel of this standard, flatscreen TV, ensuite bathromm with seperate toilet, good toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities and so on.

It appears to be a fairly modern building and is bright and welcoming although I only had a brief look at some of the common areas. I did not avail myself of the breakfast so cannot comment on that.

It is ideally situated for the sights of Greenwich, Cutty Sark (currently being renovated), Maritime Museum etc. and is almost beside the overground train station. A short walk will take you to the Docklands Light Railway station.

Unique Qualities: Nothing unique, just a functional well-appointed hotel.

Address: 173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE108JA, United Kingdom

Comparison: about average

Directions: Directly beside the train station in Greenwich High Road.

Phone: +0044 (0)208 312 6800

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3476-novotel-london-greenwich/index.shtml

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington: Location, location, location. Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington Review

If you are a shopaholic, this place could well be for you as it is literally three minutes from the retail Mecca of Kensington High Street. However, without wanting to sound too negative, that is about all it has going for it. the place is, frankly, tired and in need of a good refurbishment, specifically the paintwork. certainly, it has all the conveniences you would expect from a hotel of this standard, large screen TV, internet connection, etc. etc. and it is clean and tidy but just, as I say, a little tired. The bed was comfortable and the shower hot and powerful.

I was looking forward to a bit of a lie in but that proved difficult. Firstly, and despite the do not disturb sign on the door, two members of staff decided to barge into the room without even knocking, not good practice. the noise from the nearby building site completed the job and I was forced from the arms of Morpheous much earlier than anticipated.

I didn't sample it myself but the room service priced from the inhouse Bugis Street restaurant is simply ridiculous, even for this area.

I am glad I was staying here at a corporate rate as I would have been disappointed to pay the £180 walk up rate for the room. I don't think I'll bother with it again.

Unique Qualities: No unique qualities that I can think of.

Address: Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London, W8 5SR, United Kingdom

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +00 44 (0) 20 7937 7211

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornetarakensington/index.html

Cardiff Hotel, Paddington: Adequate but nothing special.

Although describing itself as a hotel, this place is really just a glorified, if rather large, bed and breakfast. It certainly doesn't have any of the communal rooms you would associate with the term hotel and breakfast is the only meal served, there isn't a bar. Having said all that, it is not too bad, just one of a great number of similar establishments that proliferate in this area.

Check in was friendly and efficient, the room and bed comfortable enough with ensuite facilities in rather a cramped bathroom, and the breakfast the next day perfectly acceptable, albeit the breakfast room was pretty crowded.

I really am struggling to find anything else to say about this place except perhaps that it's proximity to Paddington Station (a short walk) may make it appealing to some.

The price quoted is for a double room.

Unique Qualities: There are no unique qulaities that I can think of.

Address: 5, 7, 9 Norfolk Square, London W2 1RU.

Comparison: about average

Directions: Norfolk Square is off London Street which runs between Praed Street and Sussex Gardens

Phone: +00 44 (0)20 7723 3513

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Bed and Breakfast

Website: http://www.cardiff-hotel.com/

H10 Waterloo: Excellent new choice. H10 London Waterloo Review

I recently stayed in the newly opened H10 hotel in Waterloo and was very impressed with it. Check-in was quickly done by a pleasant member of staff and a quick glance showed a pleasant, if somewhat deserted, foyer bar.

Up to one of the upper floors which afforded an excellent view North over the City at night. Unfortunately, as you can see from one of the attached photos, when I tried to take a photo the next morning, the weather had closed in with a vengeance but it hopefully gives an idea. Although the room was at the front of the hotel on the fairly busy Waterloo Road, road noise was not an issue.

The room was well-appointed with all the amenities you would expect from a four star place, the photos give an idea. Complimentary wifi is included in the price. The bed was very comfortable, which is always a bonus.

I am not sure if the hotel is Spanish owned or aimed at a Spanish clientele but there seems to be a definite Hispanic influence from the Spanish language magazine in the room to the decidedly spanish delicacies offered at the excellent breakfast buffet.

Situated about ten minutes easy walk from Waterloo Station, it is well placed for transportation into the City or the West End, or even train travel to the South and Southwest.

A pleasant night in the "new kid on the block" and recommended.

Unique Qualities: The views over London from the Upper rooms are spectacular.

Address: 284 to 302 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8RQ.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Nearest Tube Waterloo or Lambeth North.

Phone: +00 44 (0) 207 928 4062

Price: US$120-180

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelh10londonwaterloo.com/en/index.html

Bermondsey Square Hotel.: Needs attention to detail. The Bermondsey Square Hotel Review

OK, let's start by stating that this hotel had been open merely a month at the time I stayed (June 2009) and a few teething troubles are to be expected.

The hotel is in the Bermondsey area, formerly pretty rundown, but now becoming somewhat trendy. It is convenient for the City of London which would make it a good base for business travellers.

On arrival, I was delighted that I had been upgraded to a "club room" on the 6th floor. I presume this is due to the fact that they are so new. Always nice to be upgraded. The receptionist was friendly and polite and the foyer area, containing Alfie's restaurant and bar, looked very pleasant.

A first look at the room was very favourable, and it was obviously fully disabled access. No problem with that, and fair play to the Hotel for providing a reasonable number of disabled access rooms (6 in all I believe). Nice to see disabled travellers being considered.

A quick lie on the bed proved it to be possibly the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in (I had a great nights sleep).

However, it is only when you try to actually use the room that things start to go a little astray. Now, a lot of what I am going to say might seem like nit-picking, but put all together they show that a bit of a rethink might be in order.

The designers had selected a very atmoshpheric black and white print for one of the walls, and then proceeded to obscure most of it with the flat screen TV and a totally superfluous standard lamp. As for the TV, I am not a great one for technology but I just could not get the thing to work. When the very helpful man fro reception came up he admitted that he had to demonstrate the remote control to lots of people. If this is the case why not put a brief note in the hotel details leaflet along the lines of "press the input button top right of the remote to make your TV work?"

The bathroom also has difficulties. The washbasin is tiny, so tiny in fact you cannot fill the kettle without resorting to using a glass. I have tried to think of a possible advantage to this for a disabled person but cannot. There is a lovely full length mirror about three feet to the left of the basin, but no mirror above it. Makes shaving a bit of a hassle. Even if there had been a mirror the strip light didn't work so I went unshaved next morning. Also, there is absolutely nowhere for you to put toiletries or anything else.

My "favourite" of the design flaws, however, I have saved until last. Have a look at the fourth photo and answer the age-old question "what is wrong with this picture?" I'll tell you if you don't want to look at the photo. They built an open wardrobe, complete with hangers. Very nice. Then someone had the brilliant idea of building a desk into it. Why I have no idea, as there is already a table in the room. The end result is that there is about 3 feet clearance below the hangers. Possibly sufficient to hang up a bolero jacket for a 10 year old but not much else. When it was explained to the receptionist the next day, she was aghast. There genuinely is no wardrobe space in the room, which is ridiculous in a hotel of this standard.

OK, so those are the problems and I am sure they will be addressed soon. As I say, probably just teething troubles.

Certainly, it has the potential to be a very good hotel, the staff were uniformly good which goes a long way with me, and I had a very comfortable stay.

Unique Qualities: None really, apart from some of the design absurdities.

Address: Bermondsey Square, Tower Bridge Road, Southwark, London SE1 3UN

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: If you cross Tower Bridge North to South, keep going for about 700 yards and the Hotel is on the left behind the Sainsbury's shop.

Other Contact: +00 44 (0)870 111 2526 (fax)

Phone: +00 44 (0)870 111 2525

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.bespokehotels.com/hotel/pages/bermondseysquare/home.htm