We are looking at the Darlington Hyde Park in May for a 3 night stay for 3 people. Does anyone know anything about it? We have never been to London, and will be using public transport to see all the usual tourist sites, ie Buckingham, Picadilly, Trafalgar, Tower of London, etc. We picked it because it looked close to a tube station (Paddington?) and had good reviews on Trip Advisor, and was affordable. We also looked at Comfort Inn Buckingham, but would certainly appreciate input from experienced London travellers. This will be our first time to London.
Posted by
London
231 posts
Hi JR,
I've had friends stay at the Darlington in the past and they enjoyed it. Sussex Gardens is a great area...it's easy to get to on a bus route and you're very walkable to Oxford St, Hyde Park, and Paddington Station.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
388 posts
Unfortunately we don't have any experience with this hotel since we haven't researched it yet. But, that's not to say its not worth staying in. Read some reviews about it to see what others think too.
Posted by
Land of La
8655 posts
Have not stayed there but have stayed in the surrounding area over the years. You'll be fine. You are close to Paddington (for arrival and tube stop access), there's a pub a block away, you are in a residential area but a few blocks away you'll find cafes, etc. Praed Street is lined with cafes and restaurants. The other direction is the Marble Arch tube stop and Hyde Park. London is a great city for walking. From the Darlington the Marble Arch is about 6-7 blocks. I'd encourage you to start your first day in London, after settling in, by walking. London is a very walkable city. Head out toward the Marble Arch and Hyde Park, stop at the Pret a Manager for coffee, or a sandwich, or soup, and then start walking down Oxford Street to get a sense of the City. Or walk through Hyde Park and over to Buckingham Palace. Enjoy your visit. Fabulous city.
Posted by
2081 posts
JR,
never stayed in that area - yet.
since the tube is sooooo nice and convenient, a "particular" place to stay is a moot issue for me.
when i go back, i try to find a different place each time so i can get a better feel for the areas and also if i cant find someplace i like, i will know several other places to stay.
affordability is one of my top needs and so far ive been able to do that. But since i fly solo, i can put up with less luxuries.
with in a few days you will find out location isnt that much of a big deal unless you want to have a fav place close by and that you will have a blast.
happy trails..
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1159 posts
Ok thanks for the input! We still have the Darlington Hyde Park in the running, but on the Rick Steves advice, are now seriously considering the Luna and Simone. Both hotels are rated the same on Trip Advisor, and both have equal good things said about them. So now the question - if both are decent budget hotels - Paddington - which seems a bit further away from the sights, or Luna and Simone - it's hard to tell on a map how far away this hotel is to the Victoria station. Has anyone stayed at either or have an opinion on the two? Because there are three of us, we are definitely on a budget. Thanks!!
Posted by
Barnard Castle, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
56 posts
Could I ask do you have any connection to the military if so I may have some info for you..
Posted by
Barnard Castle, The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
56 posts
Sorry that sounded a bit cryptic... There is a private hotel only for military and veterans it's a lovely and recommended by Winston Churchill himself ...foreign military and veterans allied to the UK can stay there, for it's location and amenities it is very good value and is military orientated like an officers mess if you like...
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1159 posts
No military connection - sounded great though. One question - if the hotel does not have air conditioning and we are coming in mid-May, will we be sorry we didn't get a place with AC? Looks like the Luna does not have AC.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32732 posts
JR, I don't know where in the Lone Star State you are but I know that when I was in the Metroplex I for sure needed air conditioning in April and May - except when the tornados were overhead. In Central Texas we usually waited until mid May.
In London, in Fahrenheit in May, it is likely to be between the mid-50s and low 70s. I've even seen sleet. Most folks will be fine without, in London in May. 'Course, we may get a heat wave, but not normally that early. Maybe we may get a frost. Probably a better chance.
Posted by
seattle
40 posts
We've stayed at the Luna Simone and have recommended it to others, all with good results. There are many stairs and the rooms are on the smaller side but very tidy and the owners and staff are friendly and helpful. A couple blocks away there are good restaurants, pubs, and a fabulous bakery. (At there was when we were there two years ago.) We will be going back this fall and plan on staying there again.
Posted by
Santee, California
28 posts
We've stayed at Darlington Hyde Park twice, absolutely wonderful! Large rooms, clean, great safe neighborhood, close to the tube, great cafes/restaurants. Nice full breakfast included. Loved walking the neighborhood in the evening. Can't wait to return! Just as a side note, there is a webcam out front and we were able to watch our friends arriving when they stayed at the Darlington. Fun.
Posted by
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
9 posts
JR we stayed at the Luna 2 years ago and it was wonderful,the hotel intself is in a very quiet area, very clean and a great breaky and the brothers that run the place are so personable and helpful.Its an easy walk to Victoria station...about 15 minutes, and there is also a bus that stops right outside the hotel front door. We are going back to London this September but have decided to stay in a different area and have booked the Darlington so good to hear comments on that too!