My husband and 2 friends are traveling to London next May to visit WWII sites and museums, then going on to Normandy. Anyone have any advice about a midprice hotel with rooms that might accomodate all of them, near Westminster or Victoria preferably?
Have you checked out the Days Hotel Waterloo? It VERY close to the Imperial War Museum and I'm sure your husband and his friend will enjoy that. I hope they take in St. Paul's too. Behind the High Altar is the American Memorial Chapel - a gift of the British people in honor of the American Servicemen who were stationed in GB and were killed in WWII. If they know of someone who falls into this category, have them ask a docent and they will be able to see the page w/ their Name, Rank and Branch of Service listed. I found this chapel extremely moving.
Try Citadines Trafalgar Square, which is an apartment hotel. Reviews are mixed, but the location is hard to beat--my favorite area to stay. A family room at the Premier Inn County Hall is another option. It's on the South Bank and is close to Westminster (Priceline considers it to be in Westminster, but I disagree). Also take a look at Harrington Court Apartments in South Kensington. It's a bit further out than Citadines and Premier Inn, but transportation links are good.
Second the recommendation to see St. Paul's and the memorial to all US servicemen KIA while stationed in England. It was dedicated in the early 50's. Be sure they see the stained glass windows there, I think by Chagal (spelling?) and represent all 48 states we had at the time. The original book with the names is beautiful, they turn a page every day. There is a duplicate book there that the docent will show you if you have a name they can look up. It is worthwhile. Can't help with hotel, the one we had for 3 people was SMALL.
Thanks for the info...I will check all of those out. The problem seems to be finding a room that will accomodate 3 men (all rather large..so sharing a bed would mean not much sleep for those 2)!! And thanks for mentioning St Paul's...that's been added per your suggestion!!
Check out the Grosvenor Hotel (used to be the Victoria Thistle). You might could get a single and a room with 2 beds. Also check Citadines' High Holborn/Covent Garden location- very convient. Might possibly get rooms/apartment through London School of Economics (very well prices and multiple locations). This is their website http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ . I know they have locations near Trafalgar, Covent Garden and Victoria as well as others.
I recommend Vandon House Hotel which is near Westminster and Victoria (we walked to both). I was there two weeks ago with my brother and nephew and we each had our own bed (twin size) and an en suite bath for 105 pounds a night. We walked to the Churchill War Room and the Imperial War Museum and loved both. The closest tube is St James's Place and it was practically around the corner, though Victoria was walkable, too. Their breakfast includes ham and cheese as well as cereal and fruit. I was pleasantly surprised with the Vandon House Hotel's reservation and cancellation policy. I made a mistake in booking arrival day (forgot we would arrive on Sunday though we were leaving L.A. on Saturday) and was able to cancel Saturday night the day before without paying a penalty. Vandon House Hotel is in RS' guidebook.
Thanks, Sophie! Yes, I have been looking at Vandon House hotel and it looked promising. The idea that each of these guys have their own bed is more appealing to them!! And it was nice to have your recent review on the property!! I have an old RS Great Britain (2006), guess I better get a new one!!!