My husband and I are planning a week's stay in London in mid-Sept, about 5 weeks from now. I'm totally bummed that the Lime Tree Hotel is booked, as is the Luna Simone. Starting to panic...suggestions appreciated. We'd like a hotel with a more "Londony" feel, as opposed to a chain hotel. Must be located near a tube station. Ideally, an English breakfast will be included. Thanks!
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
For a "London" feel, try the former Victoria Thistle (now called the Grosvenor) in Victoria Station. It is a GRAND VICTORIAN STATION hotel. The lobby is marvelous. Huge double branched winding staircase, lovely carpets, etc. You will feel like you are arriving in the 1850s. But the rooms have been recently renovated (I've heard). Because it is right inside the station, you are well located for using the tube (or buses) and trains. The station also has a food court, 2 or 3 Boots the Chemists, a Marks & Spencer's Just Food, a Sainsbury's, and a Whistle Stop grocery as well as a WH Smith bookshop, and lots of small kiosks for food and other 'stuff'. The surrounding area has several good pubs and restaurants. There's even a theatre. You are a nice walk from Buckingham Palace and The Mall. The Tube has several main lines that go through Victoria Station, so it's easy to get to most anywhere. But it is not a 'discount' hotel. It's a 4 star. But if you like to splurge occasionally, it is well worth it.
Posted by
Southern California
377 posts
We enjoyed our stay at the London Vicarage Hotel a short walk from the Kensington High Street tube stop. Full English breakfast included, and lighter items offered also (cereal, yogurt). However, there are a lot of stairs and no elevator, so you do need to be able to tote your luggage (and yourselves) up and down the stairs.
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
I wouldn't focus on a place with a full English breakfast included. There are shops on almost every block selling full English breakfasts for between 5 and 9 gbp. Just add that on to whatever price you get from the hotel. I'm not sure what a "Londony" feel would be so I won't comment on that. The quality of the smaller hotels vary considerably. Check the reviews carefully. Some people don't mind the smell of mold and mildew.