I have family coming from the US for a visit and want to take them to London. I'm having trouble finding lodging. Can anyone give me a recommendation? I wouldn't be terribly picky if it were just myself, but this is a once in a lifetime trip (yes really; they will never again be able to come back) for these family members and I'd like to get it right for them. I have previously usually stayed in Bloomsbury and once in the Victoria Station area and would like to stick to these areas if possible. We want a B&B, clean, comfortable, in an attractive area and with a bit of charm if possible. We would like to stay in a budget of about £100 if possible, but can increase slightly if we have to. We do not want a sleek, big hotel. I have already checked The Arosfa, Arran House, and Jesmond and they have no availability when we need it. I have stayed at the Ridgemount before and have ruled that out. The Luna & Simone also has no availability. I have plenty of guidebooks and online sources I can check on my own. What I would really like is recommendations from people who have actually stayed at the B&B. I think that's what this Helpline does best! Thanks.
Posted by
Land of La
9124 posts
Morgan Hotel http://www.morganhotel.co.uk/ Right across from the British Museum. Excellent location, affordable, in one of the neighborhoods you prefer, Tripadvisor reviews are stellar.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
In your search for lodgings, note which floor the room or apartment is on. As you probably know, there are many London hotels that lack elevators. I've had stairs to climb everywhere I've stayed in London, including the hotels in the RS guidebooks.
Posted by
OP
England
375 posts
Yes, thanks Swan. I did find one but it had 87 steps up. We don't mind a couple floors up or so, but some of our party can't deal with 5 or 6 floors up. Anyone have a recommendation? Starting to get a little desparate...
Posted by
san diego, california, us
149 posts
Don't despair! You will find something. :) Take a look at the Cherry Court Hotel near Victoria: http://www.cherrycourthotel.co.uk/ Celtic Hotel, Bloomsbury: http://www.stmargaretshotel.co.uk/i_n_s_i_d_e.html Morgan Guest House(different from Morgan Hotel), near Victoria: http://www.morganhouse.co.uk/ Lynton Hotel, Belgravia, near Victoria: http://www.lyntonhotel.co.uk/ Vandon House, St. James Park: http://www.vandonhouse.com/index.html Check tripadvisor for reviews and pictures by travelers who have stayed there.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
You don't say when the trip is. If it will be in the summer, perhaps you are having trouble because of bookings for the Olympics?
Posted by
OP
England
375 posts
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and encouragement, and thanks to the several people who also sent PMs. Love this Helpline! The trip is this Spring and I was very surprised to have this much trouble, since it isn't during either the Jubilee or Olympics. I think the main trouble was not that everyone was completely booked, but that they didn't have the right number and type of rooms we needed, especially within our budget. Believe it or not, I had already checked at least 30 places including all the ones that were suggested here, and branched out to different areas in the city. I finally got reservations at the Morgan Guest Hotel. The second time I contacted them (by phone) they came up with something that, though not ideal, would work for us. I'm posting the end of this story now partly because I'm always curious about whatever happened to the people who ask questions here, but mostly to let people know that if you need more than one room or a certain type of room, get those reservations locked in sooner rather than later! Thanks again.