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Our First Trip to London

I purchased Rick's London 2014 book and found it so helpful during our first visit there in July. We were in Paris and took the Eurostar to London and it was an easy, fast and nice ride. We are in our 60's and trying to figure out the best neighborhood to stay in was challenging and a few friends gave us their choices but it was still confusing. Rick's book helped me decide on the Sumner Hotel B & B. It was perfect. We were there for six nights and it was a good location for us first-timers and easy to get to the Underground. The Sumner Hotel has a welcoming environment, breakfasts provided a lot of choices, the staff was very helpful in making reservations for us when needed and having tea in our room was so calming. We also liked walking the neighborhood. We loved the cute, hip restaurants on Seymour Place around the corner and highly recommend Donostia, a tapas restaurant we ate at two times--especially loved being introduced to their Hendrick's gin and tonic--not to be missed!!!!

Thank you for letting us know about the verger guided tour at Westminster Abbey, the place is so big even with an audioguide the verger we had was very spirited, knowledgeable plus you get into areas most of the public doesn't have access to. We also thought the Beefeater guided tour at the Tower of London was really worthwhile. thank you. barbara

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2001 posts

I too agree about the Verger tour of Westminster Abbey. I had been to the Abbey at least 3 previous tours and I learned so many new things. It was great to be able to go behind the altar to see the tomb of Edward the Confessor. (I hope I have his name correct.) I now recommend this tour to anyone who tells me they are visiting London.

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2 posts

The Sumner Hotel is about 2 1/2 blocks away from the Marble Arch underground station. I would say it's adjacent to the Marylebone neighborhood.