Thanks Rick!

Posted by BlkHillsTraveler on 09/21/15 10:37 PM

During a short stopover in London, were disappointed to see Westminster Abby is closed to tourists on Sunday. But after re-reading a section of Rick's latest London Guidebook, I noticed a free organ concert is offered at the Abby on Sunday afternoons. It was incredible!

The Hilton London Paddington - 146 Praed St. - was the perfect abode; attached to the Heathrow Express train station (making our trips to & from the airport simple & quick); access to the Underground right across the street; wonderful eateries & pubs nearby, a few blocks from Hyde park, great rooms, friendly staff, outstanding breakfast and, in my opinion, reasonably priced for London.

Posted by Rebecca

Nashville, TN, USA

09/21/15 10:47 PM

3871 posts

So glad you enjoyed your trip to London! And the free concert at Westminster Abbey.

I have recommended The Hilton London Paddington about two dozen times to travelers here on this Forum, for all the reasons you mentioned.

Rick seems to prefer small family-run hotels and B&B's to large chain hotels, and that is mainly what you will find in his London guidebook. He intends for travelers to feel more like locals, staying in a real London neighborhood, I think. Several of his London hotels are in a row of townhouses, where you almost feel like you are living in a London home of your own. I enjoy the small family run hotels and B&Bs that RS recommends in his guide books; the owners or managers are good at making you feel at home and giving good advice for restaurants and sightseeing. But sometimes the Hilton London Paddington is good for folks that will be coming in from Heathrow, staying a short time, and then leaving out again from Heathrow.

Thanks for the trip report. It's always interesting to read about the things people enjoyed on their trip.

Posted by Rachel

Washington

09/22/15 02:22 AM

920 posts

I concur that the Hilton Paddington is a nice hotel. Stayed there once and also used their business center computer when needing to change some travel plans. The Hilton Hyde Park is also great--and a little more atmospheric. Agree with the earlier comment that international chain hotels are not as likely to make it into an RS guidebook.
Glad you had a good trip!

Posted by Charlie

Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA

09/22/15 02:36 AM

2787 posts

I have taken 13 RS tours in the last 14 years and the only chain hotels we have ever stayed at is several times at airports when we have early morning flights. We enjoy the types of small family run hotels and B&Bs that RS recommends in his guide books.