England 2010

Best and worst accommodations:

Worst: Winchester B&B near Vistoria Station
Why: Don't go by website. Had a basement room with one small patio door and was very hot (in Sept.) Provided fan that could not cool down room. I am from OK and used to heat, but it was hot. However had excellent bathroom. Book for the location only. Breakfast was tasteless even for England.

Karen Curtis in Tulsa, Ok USA 10/23/2009

Best: The Henry Guest House
Why: The Henry is my favorite place to stay in Bath. They recently remodelled and upgraded so that all but 2 rooms are ensuite. I stayed in a single room with shared bathroom, but it was no problem since the bathroom is just a few steps from the room's door. As usual, the owners were gracious and genuinely nice.

Swan in Napa , CA USA 10/03/2009

Best: Not recommended, but I stayed at the Ashley House on Norfolk Square near Paddington.
Why: The Paddington area is so convenient to the train station that I decided I wanted to stay just a few minutes walk to catch trains to Bath and Heathrow. Room rates at the Ashley are reasonable; the breakfast was good and the place was updated and very clean. No elevator.

Swan in Napa, CA USA 10/03/2009

Best: Howe Keld
Why: Innkeeper was charming and helpful. The room we had was comfortable and fairly large. Breakfast was very good. The location is outstanding, convenient but quiet. Add their environmental sensibility and it was a highlight.

Worst: Abbey Guest House, York
Why: The bed in room 2 was so bad (lumpy, soft, and caved to the middle so we ended up both scrunched in middle) that one of slept on the floor the second night. The shower water pressure was next to nothing first morning; we mentioned it to Gill who said they have that problem sometimes and she'd fix it. It was worse the second morning and neither of us got a shower, after not sleeping. She didnt even ask us about it at breakfast. The only words ever spoken by husband was to tell us rather rudely to move our car b/c we hadnt parked it right (this without introducing himself). he walked through breakfast the second morning but didnt smile or even say hello. It was absolutely awful in all respects.

Peter Thompson in Charlottesville, va USA 09/20/2009

Best: Bath YMCA, St. Paul's YHA London
Why: My friends and I found both of these hostels were excellent options for people on a budget. The staff at the Bath YMCA made our stay there. They were absolutely helpful, welcoming, and really made you feel at home. Their staff are the best of any hostel I've ever stayed at.

The St. Paul's YHA in London has an excellent location. Very close to the tube station and the Millennium Bridge, so you can get almost anywhere very easily. The rooms are well laid out and not overcrowded. The bathroom layout was the only drawback simply because it was a little impractical, but other than that, we enjoyed our stay there.

Whitney in Atlanta, GA USA 09/05/2009

Best: Dragon House B&B (Chipping Campden), Spire House B&B (Salisbury)
Why: Both these B&B's treated us to friendly hostesses, cozy, clean rooms, and superb breakfasts!

Reya in Carson City, NV USA 09/01/2009

Best: Badger's Wood B&B, Keswick, Lake District
Why: Anne and Andrew are great hosts, with helpful information and suggestions. B&B is very comforatable, and the breakfasts are terrific.

Steve Meyerhardt in Oak Hill, VA USA 08/28/2009

Best: Three Abbey Green Guest House in Bath
Why: Locally owned, extremely comfortable.

Worst: The Elizabeth Hotel in London
Why: The so-called "family room" is a double stuffed with two extra twin beds. The room and the beds were uncomfortable. We were placed on the very top floor and could hardly breathe for lack of air even with the window open. I would never recommend this hotel. I might emphasize to readers that they must expect to spend more in London. It is like NYC...expensive, but worth the extra pound or two (or even more)!

Maria Shuman in Boulder, , CO USA 08/10/2009

Worst: Best Western Phoenix Hotel
Why: Mattresses were broken. Room extremely small and uncomfortable. Location is good, but does not outweigh the bad with such a good subway system.

Shirley in Rome, GA USA 08/09/2009

Best: Holly Villa Guest House
Why: As advertised, Jill and Keith are very friendly--and both have a great sense of humor, I might add--and do their best to make all of their guests feel at home. Jill's directions to their home were spot-on, and Keith's suggestions for local pubs and restaurants proved very helpful. These two really are quite a pair, and just getting to know them a bit is worth your stay. Highly recommended!!!

Jim in Rockville, MD USA 07/30/2009

Best: Lombard House, Portsmouth
Why: Fabulous experience. The hospitality was just delightful, and Finni and Alex are such gems to stay with. Highly recommended.

Kris in Riverside, CA USA 07/29/2009

Best: St. Johns West, Dartmoor National Park
Why: Their were absolutely delightful hosts and made made one feel like s/he was more than a person paying to spend the night. Highly recommend their establishment.

Worst: Travelodge, Hastings and Winchester
Why: These places are not recommended. Plumbing/toilet problems, mildew shower curtains, musty scent. Spend a bit more and stay elsewhere. Premier Inns were significantly better.

Kris in Riverside, CA USA 07/29/2009

Best: Swan Hotel, Wells
Why: When we booked in advance for our stay at the end of May, we lucked out on a good deal of 150 GBP for a twin bedded room, dinner and breakfast. The dinner was excellent, 3 courses and enough choices and there is a cosy bar for a predinner drink. The hotel is just across from the Cathedral and has plenty of parking at the back.

Anne Ayre in Bowen Island, BC Canada 07/19/2009

Best: The Twice Brewed Inn near Hadrian's Wall
Why: The location and landscape around the inn was great. The service and food was excellent, the drinks at the pub were reasonable and the conversation was first rate. Make sure to ask for a room that doesn't face the road. The help never heard of the Rick Steves Guide.

Worst: Premier Inn at Portsmouth
Why: We didn't make reservations and they were full, but they did recommend another Premier Inn about 10 miles away that provided a good night's sleep.

Mike Flaherty in St Louis, MO USA 06/13/2009

Best: Lygon Arms, Chipping Campden
Why: Very pleasent, friendly and the pub grub was exceptional! Chipping Campden was a wonderful little village.

Worst: James House hotel, London
Why: Great location but the hotel was getting ready to close three days after my leaving to be remodeled along with the two adjoining hotels. All the pictures had been stripped from the walls, wallpaper pealing, just sucky. I know it was cheap but they should have told me when I booked what was happening.

Paul DiBlasi in Jacksonville Beach, Fl USA 05/27/2009

Best: Ohartza Hotel in St Jean d'Luz
Why: The setting, the location, the garden and Benoit. The Petit Dejune the garden, the garden, the garden.

Worst: Bakers Hotel in London the cancellation policy
Why: Cancellation Policy: Cancellation or amendments required in writing 7 days prior to the day of arrival. If cancelled up to 7 days before date of arrival no fee will be charged. If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.

Reception For and on behalf of Bakers Hotel ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 126 Warwick Way, London, SW1V 4JA Tel: 020 7834 0729 Fax: 020 7692 7525 web: www.bakershotel.co.uk

I emailed and phoned with specific dates, and they still could not confirm a cancellation! They are listed to have 10 rooms.

David Bean in Portland, Or USA 05/22/2009

Worst: Cherry Court Hotel, London
Why: I don't want to say this was HORRIBLE- because the Patels are very nice. But I think it's overrated. After reading such wonderful reviews and comments, we were excited to get this lodging, and at such a reasonable price.... but... it was disappointing. The property really needs a facelift. It seems really run-down and dingy. Our bed was clean, but the room was REALLY SMALL. And there's no way the shower could accomodate a larger person. The location is pretty good, considering it's close to the rail. And the neighborhood seemed safe. If you don't care about sleeping in an old closet, with a really small shower- go for it.

Roselle Okubo in Miami, FL USA 03/31/2009

Best: The Bell (pub in Moreton-in-Marsh)
Why: Friendly and good food. They also have wi-fi.

Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009

Best: Cornerways B&B, Chipping Campden
Why: Comfortable room and Carol Proctor is a lovely person.

Judy Hopwood in Alpine, CA USA 11/13/2008

Best: Elgin House B&B in Bath
Why: My daughter and I spent two nights at the Elgin House B&B in early September. Anna, the owner was so hospitable and most helpful in giving us recommendations of places to visit in the beautiful city of Bath. The room was very clean, the breakfast was very good and all at a very good price. The location was perfect in that it was close to the city center. But the most important quality of this B&B was that we were made to feel at home, therefore we highly recommend this bed and breakfast for anyone traveling to Bath, England.

Louisa and Angela in Albuquerque, NM USA 10/14/2008

Best: 23 St. Mary's, York
Why: Wonderful breakfasts, good sized rooms.

Verna Reamy in Columbia, MD USA 09/26/2008

Best: Ellergill Guest House in Keswick
Why: Nicest, cleanest, most spacious, most aesthetically pleasing. Location was perfect. Robin and Clare were very accommodating. They made us a "to go" breakfast to take with us as we had to catch an early train.

Tracey in Edgewood, WA USA 08/14/2008

Best: Blades Hotel, London (Pimlico Station)
Why: Oh my what an experience!!! Cozy rooms, if you don't see what you need then ask and miracles may happen. Kevin and staff are wonderful, friendly and informative. A breakfast chat with Kevin sets a wonderful tone for your visit. Ask questions, learn lots of history about the hotel, London, Football, and the Queen. Well worth the stay and we look forward to returning.

Johan Grundy in Eastern Passage, NS Canada 07/24/2008

Best: St. John's West, Chagford, near Dartmoor
Why: The rooms were new, clean and well-appointed. The breakfast was ample enough to last us until dinner. The hosts were delightful and entertaining. I think you can take "quirky" out of their listing now. They chatted without over-talking. We're good friends. I'm sending them pictures and a box of candy soon!

Worst: The Duke Of Buckingham Pub, Portsmouth
Why: We were only there one night and did not complain, but the lack of lamps, only one chair, and a bathroom door that wouldn't latch left us feeling like we were camping! The food was good, however, and the location supreme.

Patti Brugman in Pasadena, CA USA 06/29/2008

Worst: Manor Farm B & B, near Wells
Why: As recommended by Rick himself on page 300 of his England guide book. The landlady seemed more concerned about the happiness and well being of her 2 Bassett hounds rather than her guests. The entire place reeked of 'wet dog' which led to a very unpleasant feeling. We reserved the West Wing for 3 days but left after the first night as the overwhelming pet odor caused both of us severe allergic reactions. She (Fiona) still charged us however, and would not change her mind when it was pointed out that our allergies were caused by her pets. There was a definite lack of good housekeeping when it came to both the pets and general cleanliness, as the odor was immediately noticeable on entering the residence. The breakfast was interrupted by her dog coming in the eating area which was not conducive to a nice breakfast. She stated that our allergies were likely nothing more than hayfever, however they cleared up immediately at our replacement accommodation that had no pets, which she was informed off upon our arrival at home. She also admitted that her 2 cats had been up in the bedrooms but made no mention in any information either online or via email that she had any cats. All in all, I would strongly suggest people stay away from this over-priced, smelly B & B. It certainly does have the air of a 14th century manor house, they did not have air freshener back then.

Chris in Wilson, va USA 06/24/2008

Worst: Jubilee Hotel
Why: This hotel was not clean by American Standards. When we pointed out to the Hotel owners that our rooms were not clean, they did not agree with us. The showers were stained and moldy, there was a musty smell that permeated the bathrooms, the tea pot was rusty, the bed linens did not reach the sides of the beds, only covered the tops, the bedspread was a duvet that was covering an old bedspread comforter, it was generally not clean. We have stayed in London before in a similar type accomodation, and our rooms were very clean, spotless. It is not the age, it is the cleanliness. My parents found a condom under my mother's pillow. Thank goodness it was not used, but definitely disgusting to find in the bed. That is when we realized that they were not making up the beds properly, and we checked out early the next morning.

Monica in Fresno, CA USA 06/17/2008

Best: Coach House Hotel & Carriage Restaurant, York, England
Why: It is now run by Dawn Fielding's sister, Julie. She took over around March and is really trying to build on her sister's work. I told her I'd write you to let you know how pleasant our stay was (in fact, we extended our stay one night). I hope when you're traveling in the area you'll stop by for tea to tour the hotel. We had a "penthouse suite" up in the rafters. She combined a single with a 2 bed single, combined it with a toilet/ sink room all connected & made it into 2 singles with shower/ toilet en suite. Her staff is very friendly, helpful and efficient. Food at the restaurant was good, we ate there 2 nights. Added bonus: her husband is a local beer brewer, so we enjoyed some very good local brews!

Worst: Travelodge-Specifically, the web site
Why: The web site I've been told, has recently been "upgraded". I went on-line to reserve a room at the Durham location you reccomended. Unknown to me, we ended up with a room in Sunderland, 20 miles away. By the time we learned of the problem we HAD to stay in Suunderland or would lose the money. Sunderland was unpleasant as our room over looked a plaza that had several bars and an adult entertainment business which was very loud well into the early hours of the morning. I booked the room while we were on the road, so was unable to print out a reservation confirmation which would have alerted us to the change. I don't know how we ended up with Sunderland, but discovered Durham had rooms, so suspect it wasn't due to Durham being fully booked. The Durham inn was fine (we stayed there the subsequent night), but you should mention their "breakfast" is delivered to the room and consists of cold, pre-packaged food which isn't remotely worth the price charged, esp. in Durham which has a restaurant attached which charges for the meal, but would have beat the "picnic" by a mile!

Lyn Morris in Houston, TX USA 06/09/2008

Best: Lygon Arms Hotel, Chipping Campden, Cotswolds
Why: The hotel and its location, the breakfast, our room - everything was absolutely beautiful and perfect! We stayed for three nights (April 2008)and hated to leave. The meadow in back with the public footpath was great for taking a nice walk amongst the sheep - if I could return tomorrow, I would. Thanks for the recommendation, Rick!

Deb Nilson in West Suffield, CT USA 05/22/2008

Best: Premier Inn, Caerphilly, Wales, Lauristen Place, Ediburgh Scotland, County Hall London
Why: Reasonable cost, clean and effiecient and located throughout the UK. We traveled in early April to Wales to attend my wife's brothers wedding. We were booked into Premier Inn in Wales by the brides family. We planned to travel up to Edinburgh and then to London after the wedding. Rick's guide recommended the Premier Inn, County Hall in London. We decided to stay at the Premier Inn in Edinburgh as well. This is a very well run, though basic, hotel chain. The staff at all of the hotels we stayed at were friendly and very helpful, the rooms were clean, and the food was good. I would certainly spring for the breakfast (7.50 pounds, all you can eat)as it can get you through lunch. Each hotel was pretty much all the same. I am interested to see if the chain continues to maintain its high degree of quality over time.

Worst: Premier Inn, County Hall London
Why: Not really a worst; just something that was noticed because we stayed in different Premier Inn's in the UK - breakfast at this location is especially crowded and you may want to go early at this location as it is set up as a buffet rather than the table service given at the other locations. Probably because of the large number of people staying at this London location.

Mark in Durham, NC USA 04/29/2008

Best: Cherry Court Hotel, London
Why: The management was very friendly and helpful. Since we had 4 adults, we had the largest room with 3 twins and a double. There was plenty of room for everyone. Breakfast was a basket kept full of fruit, juice and crackers. The air conditioning was incredibly quiet. Although they could use free internet, rather than one computer for everyone to use.

Sherry in Spokane, WA USA 03/08/2008

Best: Winchester B&B, London
Why: Friendly and helpful staff. Good location close to Victoria Station to get to anywhere. Our room was small, 9 x 15 ft, as we expected from european rooms. The breakfast was very good and good taverns close by with good food and drink at night.

John in Minneapolis, MN USA 12/03/2007

Best: Woodville House, Bath
Why: We cannot speak too highly of our experience of Anne Toalster's hospitality. We were the only guests on Bank Holiday Weekend in August, at a very reasonable tarrif (45 pounds/night) and just loved her friendly warmth and delicious and generous breakfasts. Nothing was too much trouble and Anne went out of her way to ensure our stay in Bath was unforgettable. Highly recommended!

June Williams in Auckland, New Zealand 11/08/2007

Best: Noel Arms Hotel, Chipping Campden
Why: The hotel's hunting-lodge feel was exactly what we were looking for in this part of our trip. Our room had great architectural details and an amazing carved-wood four-post bed, there was a great pub in the hotel, and it was located right in the heart of town.

Amy Kozusko in Pittsburgh, PA USA 10/29/2007

Best: Morgan House In London & The Henry in Bath
Why: It is a well-run, clean, reasonably priced guest house in a convenient location near Victoria, but not too near. The breakfasts were great and individually prepared. Nice neighborhood. I like to start my trips in England by traveling to Bath and staying at the Henry for a few days. The owners/managers are great people. My home-away-from home.

Swan in Napa, CA USA 10/29/2007

Best: Chestnuts House B & B
Why: What a fantastic place - our room was large, well decorated and very clean. The bathroom was spotless with a tub/shower. Our host was terrific and served a wonderful breakfast each morning. This is truly one of the nicest B & B's we have stayed in during our European travels. www.chestnutshouse.co.uk

Al and Mary Hermansen

Allan Hermansen in Delano, MN USA 10/25/2007

Best: Morgan Guest House, London
Why: Clean, comfortable, great location, reasonably priced, good breakfast

Chris Johnson in Marion, IA USA 10/24/2007

Best: Adelphia Guesthouse -Stratford Upon Avon
Why: Easy to walk from the train station, easy walk to town plus the most comfortable bes I have ever slept in. The food in the morning was the best too as well. It kept me filled up till I late afternoon for a "tea time" so it really was great not to have to spend all my $$$ on food. Ellen & Martin even gave a huge discount for me staying 6 nights and let me check in several hours early without any problems and even check out a little later so that I would not have to wait forever in the rain at the train station! I would highly recommend!!!! It was a great place to base my vacation from in England. It was very practical.

Worst: The Britannia -Birmingham,UK
Why: Mainly it was under construction without any notice as I had just booked it days before but when I arrived you could tell it was well under construction for quite some time. Some of the ammenities were not available. The bed was horrible and you could every single noise not only from other rooms but from outside as well. It was dark and dingy in the room, which was outdated. And there was no where to plug anything in except where the non-working television was plugged in at. I wasn't impressed at all and saw very little discount for the shabby rooms and limited services due to construction. The room was nothing like "older" reviews or even the photos on-line. Still trying to figure out where those pictures came from!

Leslie Hickman in Tulsa, OK USA 10/19/2007

Best: Camilla House Penzance
Why: Very Modern Rooms. Simon and Susan were gracious hosts. Nice view of the bay and beyond. They were very helpful and had a few Cornwal guest to help with local color. Good breakfast.

Worst: Morgan House London
Why: Spartan room with unusable sink. The room was over a busy noisy street. Sparse breakfast. Plus side - Fernanda the manage was very helpful and location was very convenient.

Bill Ith in Olympia, WA USA 10/03/2007

Best: Holly Villa, Bath
Why: Frendly and accomidating owners. Made early breakfast for people taking Mad Max Bus tours. Had a very personal touch in room furnishings.

James Jackman in Troy, NY USA 09/19/2007

Best: Premier Travel Inns
Why: Because priced by rooms not by the person. Favorite location is County Hall in London. Have used several throughout UK.

K. Heslop in Incline Village, NV USA 08/07/2007

Worst: The Old Stocks Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
Why: The managers (and I suspect owners) of this hotel were extremely rude to us during our stay. Their rude comments in front of other patrons, about our choosing to eat dinner at another estabishment were both insulting and embarrasing. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

Sharon and Michael Vallant in Auckland, New Zealand 07/04/2007

Best: Camilla House in Penzance
Why: The whole house was lovely, and our room was large, very clean and well cared for. All the little niceties were provided. Very handy location. Best of all, the owners are extremely helpful, from suggesting restaurants for dinner to providing maps and suggestions for your day. We would definitely stay there again.

S Haggarty in Peterborough, on Canada 06/11/2007

Worst: Parkside Guest House, Bath
Why: Landlady is a grouch.

Use of a phone was not permitted. Instead she sent us down to a phone box on a noisy main road.

The show water pressure was low and difficult to adjust, and bath towels were like sandpaper.

As we were ready to pay and depart, she announced that using a credit card would cost us another 3%.

Avoid it like the plague.

[Editor's Note: Most B&Bs are reluctant to let guests use their private phone as they generally pay by the minute for all calls from their landlines, and may have been stuck with big phone bills from previous guests. A few have pay phones installed that take coins. In our 2008 edition, we recommend buying a cheap UK cell phone on arrival (about $20) and buying minutes for it as needed.]

William Bentsen in Chicago, IL USA 05/18/2007

Best: The Ayrlington in Bath, England
Why: Very pretty quiet small hotel with lovely garden in the back. Please be aware that there is no lift, so you need to take your suitcase up yourself. We stayed on the 3rd floor.

Worst: The Quality Hotel Westminster, London
Why: Very good location, very inexpensive because paid direct to hotel for 61GBP/night. Good breakfast. But please let the readers know that the wall is so thin that you can hear your next door neighbors embarassingly.

Mimi Dixon in Seattle, WA USA 04/17/2007

Best: Travelodge (York)
Why: Well, not "best," but certainly quite adequate for the GBP26 we paid through the Internet special. The room was clean and comfortable, the staff friendly, and the food in the restaurant inexpensive and good for breakfast. For the price, it was fabulous!

Jeff Cole in Beaver Falls, PA USA 03/09/2007