London 2010

Best and worst accommodations:

Worst: Take off reccomended list - new ownership
Why: Outrageous Customer Service Do not stays at the Harcourt House, Tophams, or Parklane Mews, all owned by the same group.

I booked a room at the Harcourt House on Oct 15th, 2009 and received an email confirmation on Oct 16th for three nights at 90 GBP each night. Upon check in seven days later the reception proceeded to tell me the rate was recently changed for Sat night to 139 GBP. She told me that Harcourt was recently bought out in the last few weeks and the rate was changed. Even though I had a confirmation from just seven days earlier she refused to accept it. She basically stonewalled me with the following statements: well we are not changing the other two nights.... I don't have responsibility to revise the rate.... there is no manager on duty... I can't provide his phone number. So as it was ten o'clock at night, I requested to have a manger call me the next day - no call. This person had no customer service skills, compassion, nor did she attempt to apologize. Her tone and body language was take it or leave it.

I did email upon my return, had a back and forth. Their logic was even more outrageous.

Donald Smullen in Oreland, PA USA 11/10/2009

Best: BLADES HOTEL
Why: Coming from New York I moved to the UK 2 years ago but still use my Rick Steves guides to get around Europe and ofcourse check out this site. With some friends we recently stayed in the Blades Hotel in central London - awesome location, we were in walking distance of the palace, Big Ben and so many places it was easier to walk, even though the local transport if brilliant. The hotel is actually a bed and breakfast, very clean and truly friendly with buckets of tourist advice available from the staff. Excellent buffet breakfast. Certainly not a hotel for those frightened of a few stairs, though I suppose you can ask for a lower floor room. I can understand why this hotel is recommended. Found booking direct saved me nearly $20 per night: info@blades-hotel.co.uk

Simon Harper in New York, NY USA 11/08/2009

Best: Luna Simone Hotel
Why: At a 100 pounds a night with breakfast it was a great value for London, fully functional, safe, and well run place to stay.

Leon in Colorado Springs, USA 11/06/2009

Best: Brock's Guest House (Bath) and Aster House (So. Kensington)
Why: Brock's was quiet, clean and had spacious bedroom and bathroom, excellent breakfast to order. Aster House was a pleasant respite after a busy day of sightseeing. Close to So. Kensington tube station, which has Picadilly, Circle and District Lines. Room and bathroom were smaller, but very nicely appointed and a powerful shower. Breakfast was buffet style, but very good and served in the lovely Orangerie. Leonie Tan was very pleasant and helpful. I was able to use my laptop and Wi-Fi at no charge, although signal strength was best on ground level.

Janelle Sanda in Fargo, ND USA 11/01/2009

Best: Number 16 Hotel
Why: Wow! Great location and superb staff and service. Loved the salons and public spaces...really helped make our London visit memorable.

Lori Ecklebe in Omaha, NE USA 10/25/2009

Best: Lime Tree
Why: wonderful staff! We stayed for a week in Mar'09 ... got upgraded to a larger room. Lovely. Breakfast good too. location near Victoria (both train and coach) very convenient. I'd stay here again very happily.

edna in murphey, ky USA 09/15/2009

Best: Cartref House
Why: Friendly owners, close to Victoria Station, good place to stay if leaving or arriving by train or bus.

Laura Wilson in Fredericksburg, TX USA 09/05/2009

Best: Lime Tree Hotel
Why: We stayed here in late May, arriving exhausted after 24 hours of travel from rural Oregon, to a warm welcome! Clean, comfortable room, friendly staff, great breakfast, quiet neighborhood with good nearby pubs. Unqualified recommendation!

Laurie Power in Creswell, OR USA 07/28/2009

Best: Lime Tree Hotel
Why: Fantastic! Great breakfasts and helpfull staff.

Worst: Parade Park, Bath
Why: Impossible to sleep in this hotel: no A/C so window must remain open-there are very loud seagulls most hours of the day that you can still hear through earplugs. There is also a bar/pub in front of the hotel which can be loud late at night and I was harrassed by drunk men while trying to enter the hotel. Overpriced for what you get at the hotel.

Joy in Dayton, OH USA 07/23/2009

Best: The Westland hotel
Why: Not able to draw comparisons and we just dropped anchor at this hotel for 9 days. very clean, small hotel across the road from Kensington Gardens. about a two city block walk to a tube station. They put us in a back room (very quiet). The staff were very friendly and the breakfasts were great. Ian at the front desk was very helpful with directions and tips on good pubs and many other things. Oh Yes! We got a 10% discount on our bill for presenting the London 2009 Book when we checked in.

Eric Sykes in Vancouver, . Canada 07/20/2009

Best: Cartref House
Why: Sharon was amazing. Lots of information and helpful tips. Wonderful breakfasts. Very comfortable home. We loved being within easy walking of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Carolyn in Smith, CA USA 07/14/2009

Best: Cartref House
Why: Sharon was amazing. Lots of information and helpful tips. Wonderful breakfasts. Very comfortable home. We loved being within easy walking of Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Carolyn in Smith, CA USA 07/14/2009

Best: Blades Hotel
Why: The location is great, really a charming area and as it boasts - it is walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster and so many historic places. Ideal for shopping and the theatre (see Kevin about discount tickets). The hotel is run by this exccentric but caring guy - Kevin. He not only checks out daily the royal family's appearances around town but if in doubt he actually calls Buckingham Palace to check out times - really wild. On previous visits to London the breakfast time can be a strain with no atmosphere, at Blades its like a big family room of every nationality and all enjoying themselves. A great time to ask the host to help plan your day. Good value, great location, superb host. If a little older ask for a lower floor room - no elevator, bathrooms small but everything very clean. We booked direct and saved over 20 dollars a night: info@blades-hotel.co.uk

Susan and David Wilde in San Jose, CA USA 07/04/2009

Best: Cherry Court Hotel - London
Why: The Patels, the location, and the cost make Cherry Court a perpetual favorite for me. It had been six years since I spent three weeks at Cherry Court. Contrary to some other posts, I found the hotel to be even better than that first stay with some new rooms and definite "refreshing." More importantly, the Patels remain the epitome of graciousness. How could it not be like "coming home" when, as soon as you arrive, Mrs. Patel looks up and beams as she calls you by name. It was the first trip to London for my 14 year old niece and she too loved the quaint yet comfortable accomodations. Of course, the internet access, next door animal hospital, and great neighborhood pub were also pluses in her eyes. Fully hope that it will not be six years before I have the chance to call Cherry Court home again.

Candace J Head in Woodbury, GA USA 06/21/2009

Worst: Cherry Court Hotel, London
Why: To echo what a fellow poster previously wrote, the Patel family is great, but the room was incredibly dingy. I stayed at other recommended low cost accommodations in Paris and Amsterdam and they were far superior to the Cherry Court Hotel. I never felt clean there. As a Brooklynite, the size of the room didn't bother me, but the uncleanliness did. On the plus side, the location of the hotel was great and were thankful for use of the computer in the lobby. Wifi doesn't do us any good as we don't travel with laptops.

Jessica in Brooklyn, NY USA 06/02/2009

Best: Hotel Indigo - London Paddington
Why: Not a Rick recommendation, but should be. We found the hotel on Priceline.com. The room was modern, clean and pretty large, especially by London standards. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel is located only a few short blocks from Paddington rail and tube station with direct access to Heathrow. A great place to stay.

traveldorks in Okie, USA 04/22/2009

Best:
Why: We used priceline.com and stayed at the Copthorne Tara hotel off High Street Kensington. It was a great deal and great hotel.

Catherine Conger in Greenville, SC USA 04/19/2009

Best: Three Abbey Green
Why: The accomodations here were gorgeous and the host and hostess (and family) were wonderful and helpful. It was well worth it, especially the location - on doorstep of the Abbey!

Worst: Kensington Garden Hotel
Why: PLEASE advise readers that they do not offer full service and key is to be dropped off and picked up so people cannot easily come and go as they please. Also, rooms are not well maintained, it is falling into disrepair and reception is 8-6 only with issues of mold and stains.

Andrew Goldman in Crystal Lake, IL USA 03/29/2009

Best: The Elizabeth Hotel,Eccelston Square, London
Why: Comfortable, large rooms. We stayed in a Studio Apartment for two weeks (Feb.1--14, 2009)for a special winter discounted rate, which allowed us to prepare our own food part of the time--a large advantage in pricey London. The classy, free breakfasts are probably the best in London with an attractive breakfast room, efficient and friendly waitresses who cook to order--eggs anyway you want them, with mushrooms, tomato, ham and sausage. The housekeeping was good, with changed towels and bed making daily, and the reception staff was generally friendly, some more than others. The location is convenient: five minutes from Victoria Station and the tube, two minutes from the Central Bus Station, which gives access to and from Heathrow Airport for 4 pounds (2 pounds if over 60!) The area is quiet at night and the streets seemed generally safe.

Jack M. Potter in Olympia, WA USA 02/16/2009

Best: Blades Hotel (again)
Why: A lot has been said about this little hotel (16 rooms). Expect limitations on shower sizes and stairs as you get in most European bed and breakfast establishments but Blades Hotel is central, great staff and ver helpful. They discount direct bookings. We found the hotel uased by a number of nationalities and breakfast was a fun time with a good buffet and a great atmosphere.

Patrick Finlay in Toronto, Canada 02/14/2009

Worst: Hotel Section
Why: Might be helpful to have a section on hotels that cater to families, or that can at least fit them in!

Randy Lynch in Stuttgart, Germany 01/01/2009

Best: Blades Hotel
Why: I just got back yesterday from my 8-day stay at the Blades Hotel, conveniently located near the Pimlico Tube station. Kevin, the amusing and dedicated Manager, outdid himself on December 3rd by organizing a group of us lodgers for a trip to Whitehall to see the Queen ride by in the Royal Coach to open Parliament. We then trooped inside The Red Lion pub to watch the Queen give her speech on TV, rushing outside afterwards to watch the Queen ride by in reverse. We had a great time and I'll be using the Blades Hotel for all my future stays in London.

Kay Richards in Seattle, WA USA 12/09/2008

Best: Aster House
Why: Breakfast in the Orangery.

Mimi in Atlanta, GA USA 12/02/2008

Best: Blades Hotel
Why: We followed the recommendation from many of your London travelers and booked the Blade Hotel. We found the hotel very comfortable with a good breakfast and, most of all, we enjoyed the wit, wisdom and hospitality of our host Kevin.

James Leeper in Danville, IA USA 11/30/2008

Best: Rhodes Hotel
Why: The location was great. It was great to get off the Heathrow Express which ends at Paddington and not to transfer to the tube. I was traveling with my active 75 year old mom and it helped not to transfer to the Tube to go to a different area of London.

Ruth in Walnut, CA USA 11/24/2008

Best: The Blades Hotel in Pimlico near Victoria
Why: Our first visit to Europe and we found the Blades Hotel through Rick Steves. Location - excellent. We walked almost everwhere - Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, river and royal parks that were stunning. Local transport system is awesome. Around hotel great little restaurants and great English pubs with good food too. Hotel itself is actually a bed and breakfast - small but very clean and the staff were so helpful and truly friendly with endless advice on places to visit, cheap theater tickets and at the end of our 6 day stay it was like leaving friends. Warning - the hotel does not have elevators but they do have rooms on lower floors so if you have a problem tell them when booking. We had an upper floor room that had a great view over the roofs of London which we loved. We also enjoyed breakfast times as it was great hearing so many foreign voices - certainly the hotel has a lot of return guests which is a positive recommendation. We actually booked with and online agency but found that if we had booked direct we could have saved over $50. Email is info@blades-hotel.co.uk. We found it amusing that the hotel offers a book loan service that included copies of Rick Steves guide to London, which is apparently proving popular with English guests who stay at the hotel!

Danny and Kate Monaghan Wi USA 10/04/2008

Best: Garden Court Hotel, Bayswater
Why: Beautiful little room, with my own bathroom and a fan so I could dry out clothes after getting caught in a downpour. Internet, soft drinks, and even ice in the lobby. All for 43 pounds. Amazing!

Mark Spargo in Meadville, PA USA 09/06/2008

Worst: Morgan House
Why: Wireless weak to the point of non-functional, TV's work poorly (in one case remote was "lost" and TV completely inoperable). I was moved to 3 different rooms over 4 nite stay. BUT by far the worst of all, I surprised a thief in a (locked of course) 3rd floor room when I'd stepped out for literally 5 minutes, and lost my laptop, camera and other valuables at knifepoint. As "charming" as this little place seemed (have stayed there previously), I quite obviously cannot recommend staying there.

dale misenhelter in fayetteville, AR USA 07/29/2008

Best: Quality Westminster
Why: the only place we stayed; service is fair, but the location is great! so close to Victoria and a short walk to the Thames. Skip the breakfast though--it's unimpressive and expensive for what it is.

Amani in Columbus, OH USA 07/20/2008

Best: BLADES HOTEL NEAR VICTORIA STATION
Why: This small hotel has the same zip code as the Qneen. It is no palace but it clean and friendly. Great location. Great transport.. Excentric morning manager, Kevin, who actually checks out the Queens diary each day to find out for guests if she is ib town. Kevin is funny, has no respect for anyone but is loved by all. My family of 5 stayed there after a trip around Europe. Why isn't this place in thr guide books? Book through Kevin on info@blades-hotel.co.uk We now live in UK and send regards to you all.

Leo in Santfargo, USA 07/17/2008

Best: Norwegian YWCA (KFUK)
Why: Fantastic price that includes: 1. Room - they only had single rooms available when I contacted them in November for an April trip, so just know you must contact them early for a cheaper double room. This is due to the many Norwegian students who book for the academic year. But the price cannot be beat! 2. Food - Breakfast is simple and you can pack a ham sandwich (or just cheese if you're vegetarian.) Dinners are delicious so I recommend signing up for them. 3. Friendly staff - the staff is very cheerful and friendly and helpful.

Anya HI USA 07/13/2008

Worst: GALAXY LAUNDRY IN BAYSWATER
Why: Fried our clothing. I actually got the guy who speaks "English". We had carefully separated the clothing and sent nothing considered delicate, but they ruined several polyester items, including 2 pairs of slacks.

Deborah Sabolich in OKC, OK USA 07/07/2008

Best: AstorHouse
Why: We booked a room at very low budget motel, but after readign your book re-booked at the AstorHouse in S.Kensington. What a wonderful place, please keep promoting that B and B. We had such a wonderful stay there. The room was fine, very clean, the bathroom was very updated (granite counter) and the morning breakfast was fantastic.

Garret Glennon in Baltimore, MD USA 06/28/2008

Best: Cherry Court
Why: When I stayed here it was dirt cheap. The staff was very pleasant, the rooms were fine, and it was in a really nice location, close to Victoria Station.

Sue in Boston, MA USA 06/20/2008

Best: Luna & Simone Hotel
Why: Spotlessly clean, efficient, great price (for London - 80GBP) and easy transport across the street to see the sights. Yeah, the room was small but everything there for the traveller and, if it wasn't, ask the desk, they'll find it. The twin brothers (owners) are difficult to tell apart but they're both dedicated to what they do -run a very special, no surprises, family hotel. Rick, put it in your books!

Geoff in Powell River BC, Canada 06/13/2008

Best: Winchester Hotel
Why: Accomodations samll but nice and considering how EXPENSIVE London is, the 90 pounds a night was a great deal! Karim Abbey at the front desk was very helpful with recommendations, directions and even allow us the use of the computer and printer to do airline check-in and print boarding passes.

Nancy Vice in Atlanta, Ga USA 06/09/2008

Best: Garden Court Hotel
Why: We liked Garden Court Hotel very much. Homey, part of the city fabric.

Dave Lewis in Denver, CO USA 06/08/2008

Best: Garden Court Hotel, Vicarage Hotel, Lime Tree Hotel
Why: We sample several from the recommended choices and were pleased will all. Definitely felt more a part of the local neighborhood than a chain motel high rise.

Michael Dontje in Cleveland, OH USA 05/31/2008

Best: Coach House Rentals
Why: Accommodations were wonderful. Our flat on the South Bank was close to the Queen's Walk and all the great landmarks were within walking distance. The Coach House Rental staff were helpful and a pleasure.

Diane Hovenesian in Medfield, MA USA 05/26/2008

Worst: Bakers Hotel
Why: The room Quad room we stayed in basement was not clean, the bathroom was grotesque with mold and overflowing toilet. The fellow running the place rude. Even after three nights he wanted to charge us for a clean towel even though we had to switch rooms on the last night. There are MUCH BETTER choices for cheap sleeps in that neighborhood!

J in Loveland, CO USA 05/12/2008

Best: BLADES HOTEL in Central London
Why: Following comments on this Grafitti Wall we booked a family room for four in the Blades Hotel. As warned by the Rick Steves guide we were prepared for smaller bathrooms and certain other differences so we found the accommodation as expected. Our first reaction was the warm welcome and information sheet given on arrival - covered almost everything from hotel facilities, transport, eating places and general good tourist information. The hotel offers guests books, magazines and paperbacks to take or loan - with the noted exception that back copies of Rick Steves guides could only be loaned as they are proving popular even with British guests! The hotel location was perfect. Our sons enjoyed the wide selection at the buffet breakfast and found the staff full of good advice on sight seeing plus very amusing too. The localLondon transport system - buses and undergound is sensational. We had only one really bad day of weather which we spent visiting the famous musuems which are surprisingly all free. Like others, we booked direct and got a better deal than through agencies. Enquire on info@blades-hotel.co.uk Tomorrow we are heading off to Paris on the Eurostar which is very easy access on the underground from the hotel.

Pat & Anne Kerry in Tampa, FL USA 05/07/2008

Best: The Sumner Hotel
Why: This is my third stay at The Sumner, and it has never disappointed me. Very nice rooms and common areas, excellent and friendly staff, and a great rate (for London, but after all, that's where you are!). I will be back again!

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 04/26/2008

Worst: Vinopolis
Why: My husband and I thought that almost all of the wines we tasted in the 5-wine tasting (and we made sure not to overlap) were at the lower end of mediocre. In fact, one of the wines was so poor that after one sip, the woman behind the counter acknowledged how bad it was and immediately offered a better wine as a substitute. If one were a complete wine novice, such an introduction to wine would be doing it a real disservice, and if one had any knowledge about wine, well, it's almost an insult, especially at $40 each.

Ellen Melchior in Oakland, Ca USA 04/25/2008

Best:
Why: We booked before we researched the book, but we stayed in an area that Rick does not do much justice, we stayed by Victoria Station and it was very nice area.

[Editor's Note: Actually, Rick recommends quite a few places to stay near Victoria Station.]

Toni Valenzuela in Murrieta, CA USA 04/01/2008

Best: Garden Court Hotel
Why: This hotel was a very good value for London. Great access to the tube. Excellent staff that kindly waited for my very late arrival. Clean and comfortable rooms with a hospitality room equipped with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. I will definitely stay there again!

Tamara in Ardmore, OK USA 04/01/2008

Best: Three Abbey Green, Bath
Why: Three Abbey Green had very large, comfortable rooms, a lovely owner, and fantastic location.

Teresa Reveley in London, UK 03/23/2008

Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: Count me as another fan of this hotel. It is exactly what it advertises itself as: a small, quaint, well-run hotel for the independent traveler. My room was very clean, the bedding was comfortable, and the daily fruit basket was very enjoyable. It is not what you would expect in the US for the same price, but neither is anything else in London!

Cindy Henley in Eureka, CA USA 03/18/2008

Best: Premier Inn, London County Hall
Why: Excellent location, we walked across Westminster Bridge several times & Waterloo station is also close. 99 pounds each for 2 rooms sleeping 7 total seemed a very good price for being right in the heart of London. Breakfast was quite good; 7.50 was expensive but the 3 kids were free so 7 of us ate for 30 pounds which isn't quite so bad.

Rob Craig in Ellicott City, MD USA 03/15/2008

Worst: LIME TREE HOTEL
Why: I took your advice and booked this hotel for my recent 5 day trip to London. I was very disappointed in the features of the room. It was not attractive; but, more importantly, there was no heat at night. The heat is on a timer and goes off until 7:30am. There was a tiny space heater that put out NO heat, and I was freezing all night long. Finally, at 6am I went downstairs to ask if they could do something. That's when I found out the heat was on a timer and there was nothing they could do. In addition, they did not have another blanket. They provided only one scrawny towel. I asked for a face cloth, and they said it was not provided, but they could SELL me one!! For 1 pound, I could buy a threadbare face cloth. I told them I was checking out. Now they have charged me a penalty of one night because of their 72 hour cancelation policy. I am challenging this with my credit card. They are not as represented in your book or on their website, and I would NEVER recommend this hotel to anyone. I was able to move to Henley House for almost 1/2 the price. It had heat, several fluffy towels, and a beautiful room for breakfast.

MARCIA SHELTON in LITTLE ROCK, AR USA 03/10/2008

Worst: Astor Hotel, Kensington
Why: I was a lone but seasoned traveler there and I also needed to use the computer to set up future hotel reservations and deal with my bank when I first got there. The keeper was rude more than once about using the computer. It's designed so he'd have to come turn it on every time, which seemed unnecessary. After that, he always seemed too busy to help with directions in the city. I felt he avoided any contact. In fact I saw him turn and go upstairs more than once when I came through the lobby. I never felt this way in any hotel before and I will never pay 300US/day to be treated with such indifference again. I never saw the wife ONCE.

Tan Milang in Nashville, TN USA 02/22/2008

Best: Blades Hotel in central London
Why: Our son is living in London in a tiny apartment so we stayed at the much recommended Blades Hotel. It is more of a traditional guest house and lacks elevators but certainly not charm. Our room was very clean and though the bathroom was small is was adequate. We stayed for one week and found the breakfast room was always full of what seemed every nationality - all in a good mood and like us planning their day with excellent help and advice from the Blades friendly staff. Added to our pleasure was that when the hotel staff realised our son lived nearby they insisted he join us each morning for breakfast and refused to accept any extra payment. We noticed they have a room rate leaflet for 'direct bookings' that saved us over ten dollars per night, so if you are intrested in staying there then contact them on info@blades-hotel.co.uk Finally we were in a great location - we walked almost everywhere.

Cindy and Ryan Donovan in Toronto, Canada 02/15/2008

Worst: Elizabeth House
Why: Many of the concerns have been described by other readers. It is described in the guidebook as "spartan," which to me connotes Motel 6 -- uninspiring but clean. However, there were so many problems with the room that I don't know where to start. We paid for a "quad" but received only three beds, pressed next to each other. My mattressed sagged to the right; I asked them twice to replace it, but they never did. As a result, I spent four nights sleeping downhill. There was gum on the radiator and the room was overheated. There were plaster holes and the carpet was dirty, and my wife complained of flea bites. There was no maid service, so we had to get our own replacement sheets and towels. The "breakfast" was instant coffee and toast. The best thing I can say about it is that it was cheap and it had a (not particularly clean) "guest kitchen" that enabled us to cook a couple dinners, and save some $ in London, which is the most expensive city (including New York) that I have ever been in. However, unless you are truly on a budget, there is no reason to stay here, and absolutely no reason why this should be recommended in the guidebook, which is otherwise excellent and incredibly helpful.

Jerry Miller in Oak Park, CA USA 01/05/2008

Best: Jurys Kensington
Why: Found staff to be professional and very personable with our requests for information, getting change, ice, etc. Full breakfast included for seven nights for double twin beds was $1,548 Canadian, staying over Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Helen Read in Calgary, AB Canada 01/03/2008

Best: BLADES HOTEL
Why: I am staying for a year in Manchester (a city a couple of hundred miles from London) on business but go to London once a month for a long weekend. Stayed in a variety of small bed and breakfast establishments but found Blades Hotel through this site. I am treated like one of the family each time I return. The location is unbeatable. Blades was in times gone by a private house so don't ecpect elevators but its very clean, reasonably priced in London terms and certainly friendly. They also put them selves out to inform visitors of events going on in the city. Check it out: www.blades-hotel.co.uk

Steve Lindstrom in Tampa, Fl USA 11/27/2007

Best: Lombard House Hotel, Penzance
Why: The room was lovely, the view was beautiful, and the proprietors were unbelievably friendly, helpful, informative, and attentive.

Worst: Elizabeth House Hotel, London
Why: In the guidebook, it was described as the best cheap place in London, but spartan. I was expecting Motel 6. What I got was many steps below that. It seemed clean, but I have never seen such a small bathroom. There had been repairs to the walls, and they had not been painted. There were holes around the pipes. I would not recommend it unless you're desperate.

Gail Keeter in Sacramento, CA USA 10/18/2007

Best: Ramada Encore West London
Why: The hotel is very modern with clean and spacious rooms. Tube station is a short walk(about a couple minutes) from the hotel and the city center is just a few stops. The service was excellent too!

Sherry in Auburn, WA USA 10/10/2007

Best: London Coach House Rentals
Why: the apartment was comfortable and the service provided by the rental company was excellent.

Helen Smith in Manchester, United Kingdom 10/03/2007

Best: Blades
Why: We stayed at the Best Western in Pimlico this time due to frequent traveler points. We normally stay at the Blades (across the street). The rooms were very nice at the Best Western but the staff was less than friendly. In fact, you had to speak to them first. We found that we missed the warmth of Kevin at the Blades. We ended up popping over just to say "hi" and get the latest scoop on what to do and where to go.

Beth Hutten in Winter Haven, FL USA 09/29/2007

Best: London School of Economics
Why: Stayed at Carr Saunders hall in a dorm room for $60 a night, including full breakfast. While very basic (bathrooms down the hall, no TV etc.) the bed was good, the breakfast big and the whole facility was very clean. For the money it was tough to beat.

J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, FL USA 09/27/2007

Best: BLADES HOTEL
Why: While in London in a not very pleasant hotel we met another American couple who recommended the Blades Hotel. As we were returning to London at the end of our trip we cancelled our reservations at the first hotel and had a four day stay at Blades. First of all the location was perfect - as the morning host, Kevin, boasted "we have the same postcode (zip code) as the Queen, the Cardinal and the Prime Minister". Our room was always very clean, the hotel being in a converted Victorian house lacks an elevator or large bathroom (as did all the hotels we stayed in in Europe) but what it lacked in some things it made up for in others. Excellent help on planning our days out, great guidance on arrival to all local places to dine, travel information, theatre recommendations and above all a truly excellent buffet breakfast in a very nice bright breakfast room - a great way to start the day. Since staying at the Blades we have realised other Rick Steves readers have recommended it to. We booked direct (info@blades-hotel.co.uk)

Worst: Huttons Hotel
Why: Unhelpful staff and we were just numbers - management didn't seem to care at all.

Neil in Tampa, FL USA 09/06/2007

Worst: Morgan House
Why: Our room was tiny (we had to turn sideways for two people to pass each other). There is a shared bathroom and the shower was also quite tiny. For the price, it is not such a good deal. However, the breakfast was substantial and the host was very nice.

M. Weber in Merion, PA USA 09/05/2007

Best: Sumner Hotel
Why: Nice, new, modern-style hotel. It felt good returning there after a full day of sightseeing, dining, etc.

Ron in Damascus, MD USA 09/04/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: Pros: Their prices could not be beat given how terrible the dollar exchange rate is right now, and the Patels are very kind. Fruit basket also kept us healthy with all our eating out. Cons: We were warned the rooms were small, so it's no one's fault but ours. But the space was so tiny that the only function of the room was truly to sleep. We had to keep all our stuff in our backpacks because there was no space to keep any clothes out. We realize now how important it is to have a room with at least enough space to return to during the day to recharge. We avoided going back until late at night because we couldn't really relax there. Still, great for a budget.

Aimee in Oakland, CA USA 08/26/2007

Best: Aster House - South Kensington
Why: What a great location! Loved the South Kensington Area! Amazing how easy to take the Picadilly Line from airport right to our doorstep! The Tans gave us step by step directions once we reached South Kensington stop.

Sharon & Leo Marty in Olympia, WA USA 08/21/2007

Best: Premier Travel Inn County Hall (family room)
Why: VERY spacious, clean room. Location next to all the activity at London Eye was great--our 11 year old loved the playground and we loved people watching. There's no air conditioning, but our room had a fan and we were fine (early August).

Worst: Cherry Court Hotel (family room)
Why: We had booked at Cherry Court because of all the great reviews. The family room is in the basement (with windows on the back smoking patio). The sink and shower didn't drain, and the shower was very mildewy (not good for allergies). The sink was so small we absolutely couldn't rinse out our socks, etc. On the good side, the fruit basket was nice, and we were able to cancel the remainder of our reservation and move elsewhere.

Beth in Pullman, WA USA 08/13/2007

Best: Premiere Travel Inn - London County Hall
Why: We really were quite pleased with our stay in this hotel (we specifically booked there because of the guidebook recommendation.) It's a VERY convenient location and the room was great. Couldn't be happier with the room! Thanks!

Jennifer Graf in Hellertown, PA USA 08/12/2007

Best: Premier Travel Inn London County-Hall
Why: The location right at the London Eye overlooking the Jubilee Garden and across the bridge from Big Ben was ideal. The Waterloo, Westminster and Embankment Tube stops were all nearby. Our Sunday stay include 2 free tickets on the London Eye and River Thames cruises which saved our family of 4 around 75 G.B. P. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good and for 7.50 per adult and children under 16 free, it was a good deal for our family.

John USA 07/14/2007

Best: Garden Court Hotel
Why: Great location, the neighborhood is great ! The staff couldn't have been more helpful. We loved the clean airy room overlooking the square. Great trees. We will be back. About a 15-20 minute walk from Paddington (Heathrow Express).

Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/03/2007

Best: Vandon House Hotel
Why: I stayed here for 12 nights in May, 2006. It was basic, but clean, and in a perfect location for seeing London.

Merilyn Lee in Columbus, OH USA 06/24/2007

Worst: Bakers Hotel on Warwick Way, London
Why: Although the price and location were good, the triple room we reserved was so small, there was no room to put our luggage. The room consisted of 3 twin beds pushed together, a small chair we had to put in the hall, a sink, and a small (18" wide) cabinet that held about 9 hangers. We had to stack our small suitcases on top of one another to open the door enough to get in and out. It wasn't worth the savings.

Terri Greene in Tampa, FL USA 06/15/2007

Best: Lynton House Hotel
Why: I have stayed at the Lynton House again and again since 1982. It is our home away from home! Back then Mary and George Batey ran the B & B, Now that they are gone their grandsons, Simon and Mark are taking care of us.

The Lynton House is located at 113 Ebury St, Belgravia, SW1. (It's on the same street as Morgan House, The Lime Tree and a few others.) We take the National Express coach from Heathrow to Victoria Coach Station, one block away, it's only 4 Pounds!

From Ebury St. you can walk to Victoria Station, Buckingham Palace and the Chelsea area, it is very convenient.

I know a lot of other hotels and B & B's get all the attention but you can't lose with Simon and Mark. Just to let you know, the rooms are not fancy but very clean and comfy. AND, in the price you get a HUGE full English Breakfast every morning, if you choose, (ham, sausage, beans, tomato, eggs, juice, tea/coffee, cereal or any combo you wish.) There's a small patio out back to rest your weary bones after a full day out. Give it a try next time. E-Mail me if you want more details: Laurettak6161@aol.com

Their website is Lyntonhotel.co.uk

Lauretta in Oakland, Ca USA 06/13/2007

Best: The Sumner Hotel
Why: Fantastic in every way. I plan to stay there again in December 2007.

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 06/07/2007

Best: Morgan House Guest House Ebury Street London
Why: Rachel sure is a wonderful hostess and the value is sure there for staying so close to the Victoria Coach Station and Victoria Station (underground and train). We were very impressed when she told us that either Rick himself or a staff member visits each year before the new printing of the guidebook to ensure that nothing has changed from the year before.

Cathy Meir in Richmond, BC Canada 05/25/2007

Worst: Lime Tree Hotel, near Victoria, London
Why: No face cloths. TINY showers. They didn't provide enough soap and the breakfasts were bland and the same each day. Not enough variety. Otherwise, they staff was friendly and helpful.

Diane in Mansfield, PA USA 05/25/2007

Best: Club Quarters Trafalgar Square
Why: Ended a three week stay in England with a stay at the Club Quarters - setting up our return to SFO. Very clean, new, and right in the center of EVERYTHING. Very good weekend rates - try Londontown.com. Its so new right now that they still do not have their resturant open, but clean, clean, clean!

Jim Punches in Aptos, CA USA 05/24/2007

Best: Darlington Hotel
Why: Very clean and well priced hotel. Two blocks from the Paddington Station, so very convienient to/from Heathrow. Ask for rooms in the back. We spent a week there with the windows open and heard NOTHING. Best breakfast during the entire trip. Elevator is a little slow - but not a big problem. Number 7 bus goes right to the British Museum, Number 15 to Trafalgar Square. Stops 50 yards from hotel.

Jim Punches in Aptos, CA USA 05/24/2007

Best: Brock's Guest House (Bath)Broand Aster House
Why: Brock's: Very comfortable and well decorated rooms, Best Breakfast in England, cooked to order Aster House:Always excellent

sharon quinn in Grafton, Wi USA 05/18/2007

Worst: Garden Court Hotel - London
Why: Location is great and staff is friendly. But the room was terrible. It obviously was previously a closet and smelled like mold and mildew. The Garden Court is really a budget choice and no one should have any expectations that it is beyond that.

David in McDonald, CA USA 05/15/2007

Best: Lime Tree Hotel
Why: Owner was alway there to talk and help us. The breakfast was great as the selections was great and the bed was comfortable.

Jerry DeWitt in franklin, tn USA 05/09/2007

Best: Garden Court Hotel
Why: Amy and Alyza at the front desk were outstanding. The ladies at breakfast were so nice. The cleanliness of the entire hotel. The special little reading room with coffee, tea, hot chocolate always available that opened to the garden. The availability of the internet and elevator. The neighborhood's location. Just perfect!

D.Kronus in Bradenton, FL USA 05/08/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel, London
Why: Even though our family room was small, we were so impressed with the cleanliness and friendliness of the Patels. Cherry Court is so convenient, especially if you are traveling from Gatwick. It is less than a 5 minute walk from Victoria Station.

K Payst in Delanson, NY USA 05/04/2007

Best: Blades Hotel, Belgrave Road
Why: Small room and tiny bathroom, but that was expected for the pirce. The hotel was very clean and the staff was very helpful.

Tom and Kathy Stone in Orange, CT USA 04/22/2007

Best: Garden Court Hotel
Why: Great value, location and hospitality.

JS CA USA 04/08/2007

Best: Limetree Hotel
Why: They were so accomodating after our experience at Colin House. They squeezed us in. The exact opposite of Colin House. Clean, wonderful, happy, cheerful.

Worst: Colin House
Why: While our guidebook described it as clean and well run, it is anything BUT. Room 11 had some kind of dark brown stains on the ceiling (coffee?), the wall paper was peeling off, there were holes in the wall, the shower stall was filled with mold and the tiles on the bathroom floor had come completely loose and were filled with mold. There was used soap in the shower and garbage in the closet. The next morning I went downstairs to use the Internet and heard the night clerk tell the desk clerk about six or seven guests who had decided to leave. It was dirty and disgusting.

A Henry in Portland, OR USA 04/06/2007

Best: St. Davids & Norfolk Court Hotel, London
Why: Family run, full English breakfast included in the daily rate, clean, friendly, and best of all, one block from Paddington Station. We easily took the tube and the trains from there to Scotland, to the station to catch the Eurostar to Paris, and to every great site in London with no problems ever. Buy the 7-day oyster pass which includes the Docklands Light Rail trains(DLR) which go to Greenwich.

George Glines in Independence, KS USA 03/30/2007

Best: The Sumner Hotel, Marble Arch
Why: We just returned from an 8-day stay at The Sumner Hotel. We loved everything about it: the rooms and common areas are nicely designed, the breakfast (in a cheery room in the basement) was very good, and, most importantly, the staff were friendly and accomodating, without exception. The Sumner is also an excellent value for London. (In fact, I am almost afraid to post this comment, for fear that it will become so popular that the rates will rise!) The Sumner made our stay memorable and comfortable, and I will definitely go back!

Alison in Chicago, IL USA 03/26/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: We spent 7 nights climbing to Room 9 on the top floor and would willingly do it again! Our room and bathroom were clean and quiet. The location is fantastic. It is just a couple of blocks to Victoria Station which has train and tube connections to anywhere you might like to go. Also plenty of fast food and regular restaurants from which to choose. The station has two of London's great theaters right across the street for those would enjoy a theater experience within walking distance.

Harriet Scott in Palm Desert, CA USA 03/25/2007

Best: The Luna Simone Hotel
Why: We have stayed at this hotel numerous times over the past ten years and it just keeps getting better. We absolutely love it there - the No. 24 bus stops right outside the front door and it goes to lots of the big name tourist sites. It's a short walk to the Tate Modern and in between two tube stops, the Pimlico and Victoria Station. The neighborhood is safe and there is a grocery store, a pharmacy, a laundromat and loads of restaurants nearby. The rooms are modern and clean and the breakfast is great - we always meet interesting travelers at other tables at breakfast. But best of all is the staff - they are so friendly and cheerful and funny. It is all of them that keep us coming back year after year!

Annie in Palo Alto, CA USA 03/09/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel, Hugh St.
Why: Wonderfully friendly and helpful, clean modern rooms, very reasonably priced - a friend recommended it to me this year, and this is where i'll be staying from now on.

alex in San Francisco, CA USA 03/06/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: Excellent service, price was right, location can't be beat

J. Rich in Providence, RI USA 02/25/2007

Best: Lawn Guest House, Gatwick
Why: Efficient, friendly, free transportaion to & from airport, delicious & generous breakfast, restaurants and grocery store nearby, great price, comfortable beds, an en-suite family room that sleeps 5, helpful hosts...you get the idea!

Beth in Huntsville, AL USA 02/16/2007

Best: Cherry Court, good and bad
Why: During a 12 day trip to the UK in Aug/Sept of 2006, we spent four nights at the Cherry Court Hotel. We were traveling with another couple and had two rooms across from each other. On the plus side is its very convenient location to Victoria Station and its cost. We were thoughly prepared for the rooms to be small and tiny bathrooms, so that was not a problem.

I feel they have been somewhat neglectful with maintainence. The faucet in the bathroom sink would not shut off completely, the toilet seat would not stay centered on the toilet, burned out light bulb by the bed. I had told our friends that when they needed clean towels to leave their towels on the floor - which they did after two days use. When they returned to their room that afternoon, the towels were still on the floor. They also didn't eat everything in the fruit basket one day and had set the un-eaten items aside. When they returned, the fruit they had set aside was gone and there was a new fruit basket. After reading nothing but positive reviews of the Cherry Court, I must say it was not up to what I had expected.

When we returned back to London for three more nights, we stayed at the Lime Tree Hotel - a bit more money, but well worth the difference. The Lime Tree also had a full English breakfast which was a great way to start the day. While we were at the Lime Tree, there was also a Rick Steves Tour coming there. I wonder if Rick has had any of his tours stay at the Cherry Court lately. This was our third trip to London and our first time staying at the Cherry Court Hotel. We will not stay there again.

Fred Boley in Vancouver,, WA USA 02/04/2007

Best:
Why: I don't think it was recommended but we stayed at Citadines apartment/hotel in Holburn. Great location and saved money using the kitchen. They only changed sheets once a week- fine with us. Washer and dryer off the lobby.

Nancy Mulder in Minneapolis, MN USA 01/28/2007

Best: Le Meridien
Why: FREE WITH HOTEL POINTS!! This hotel has character - and a pool. If you can get a good price, the location is great - steps from the Picadilly Circus tube stop.

Beth AL USA 01/22/2007

Best: The Winchester Hotel
Why: We absolutely ADORED the Winchester Hotel. Its location was both charming and convenient, located blocks away from Victoria Station and access to all of the city. But what made this bed and breakfast stand out was the staff who consistently went out of their way to help-a quality that can really influence your experience in an unfamiliar city. From booking our theatre tickets and tickets to sights like London Eye, Tower of London, and Original Bus Tour (so that you don't have to wait in line), to answering questions without acting put out, these people were genuinely kind. One desk attendant even exchanged my expired currency for a new bill, reassuring me that she would just trade it in next time she went to the bank. The included breakfast was a nice way to start the day, especially in such an expensive city. The room was good size and clean, but not glamorous by any means. With no elevator, the steep stairs may be too much for some guests. And the shower was so small I had bruises on my elbows from smacking them on the walls every morning washing my hair. But it's Europe, not America, and if you're realistic about the age and size of buildings before you set out, then somehow the elbow bruises seem a little more humorous than frustrating.

Jenny in Camas, WA USA 01/20/2007

Best: Cherry Court Hotel
Why: The hotel was lovely, though I must confess the 52 stairs to room 9 on the top floor was a bit hard on my mother. The Patels are very friendly, and recommended a GREAT Indian restaurant on Wilton Road--New Jomuna. St. George's Tavern on the corner has great food (try the steak & ale pie and the bangers & mash!) and good bitter. The Marquis of Westminster, down the road a bit, is quieter and cozier, but not as convenient. The room, while small, was perfectly adequate, and the shower had great water pressure and lots of hot water.

Carrie McKenzie in Wauwatosa, WI USA 01/04/2007