By D.C. Winston
A classic European city with a modern global vibe, London has thousands of hotels, some more and some less spectacular than others at every price point. So while hotel bargains in London are rare, true value at every price can be found, and awe-inspiring hotel experiences abound. Narrowing down hotel research to manageable proportions can be a daunting process and a personal guide can help you to identify your best options and make decisions that will ensure a happy stay in one of the great cities in the world.
The Cavendish London
Heavenly boutique home away from home that, while not cheap, is a value for the quality in a stellar central location. Nice and professional staff, good wireless, breakfast and easy online booking capabilities with occasional deals.
81 Jermyn Street
St James's, London SW1Y6JF
thecavendish-london.com
41 Hotel London
Pricey but classic English luxury boutique hotel heaven. Stunning two-star restaurant The Library and lovely bar. Hard to get much closer to Buckingham Palace. And a stunning black and white design theme throughout reads as unstuffy and fresh.
41 Buckingham Palace Road
London, SW1W 0PS
www.41hotel.com
The Phoenix Hotel
A short jaunt from Whiteley's historic shopping centre, nestled in Kensington Gardens Square and less than a 5-minute walk from Hyde Park, the Bayswater Tube station, the Phoenix Hotel is a gem with warm service, comfortable rooms, wireless and easy access to a bevy of international restaurants and pubs.
1-8 Kensington Garden Square
London W2 4BH
www.phoenixhotel.com
Claridge's
An art deco design aficionado's vision of heaven where Hercule Poirot would feel at home. Set in central Mayfair with oodles of grand personal style, lovely linens, marble baths and a famous bar and restaurant. This is the grand English hotel experience. Rooms are all lovely but the palatial and private suites with walls of glass overlooking tony Mayfair will make you or your loved one swoon.
Brook Street
Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
www.claridges.com
The Zetter
A fresh, breezy boutique hotel with a deep commitment to quality food and wine and all the modern technical underpinnings for business travel. In trendy Clerkenwell near The City, it is cutting edge in a laid-back, easy-to-love way that delivers high value for the pound.
St. John's Square 86-88 Clerkenwell Road
London EC1M 5RJ
www.thezetter.com
Luna & Simone Hotel
Centrally located in Westminster near Victoria Station and affordable by London standards, with some rooms available for under U.S.$200 per night. Daily English breakfast, very tidy and comfortable beds and great bus and tube access make this family-run hotel a go-to property.
47/49 Belgrave Road
London, SW1V 2BB
www.lunasimone.com
Novotel London St. Pancras
Steps from the newly revamped St. Pancras departure point for the Eurostar, this is a no-nonsense hotel with all the modern amenities including a restaurant and small gym at a reasonable price. If traveling on from London, this may be an ideal hotel for you.
100-110 Euston Road
London NW1 2AJ
www.novotel.com
Brown's Hotel
Near Bond Street and Piccadilly shopping, this is classic London stateliness with fresh and crisp interiors. The recently renovated The Albemarle restaurant is a paean to the best of British cuisine. Among the hotel's charms are a significant art collection on display and every convenience from state-of-the-art gym to personal concierge.
Albemarle Street, Mayfair
London W1S 4BP
www.brownshotel.com
The Montague on the Gardens
At the heart of Bloomsbury near Russell Square and perfectly situated for visits to the British Museum, The Montague is a stylish boutique that works for business travelers as well as families. Each room has a design point of view and the Copper tub in the Guv'nors suite will make you smile dreamily just looking at it. Free Internet access, a small gym, in-room spa treatments and a bevy of restaurant and bar choices to suit your mood on site.
15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury
London, WC1B 5BJ
www.montaguehotel.com
YHA
Yes, there is a modern clean hostel in central London near Oxford Street with free WiFi access, and bright, crisply designed accommodations for less than 25 pounds per night. Welcoming to families, with a friendly staff and informed travel desk, a cafe and bar open 24 hours a day, with a Nintendo Wii to boot. If you're really on a budget and would rather splurge on other aspects of your London experience, YHA may be just the ticket.
104 Bolsover Street
London W1W 5NU
www.yha.org
About the Author:
A communications professional, D.C. Winston has more than 17 years of experience writing and editing content for online publications, corporate communications, business clients, industry journals and film/broadcast media. Winston studied political science at the University of California, San Diego.
