I have not stayed at either hotel, but recently stayed at the Thistle Hyde Park which is a few minutes walk from the Thistle Kensington. If the Thistle Hotels are standard, then the hotel should be fine. It is a very busy area and when I walked by the Thistle Kensington, I could not figure out where the front entrance was. It appeared to be connected to or above a gas station with a variety-type store as well. It is near two tube stations on the Central Line or you can walk about 20 minutes to Marble Arch. If you stay there, request a room on a high floor to avoid the noise from Bayswater. I do not know the area very well around the Doubletree Westminster. Did you check the reviews on Trip Advisor?

The thought of diesel fuel makes me I'll, so I definitely need to rethink this. Oh yes, I always check out reviews on TA. There are always conflicting reports, which makes it more difficult.

". . . the Thistle Kensington, which I think is probably a better location."

Why? Westminster is far more centrally located than Kensington.

Do you mean the Thistle Kensington Gardens? is not that great a location IMO. It is near the Queensway tube station on Bayswater Rd. I really don't like that area -- except that is is across the street from the parks.

Unfortunately the Doubletree isn't in a terribly convenient location IF you plan on using the tube a lot. Its in John Islip street and a bit of a hike to the Pimlico, Westninster, and St James's Park stations. It is close to Tate Britain - and if you enjoy walking a fair distance, it would be fine.

Are these two hotels your only options?

Thanks all.

Of course on the Doubletree site they describe the walk to the tube station as 10-15 minutes, which is fine but I realize it adds greatly to overall travel time.

Janis, these aren't my only options but with less than two weeks, I am limited. Willing to pay more for a good hotel, so other suggestions welcome.

Thoughts on the Bentley Hilton in Harrington Gardens, near the Gloucester Road tube station?

Again I have not stayed at the Bentley Hilton but have stayed near the Gloucester Road tube station which is on the Piccadilly Line--very convenient. I prefer this area to the Bayswater Road area.

Scotia, thank you. It looks nice and I can use Hilton points!

I've completely switched gears and now have reservations at the Bentley Hilton and Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury near Russell Square tube station. Cancelled the Thistle and am about to cancel the Doubletree.

Hi Louisa

I was just thinking of you the other day and our dinner in Paris. I haven't seen many of your posts recently but found you on one just now about where to retire....

anyway, don't have anything to add to your question, sorry but wanted to say a big Hi to you and hope that everything is going well for you. Everything is fine here with me. I have bought a house recently and am very happy by myself (and the doggies..)
Schnauzerxxx

Hi Schnauzer! So good to hear from you. That was a good group we had in Paris, wasn't it? I'd love to go back. I probably post more on the lounge these days since I haven't had any big European trips lately. This is just a quick trip to London but I'm looking forward to it.

I'm so glad to hear that you're doing well and have settled into a new house with your doggies!

Take care,
Louisa

I very much liked the Montague on the Gardens. It is part of the Red Carnation hotel group which consistently gets very good reviews. Very hospitable staff and a good location, too.

Weekender, thank you so much for your feedback; it's very helpful!

I really should start a separate thread since my hotel choices changed completely. I just got back from London and stayed at Montague on the Gardens. A really lovely hotel, with lots of personal attention in a great location. Thanks to the feedback here, we ended up with the perfect hotel. Although I never saw the other hotels we were considering, I definitely agree with janisj that the Bayswater area is not that great.