Carol

Has anyone out there stayed at the Cumberland Hotel near the Marble Arch in London? Also, does anyone out there know a driver in London who could pick up 4-6 ladies and take them on their own day tour? If so, please reply with name and fax or email. THanks.

Lori

Carol,<BR>Contact Ray Skinner at www.london-transfers.com He does pickup at the airport as well, which I would really recommend for several people. It's one flat fee, plus a tip (at your discretion). Tell Ray that Lori & John recommended him. We've used his services several times and he's a super guy and I've recommended him many times on this Forum (I get nothing out of this, but everyone who has used his says he does a great job). He can arrange a day trip for you easily, he has minivans (Toyota's I think they are). Ray is very good about answering e-mail too.<BR><BR>As for the hotel, we always rent an apartment so I can't help on that. I know where it is and have been in the lobby tho, it's a large hotel, good location right on Oxford St. The Tube is right there, likewise buses.<BR><BR>Have a super great trip.

brezzy

I only spent one night at the Cumberlandthe rooms were very drab and long halls to your room and very dirty I heard they were be refubished they needed it. <BR> Breakfast was good and great location other then that I would not stay there again.

Mariposa

To Lori- How do you go about finding and booking your apartments? I have been investigating Ascotts and Manors - would these or any others be recommended by you? Thanks

Shari

I stayed there in April. It was great. You must take into account the extremely high prices of hotels in London. 3 star hotels usually cost a fortune and they are really disgusting. This hotel is a 4 star hotel, but because they are refurbishing, their prices are lower. Very good value for money considering London. The rooms were fine, clean, the buffet breakfast is very good, served in a sort of English pub. Take into account that you get breakfast in the pub only if you are on certain floors - ask them about it. The location is superb -just down the steps and into the subway or to Oxford Street. I think it's a very good deal right now.

Louise

My parents just stayed at this hotel and said it was truly disgusting. It wasn't cheap (almost $200/night) and they were put in the wrong type of room, then put in a room where the phone didn't work, served cold nasty food at breakfast, lift was broken so had to drag luggage up 4 flights of stairs, etc. etc. They are not the complaining type but they DID complain and staff was rude an unapologetic.<BR><BR>I was in london just a couple of weeks ago (at the same time as my parents) and my husband and I stayed at a lovely boutique hotel called The Gallery Hotel in South Kensington. It was $170 night from londontown.com and just super, fabulous location (just down street from V&A) nice rooms, good breakfast and very chic and tasteful common areas. <BR><BR>Try to get out of the Cumberland if you can and find something else. <BR><BR>