g2g

Gotten comparable rates, and need imput

nytraveler

Have you done a search above in destinations for info?

How about the same at frommers?

Have you looked at tripadvisor.com?

KidsToLondon

Yes, the Athenaeum (I find the spelling impossibly hard to remember too, but it is:

Athenaeum

At any rate, I toured the hotel with a member of their public relations staff and got to see several of the suites. They were quite impressive and had the advantage of additional facilities (kitchen, washer/dryer) that most hotels don't offer. The Athenaeum apartment are all decorated differently--some are pretty wild--but with top-notch furnishings.

The apartments are off the main street, which is good since Picadilly is very busy/noisy. The apartments are in older, restored apartment/townhouse buildings just behind the hotel. Overall location, just north of Green Park, is terrific.

Sorry, can't offer any opinion on Claridges


Dave W
[email protected]

Weadles

Claridges is an extraordinary hotel in a terrific location. The rooms we had last August ( superior king for me and my husband, connecting double for my kids) were as large as some two-bedroom NYC apartments. The rooms had amazingly comfortable beds, and were outfitted with every possible amenity. Of course there's no kitchen or washer/dryer available, so if that's of real importance to you, I guess the Athenaeum Apartments would be a better bet.

ira

Hi G,

If you sty at Claridges, you are likely to get dinner at Gordon Ramsay.

See http://www.theclaridgeshotellondon.com/claridges/

g2g

Thanks for the input, think claridges it will be.

Weadles

You should definitely call them directly on their toll-free number and ask whether they have any "family plan" specials available. These are significantly cheaper than booking at their regular rates, but are not always available.

m_kingdom2

I thought that we'd had this discusssion on here once before?

The two don't compare: It's like going to Madrid and asking whether you should stay at The Ritz or Hilton? Going to Venice and staying at The Cipriani or Westin. etc. etc.

Claridge's is superb.

Why would you want a washer/dryer at a deluxe property? I think it's insulting to put them in a room. If one can't afford to have items professionally laundered then they should not be staying in a suite in a supposed luxury property.

Stay at Claridge's, you'd be mad not to!

Weadles

m kingdom 2,

Surely you're not suggesting having laundry done at a 5-star hotel?! What's next? A raid on the obscenely overpriced mini-fridge? Anyway, due to extreme jetlag and stupidity, I sent off my husband's business suits and a small bag of laundry during a stay at Claridge's last August without checking the pricelist (!). The bill was 1/3 the cost of a transatlantic airline ticket in season!

m_kingdom2

I rarely have items laundered when away..only if I have an accident with them!

One should simply pack enough clothes so that there's no need for them to be washed. Hotel laundry isn't that expensive for single items in emergencies, but treating it as you would your local cleaner's isn't usually advisable.

g2g

As an FYI< most 4 seasons resorts have laundry availble. I believe they are still considered luxury properties

m_kingdom2

Not in the form of a washing machine in the room?

If that is the case, it's horribly American, not at all elegant!

KidsToLondon

HELLO, m_kingdom2, Athenaeum refers to their suites as APARTMENTS. Washer/dryer out of place? I think not.

m_kingdom2

My dear, you can call them what you like, a spade is still a spade...

But, I must be off now...to Seville.

Will speak to you all when I'm back!

KidsToLondon

Spanish hotel laundry workers are eagerly awaiting your arrival! (Just kidding)