olive22

Three of us - my Mother, Sister and I, will be in London for seven days the last week in September and I can't make a decision on the hotel/area. I've narrowed it down to Bloomsbury (less expensive but still near transportatin) or Kensington (more central?, more expensive). This is our first trip to London and while I'm ok with skipping some things my sister is definatley the typical tourist that needs to see it all in case she never gets back there, so being pretty mobile is key. Also, we need a room for three, which is not that easy I'm finding. I have read the forums extensively and decided on three hotels (in order of price) Pelham, Grange Beauchamp and Lime Tree (B&B). My question is - is Pelham that much nicer for the price? Both GB and LT include breakfast as well, which is nice. I know it's a matter of personal preference, just looking to see if anyone has stayed at these three and thoughts on if you'd stay again?

olive22

Lime Tree, my computer sent before I was ready!

Weekender

The Pelham is a great place to stay. It was originally a Firmdale hotel and therefore is beautifully decorated. The location cannot be beat with the S. Kensington Underground station across the street and a bus stop right in front of the hotel.

janisj

>> Bloomsbury (less expensive but still near transportatin) or Kensington (more central?, more expensive<<

Kensington is much LESS central then Bloomsbury. But you aren't talking about 'Kensington', the Pelham is in South Kensington which is a different neighborhood. The Pelham is very close to the South Kens tube station and the V&A.

The Lime Tree is very close to Victoria and Sloane Sq stations (and my favorite chocolatier in London )

The Grange Beauchamp is very close to Russell Sq and the British Museum.

ANY of the three is in a fabulous location. Pick based on other criteria -- room rate, decor, whatever -- because all 3 are very well located for touring.

laurie_ann

One thing that you might like with the Pelham besides being right on two tube lines at South Ken station is that with three people you might especially enjoy the extra space in their two lounge areas, more like living room or library than a hotel lobby for time when you want to relax together but maybe your room like most European rooms is a bit small for three. I thought those were especially nice there. Not to make it harder but if you like Pelham and you like the area there just around the corner is the Apostrophe which is similar but with a bit more mod decor. Not sure if rooms for three people. I have stayed at both, the Apostrophe more recently, and enjoyed both a lot.

Weekender

Laurie_ann:

Do you mean the Ampersand Hotel?

janisj

The Ampersand (if that is what you meant) is pretty expensive, but deals can be found . . .

olive22

Great information, thank you all! I still haven't decided but this helps.

Lexma90

We've stayed at both the Lime Tree and the Grange Beauchamp. We were a group of 4 at the Lime Tree, and the room was fine, though space was quite tight. One morning, we had to wait for a table to open up for breakfast. If also took a bit of you wanted a cooked breakfast. The rooms at the Beauchamp are bigger but have less character. Breakfast is the usual continental setup.

We found that, for us, Bloomsbury is the more convenient location. We can walk to a bunch of museums, many restaurants, shows, lots of pubs. It's close to good tube lines and also busses - but so is the Lime Tree. We aren't big shoppers, so the Kensington stores weren't a factor. So it's a matter of personal preference.

olive22

Thank you, I think I really am leaning towards Grange Beauchamp for the price, the area, and the fact that it's two queens and not a double with a roll away (can't seem to find many with three twins). My only reservation is the lack of character, but I think I'm willing to give on that.