Have narrowed down my hotel search to these properties. Both advertise they are within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and major attractions. Any feedback as to which is preferable? I understand the Crowne Plaze is undergoing a renovation which is supposed to be completed before our trip in August.
The Rubens at the palace or Crowne Plaza St. James?
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Here's Venere's take on the Crowne Plaza
http://www.venere.com/crowne-plaza-hotels/london/hotel-crowne-plaza-london-st-james/
Read the reviews.
Couldn't find Rubens in Venere, which happens. For the amount you're spending, unless it's a fantastic deal, I'd stay at Dukes Hotel http://www.venere.com/leading-hotels-of-the-world/london/dukes-hotel/#reviews .
Don't know the Rubens, have stayed at the St James on business and it was fine. No hotel in London is near most of the sights - since they are spread out all over a large city - but the St James is in a reasonably central location.
When I stayed at the St James I learned there is a dearth of restaurants around there open in the evenings. I've not stayed at the Rubens, and don't know what the eating options are around there.
If it's the same place, hub and I stayed at the Rubens quite a few years ago. It was very convenient to Victoria Station and faced Buckingham Palace's royal mews (is that not the stables?). When we were there, the hotel had a bar and a continental breakfast in a basket was delivered to our room each day.
No doubt the ammenities have changed but the location was quite convenient. At that time, the Palace was not open to the public at all. Although it was a bit of a walk to the palace's "front door", it was a nice convenient area and we walked a lot from there.
Someone who has been there recently can confirm or not!
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I've stayed at the Rubens (but years ago) and know the Crowne Plaza.
The Rubens is quite close to Victoria so convenient for the Circle/District and Victoria tube lines. The Crowne Plaza is in a bit quieter location
Both are fine properties and I'd personally go w/ which ever one got me the best rates (but I have no idea about the refurbishment)