Will be making a short visit to London. Considering staying at one of the Firmdale hotels. Anybody care to give me advice on which one to choose? Number 16 looks great on the website and is the cheapest. We'll be spending quite a bit of time at the National Gallery. Is Number 16 within walking distance?

We've stayed a few times at #16 and it is lovely . The rooms are well-equipped and breakfast is very good. Lovely to come back to at the end of a busy day and relax in the drawing rooms.

I guess if you are a real walker you could make it to the National Gallery but South Ken tube is a 2 minute walk from #16 and there are several bus stops nearby.

topping for marmot

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I've stayed at the Pelham and at the Knightsbridge, both very pleasant experiences, with excellent service. The Pelham is just across the street from the South Ken tube station and very close to the V&A Museum. Traditional decorating style with a modern twist. Loved it. The Knightsbridge is around the corner from Harrods, more contemporary in style, and unlike The Pelham doesn't have a restaurant. However, it does have room service and will also serve you in the bar or sitting room. Loved it too. Traveling as a single, I was given a nicer room at the Knightsbridge than at the Pelham, but it may have been the luck of the draw. Neither one is very close to the National Gallery. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with the Firmdales.

I'm embarrassed that I re-posted and later had no problem finding this thread. Anyway, thanks for your replies and help.

I think we're going to go for Number 16 as my husband is a runner and he likes the proximity to Hyde Park.

Could anyone recommend good (not too fancy) restaurants nearby?

Try La Sala romano...on the corner of Harrington and Glouscester rd above the Dino's..there are so many places within a 10 minute walk , you'll love it! If you are up to a 20 minute walk , try our favorite place..La Famiglia, Langton Place. Walk from Sumner place to King's Rd , turm right and walk toward World's end, turn right on Langton P, La Famiglia is on your left.

For great mussels there is a Belgian pub on the corner of Brompton Rd and Onslow gardens..or right next to Christies, there is a good deli place for quick baguettes..or a Cafe Nero for an afternoon caffiene pick-up.

Can you tell this is my favorite place to stay in London??????????

For a good restaurant try Bistro St. Quentin at 243 Brompton Rd. It ran into a bit of 'bad spell' a couple of years ago, but I tried it again last summer and it was very good. I usually find that the concierge is helpful in making suggestions.

Running in Kensington/Hyde Park is wonderful! Enjoy.

If you like seafood, try the Bibendum Oyster Bar, at 81 Fulham Road. It's downstairs from Bibendum Restaurant, which is much fancier and more expensive. It's in the old Michelin Building, which is kind of an interesting building. You can see a sample menu, and photos of the building, at http://www.bibendum.co.uk/

Actually it's Brasserie St. Quentin if it makes any difference which it probably doesn't.

Actually it's the Brasserie St. Quentin if it makes any difference which it probably doesn't.