Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Avoid Fielding Hotel in London

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Hi - Looking at Gustafson's guide, c.1997,regarding The Fielding, while noting some of the hotel's deficiencies and noting that some people love it and some don't, says, "Frankly, I am somewhere in-between, believing that the location, pleasant management, and several of the rooms save the day." From what Marilyn said, apparently, they did not. I believe that most people feel that Frommers, Fodors, Access, AAA, etc. are usually pretty reliable guides. It seems that Gustafson called this one wrong, too. When I talk about U.S. hotels, motels and conditions, obviously I know that you will find one here and there that is not top-notch, but I still say they are a great bargain for the money you spend in the huge majority of places in this country. Our friends from Europe tell us that they feel they've "died and gone to heaven" when they find what they get in our hotels and restaurants for their money. I didn't say that our budget chains had great charm or warmth - but when you just want a clean, decent, comfortable place to sleep when you travel, they're great! (And in some of the Hampton Inns I've stayed in, like the one in Charleston, it's close to charming!!!) The bottom line is that I am disappointed that all these guides even list a place like Fielding's, because then you wonder about some of their other choices. I'm going to London for a week in November, and was all set to choose Tophams Ebury Court Hotel. I've put it on the Message Board, but no replies - does anybody know anything? Also do most of you like to stay in the West End in the middle of everything - West End/Bloomsbury or do you prefer to be near Kensington Gardens, a little farther from the action? Topham's Ebury Court is 5 minutes from Victoria Station - would that be a good location? Thanks for listening to me, everybody! Cheerio, Ruth

While I am unable to comment on the Fielding, I would disagree that all London Hotels are over priced and offer poor service. At the very top end of the market, London has some of the best hotels in the world. Even at the lower price ranges there are fortunately exceptions to the rule. However, although London is a major world city and one of the worlds most expensive cities, generally I do feel that most hotels are overpriced. This is why my hotel guide has such a small selection - only the hotels which stood out in terms of value for money and quality are included. Good accommodation is a very important part of any holiday and it is very unfortunate that people have holidays spoiled by poor accommodation and/or lack of good service. In terms of service, London hotels could also learn from their counterparts in America and in the rest of Europe, where service is often much better. As was pointed out - a smile and courtesy cost nothing! However the lack of them costs a lot in terms of damaged reputations - for the individual hotel and the industry as a a whole. The internet certainly provides a good opportunity, through forums like this for travellers to share good and bad experiences and that can only have a positive effect on the tourism industry. - Let's hope so, anyway! Best wishes, Mark. Mark Southgate. A guide to London Hotels. http://londonhotels.cjb.net -------------------------------

Having just read all the follow ons from my message earlier, why not always contact the English Tourist Board or the London Tourist Board in London. All accommodation on their books are personally inspected and they will do the bookings for you - it does cost a 10% booking fee, but then if you have a problem, you complain to the Boards who will look into the problem. The same applies outside London - use a Tourist Information Centre.

Sara, Concerning your earlier post on 6/12: This is supposed to be a free board where people post their experiences and advice about travel related subjects. Relating a personal experience is not libelous in any respect- in any country ( I asked a lawyer that does international business). We all benefit from all the information printed here...good and bad. When you write about Marilyn posting a negative review about the Fielding Hotel it sounds like you are suggesting that people only submit positive reviews of places and not the negative/drawbacks. That suggestion would seem very disadventageous to travellers of all nationallities. I do take exception to your comment about American hotels/motels: "Your Motels" as you put it. They tend to be very well kept because of the competition between them. As most well know- what you see in the movies is just that- for the movies. Kittie

Oh my, "LIBELIOUS" is a very strong word!! Can we get a, gasp, lawyer's comment on this??

Just like it sounds, if you are lying about someone to their detriment. IMO it is good that people share their negative opinion also of places, and you can take their advice or not. I'm sure it was not intended as a put down of the entire country, as one of the above contributors seemed to think. I had a similar experience in Germany - the guidebooks had listed it as "charming", but it turned out to be foul. I loved the country, but I sure didn't like that one inn.

I've had mostly good luck in London, have stayed in most 2-3 star hotels, and at least I can laugh about them. Hotels and the people that work there, boy, that's a topic. I stayed in one hotel in Earl's Court, and the room wasn't that bad, but the manager was horrible. Stayed in several chains, and things were much better. I try to patron independent hotels when I can, not corporations. It's just a crapshoot. This weekend I went to Atlantic City to see Rod Stewart. I'm embarrassed to admit I slept in the most incredible flea-bag, I've sunk to an all time low, I'm so ashamed. I would have slept in the car, but had a friend with me. It was something out of a horror movie. I went to 25 hotel/motels looking for a room. The nerve of some fleabags to charge $189 for a room is alarming. I usually make reservations, but this time did not. I learned my lesson. I've also stayed in nice hotels, and was no that impressed. It is luck.

First let me say that Having been to London Many times I think most first time travelers to London are not prepared for the high cost. Basically I have found that any hotel under $200 a night most likely will not meet your expectations and you will be disappointed. For the past several trips I rent an Apartment which gives more value for the money and much more space. Sorry, but hope you had a good time in my favorite city.