3Doxens

I just read a review of the Mint Hotel Westminster where we are staying in two weeks, and the reviewer suggested that "The Rock" cafe was a better choice for breakfast than the hotel. I can't locate any "Rock Cafe" other than the Hard Rock Cafe, and I don't think that's the one. Is anyone familiar with "The Rock" cafe or have other suggestions for breakfast and/or dinner near the Mint hotel? Thanks.

janisj

The hotel isn't really in a convenient location for dining.

I have no idea about a "Rock Cafe" -- but your best bet is probably to ask the front desk/concierge for recommendations. There are likely some cafes nearby catering to the local office workers.

flanneruk

janisj is understating just what an eating desert John Islip Street is (and no, I've never heard of a "Rock Cafe" either).

Quite a lot of local employers (like Parliament and Scotland Yard)are the kind that provide substantial canteen facilities, so there's limited demand for cheap eateries on the street. Residents (of whom there are quite a lot around here) seem to eat in one of the handful of local pubs or cook for themselves: but for whatever reason, the area is almost completely devoid of any kind of shop, cafe or grocery store at street level. Quite bizarre, and really rather disconcerting if you find yourself stuck around here.

There are a few high-end restaurants (like Cinnamon Club or the Whistler at Tate Britain), and it's not too much of a slog (but by Central London hotel standards, much more of a slog than normal) to the nearest tube station to go and have dinner somewhere else. But personally, I've found few breakfast-style places much nearer than Victoria Station.

If you hear more about this Rock Cafe, please let us all know.

Even by the world beating standards of nonsensical claptrap London's hotels set for themselves when describing their location, Mint's claim to be "in the heart of London's city centre" is absurd going on downright deranged.

chartley

Let's all answer this question in our own way.

The OP is asking about breakfast, not dinner. Hotel breakfasts are usually more expensive than those bought at an outside cafe, and some people prefer to save money as against the convenience, and possibly better choice and quality, of eating breakfast at the hotel. I have no idea where the Rock cafe might be, or what sort of place it is.

I have walked past this hotel a couple of times, and had a meal at a sister hotel in Bristol many years ago. I have looked at the menu on the website. They serve standard hotel meals, not fine dining. If you have had an a tiring day sightseeing and want an unchallenging meal in the evening, the hotel would suit you fine. It's what hotels are good at.

Don't blame the hotel because it doesn't meet your own needs, or is not exactly to your own taste in style or location.

avalon

THe OP did merntion dinner in addition to breakfast, That area is rather sterile you might need a bus or the tube to get somewhere more hospitable

nona1

Hotels seem to charge a fortune for breakfast.

I'd just head off for the day to wherever, you are bound to find a cafe or McDonalds or something in busier areas.

janisj

I used the word 'dining'--but I <i>meant</i> <u>eating</u>. I was sort of trying to let the OP down gently. But flanner nailed what I was trying to say.

(we have another current poster is staying there w/ her mom who uses a wheel chair -they will have an even harder time)

3Doxens

I think I found the Rock Cafe that was mentioned in a review:
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/restaura...nfo-68054.html
But now I'm questioning our stay at the Mint if it as remote as you think. I liked the idea of iMacs/wi fi in every room, and for 1084 gbp/wk, I got a good price, but I can still cancel.
Can you tell me which area is better for being closer to shopping and restaurants? Mint is listed as SW1P.
Thanks again.

janisj

The hotel is not at all "remote". It is not far from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and is very close to Tate Britain. But it is not in a neighborhood w/ shops/restaurants -- mostly gov't offices and such.

The location is definitely OK as long as you realize you'll be eating when you are out and about instead of near your hotel.

But for a week's stay -- did you consider renting a flat?

janisj

Meant to add -- the nearest tube station is Pimlico which is only on one line, so you will be transferring (usually at Victoria or Green Park) for most journeys.

BeeBerry

I agree with the others, it really is a no-man’s land area for shops, restaurants etc. My old company moved to a new office near the Mint Hotel and it was painfully dull working around there... There was a Starbucks, Pret, a couple of sandwich bars and a pub on Horseferry Rd. I think there might have been a Tesco Express as well but that was basically it. Plus it will be even more dead at the weekend when the offices are closed.
The transport options are also quite limited compared to most of central London. I left the company within 3 months of moving there.

Personally I would stay in Bloomsbury as it is so close to the Covent Garden/Soho/Goodge St areas with countless bars, restaurants and shops. There are some nice hotels and B&B’s around the British Museum and fairly decent restaurants in the immediate area if you're feeling particularly lazy some evenings.

The Mint Hotel looks nice but you have to decide whether to sacrifice the location for that particular hotel.