I am taking my Dad to England at the end of March. It is the first time for both of us and I want a nice 4 star hotel central to all the great London landmarks. I would rather find a smaller hotel that has English history and charm than a Hilton. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

It's a huge city, Len, and you're not going to find one place that is central to everything. <BR><BR>I'd recommend the London Marriott County Hall which is on the South Bank of the Thames. Very nice accommodations in the historic County Hall building. It has fanstastic views of Parliament and Big Ben. It's within walking distance to all the Westminster sights. The London Eye is next door. The Tate Modern is nearby. Waterloo station is a five or seven minute walk or stroll across the river to the Westminster tube station.

Well, Len, I have written about this hotel on numerous occasions -- The Rubens-at-the-Palace, a 4* hotel right across from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and a couple of blocks from Victoria Station. Easily accessible to St. James Park, Green Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Hyde Park, Royal Horseguards, and many of the other popular sights. Nicely appointed rooms with a great full English buffet breakfast and a friendly staff.<BR><BR>If you are interested, check out their website: <BR>http://www.rubenshotel.com/index_flash.htm.<BR><BR>We booked our rooms through www.londontown.com.

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=33363775<BR><BR>for more ideas, including www.eeh.co.uk<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

upwards<BR>

I would second the recommendation for the Marriott County Hall. Close to the tube station via a walk over the bridge. A great view of Big Ben and Westminster.

We're going next month and will be staying at the Cranley.<BR><BR>www.thecranley.com

Hi Len<BR>Last winter I stayed at the Claverley, on a quiet street 3 blocks from Harrods, 4 blocks from the Knightsbridge tube station, walking distance to most South Kensington<BR>attractions. However, it is not a four-star, more like a B&amp;B with private bathrooms.<BR>However, I also visited (did not stay at) the Thistle Charing Cross Hotel, right at Trafalgar Square. The public areas are quite grand, and they serve a decent afternoon tea. The Charing Cross tube stop is right there, as is the CC train station. I haven't seen the bedrooms, but recommend the hotel for location, appearance, and atmosphere.<BR><BR>I have a file on London; if you'd like to see it, email me.<BR>