cliquot1

I have spent way too much time trying to ensure that I have chosen the right place for my husband and I to stay for our first trip to London. Location is important, since we'll be there for only 2 nights, and charm and atmosphere is also important since we'll be celebrating our anniversary. For about the same price, we can stay at Ren. Chancery Court/club level, Chesterfield Mayfair/classic king or County Hall/king with Thames view. I'm trusting that someone out there has an informed opinion and can give me an answer so I can get on with my life! Thanks for your input.

wombat7

Can only compare Ren Chancery Court and County Hall - without doubt I would go fo County Hall with Thames View. Both hotels are very good but, for me, County Hall has the edge both from location and rooms. Also the Thames View is incredible.

I like staying on the South Bank - it is an easy walk to west end/covent garden etc - and the views as you cross the Thames are wonderful.

Dukey

If by "Thames View" you mean one of those larger top floor rooms with a balcony I've stayed in one and yes, the view is incredible..even though you are more or less looking THROUGH the London Eye.

cliquot1

This would just be the 'view' room. A balcony room was much more expensive. Sounds like County Hall is winning so far, so I assume the rooms at both County Hall and Chancery Court are essentially the same as far as amenities and decor? Also,someone said the Renaissance is in the business district. We will be there on a weekend, and I'm wondering if the area will be somewhat deserted?

janisj

All three of those hotels are wonderful - you really can't go wrong whichever one you choose. All are top notch. But to have that iconic view of the river/Big Ben from your bedroom is just about priceless.

wombat7

Ren Chancery Court is not "in the business district" - it is on High Holborn which is not that far from Covent Garden but the street has a fair amount of traffic - even on the weekend

My recolelction is that there is nothing much in the difference in the ammenities (I have not stayed in Ren Chancert Court in the last couple of years). The rooms overlook the very large internal courtyard and therefore would not be as light as County Hall.

Both hotels have history but the County Hall has more of a wow factor - and with a Thames View you can open the window and listen to Big Ben - can't beat that.

cliquot1

County Hall is sounding better and better. Guess a view room will be worth giving up my club level room at Chancery Court. Thanks for all the great advice!

luvtotravel

Even without a club level room, I loved the Ren. Chancery Court. The location was great -- close to a tube station and we could walk to Covent Garden. Our room was large (even by U.S. standards) with two queen beds (single women), large bathroom with separate tub and shower. I'd stay there again given the chance.

cliquot1

Thanks everyone! It's always nice to receive first hand feedback.
I got a very good rate last month on Marriott's website for Chancery Court/club level. The nightly rate for the club level has gone up almost 35 GBP since then, and County Hall is about $100.00 USD a night more for a view room. Would love the view, but since we won't be spending THAT much time in our room and based on your positive remarks, we will probably choose to save some money and stay at Chancery Court. I appreciate the encouraging feedback.

cliquot1

Interesting that Chesterfield Mayfair is rated so highly on Tripadvisor, but there doesn't seem to be any feedback on this forum.
Has anyone out there ever stayed there?

Dukey

There's one other thing that the County Hall has..an indoor pool.

cw

We stayed at the Chesterfield Mayfair about 4 years ago for 4 nights. It is a lovely smaller hotel, very comfortable and well-decorated. The location is wonderful, close enough to walk to many attractions and not far from the Green Park tube stop. Mayfair is a wonderful neighborhood to walk around and explore.

Breakfast came with our room and they had a huge buffet and you could order off of the menu as well. There are some pubs and less expensive restaurants nearby.

The staff was very friendly and helpful and we were upgraded to a small suite when we returned to the hotel for one night after we had toured around the countryside.

The rooms are small but because they are well put together and lavishly decorated, it was not unpleasant or claustrophobic staying there. I would definitely stay there again.

Your riverview room is quite enticing though.

CW

cliquot1

Thanks, CW. Now I'm really torn.
We have ruled out County Hall since it puts us over $500.00 USD a night and I'd like to keep it under that. Since we get in late Friday evening, have one full day of sightseeing (first time in London), and fly out early the next morning, we are looking for the total package - charm and location. Is Chesterfield Mayfair as upscale of a hotel as Ren. Chancery Court? I starting to lean towards Mayfair now. What to do.......

Londonres

You're going to hate me for saying this, but I would choose the Chesterfield. It's very British, more intimate and in a good location for shops and sights, on a quieter road, close to parks (alas, no river views).

Chancery Court is a large hotel and it has larger rooms, it's handy for the Brisitsh Museum, but it's on a busy road and it's quite international in feel. I remember when it was the Pearl Insurance Building.

cw

cliquot1,

I reread your original post where you say you're looking for charm and atmosphere. I think the Chesterfield Mayfair is full of charm and atmosphere. It's not only the hotel but the surrounding area as well. Smaller side streets, posh houses, but near to everything.

I'm not familiar with the Ren. Chancery Court but Londonres gave you good feedback on that.

Because of the Chesterfield's size there were no groups staying there and the clientele when we were there was very mixed, nationality wise. The view from the window in our room was out over some rooftops (5th floor, I think). Not the river, but pleasant. It has a nice bar as well.

Don't stress too much over this--you'll have a wonderful time no matter where you stay.

cliquot1

You guys are great. Thanks for the advice and words of wisdom I tend to be a perfectionist, to a fault! But it is so nice to be able to get reliable feedback, and your responses are just what I was looking for. Thanks again for the help!! Mayfair sounds like such a nice area to stay in, and as long as the hotel is up to the same standards as Chancery Court, then I think I've made my decision!!

wombat7

If you'd like a recommendation for a restuarant close to yoru hotel I woudl offer Le Bourdin Blanc. I've had a couple of excellent meals there
http://www.boudinblanc.co.uk/

jewela

I can only comment on the Chesterfield Mayfair. I stayed there on a business trip 2 years ago-only because my client booked the room on my behalf to get their "special rate" for me. I was there 3 nights. It was lovely. Service was great. Room was large and airy. Close to Green Park tube, and there are several nice restaurants and pubs in Shepherd Market, which is very close by. We had pre-dinner drinks at the hotel, but did not eat there. And very clean....

SuQue

The County Hall complex
( Marriott/Premier Inn/Movie theaters/LOndon Eye etc) does not have any charm or neighborhood feel to it, very touristy. London is such a lovely city and there is lots of charm to be found in other areas.

cliquot1

Thanks again for the advice, including the restaurant. It looks great! As long as Mayfair is considered a good location for accessibility for a one day visit to London, then I think Chesterfield will be my choice, even
though Chancery Court looks good also.
Does anyone know if one is easier than the other to get to Heathrow? We have a 730AM flight out Sunday morning, so we shouldn't have traffic issues, and I assume we'd still need to allow an hour to get there?