Hotel choice--Claridges or The Connaught
 

Has anyone satyed at either of these 2 hotels?? Any htoughts or suggestions?

I stayed at the Connaught and thought it was excellent if overpriced (not for the hotel, but just generally; then again, it was part of my honeymoon! = last year). The hotel is beautiful (definitely go to breakfast); the rooms were large and very English, and the butler-to-room service is wonderful. <BR> <BR>I saw a room at Claridges, but didn't stay there. I preferred the Connaught's room design (Claridges was a little too frou-frou for my taste), but tea at Claridges is lovely.

Claridges is the finest hotel in London - no problem. There are different style rooms, so you don't have to get stuck with a 'frou-frou' design. The oriental rooms are fun. The Connaught is a superb hotel - good for Sunday lunch (although the Ritz is better for that), but it hasn't got the history, royalty or class of Claridges.

We stayed at Claridges in Feb. The 1st room we were given was quite dark, so we asked if we could change, and there was no problem doing so. The 2nd room was a little "frou frou", but I don't mind that - kind of Laura Ashley - and my husband could care less. He did think, however, the 1st room was too dark also. Although the people were nice, and we didn't have any problems, I would probably not stay there again. We also stayed at 22 Jermyn St., which is much smaller, but has an excellent location near Picadilly Sq. We stayed in a suite and it was LOVELY. I have tried for a room there in the past, but it was always booked. Also, the 4 Seasons is really nice.

A wonderful hotel near there is The Athenaeum, which is on Piccadilly with a beautiful view of the park. I visited friends who had rented one of the "apartments," which were beautiful -- you get a gorgeous space, and it is not that different a price from what you have with the Connaught/Claridges. If you have an AmEx special or something, though, you can't go wrong with either the Connaught or Claridges. <BR> <BR>If you want good restaurant recommendations in that area, please let me know -- my pleasure (I was lucky enough to live around there once).