smalti

Doing research on- and offline on hotels for a trip in the fall. Wondering if anyone has stayed at either of these places and has an opinion to offer, good or bad?

zeppole

Doesn't quite count, but the Trafalgar Hilton has always been booked when I've wanted to stay there -- and I have wanted to stay there often because I think it's such a good location for so many things I like to do in London. I first read good reviews of the Trafalgar Hilton in The Economist, but that was a few years ago.

Do you know London?

smalti

Thanks, zeppole!

This will be my first London trip--my husband has gone a couple of times, but it was many years ago.

Location is one of my concerns with a hotel, and the Hilton seems to have that in spades! From reviews, the Rookery seems to be very charming, but the location appears to be a bit off the beaten path. There's no question that unfamiliarity with London makes the decision trickier.

Thanks for your input--it helps!

zeppole

I'm sure if you post your agenda for London, people here will help you find a good location, convenient to your personal must-dos. If I intended to spend huge chunks in my time in the British Museum, for instance, I might bed down in the Rookery. But Trafalgar is actually closer to most of the places I want to be able to walk to in London.

Another thing I liked about the Trafalgar Hilton, in addition to looking like it had "all the mod-cons" as they say -- like reliable heat or air con, depending on the season -- is that it sits wedged into something of an alley off Trafalgar, so it seemed protected from noise.

zeppole

PS: If I wanted to spend all my time at the V&A or the Portobello Road, I'd go across town completely.

If you do post your agenda, asking for a good hotel that makes it all convenient, you should probably start another thread.

smalti

Oh! Good suggestion about our agenda, zeppole! As a matter of fact, I do intend to spend a good deal of time at the British Museum--we should decide on our highest priorities and go from there, on a fresh thread as you say.

And thanks for the noise tip about the Hilton!

zeppole

One more noise tip:

There's a popular lobby bar (bourbon bar). If you book, ask for high floor.

janisj

Those two hotels are absolute apples and oranges.

The Rookery is a special/quirky sort of place - but probably not the best location for a first time visitor. I'd stay in the Rook's Nest in a heartbeat but it is well above my pay grade. It is near Smithfield/St Pauls/the Barbican and Museum of London.

The Trafalgar Hilton is - well, a Hilton. But it's in the VERY center of London and the location would be terrific for a first timer.

There are LOTS of other nice hotels nearby - check out the Royal Horseguards, or Rubens at the Palace -

zeppole

Just as an aside, having never stayed in either place, but when I considered the Rubens, I almost got dizzy looking at the decor in the photos. I can't imagine sleeping in those rooms.

I actually prefer the modern hotels in London (or anywhere) having spend lots of bucks in early years on the ones kitted out to be days-of-yore. Last hotel I stayed in a few weeks ago was the City Inn (not recommended for first time tourists).

If I wanted something a bit old school but central, I'd go for the Goring. (And it's got a sense of humor.)

smalti

More helpful info--thanks!

janisj, the Rookery does sound more like the kind of hotel I'd prefer for a visit to London, but the Hilton's location is, I admit, alluring.

Thanks for the other hotel mentions!

zeppole, I appreciate your perspective--you've given me some things to think about.

And I'll check out the Goring!

SusanP

Although it was over four years ago, I stayed at the Trafalgar Hilton with my mother. You can't beat the location, and as noted, noise isn't a problem even though it's so close to the square. The Tube is right there, plus just about every bus stops at one of the stops around the square. We used the bus a lot. The hotel has a nice buffet breakfast as well.

smalti

Thanks, SusanP!

smalti

Posting back on this thread after our return from London, once again to thank those who gave us helpful information, and to report that we were as pleased as Punch with the Trafalgar Hilton!

The Hilton's location was perfect--it was just steps away from the National Gallery, and convenient to many of the other places we wanted. The amenities were good, and the hotel's breakfast buffet made for a pleasant way to start each morning. The concierge was very helpful as well, particularly with restaurant recommendations.

The really striking thing about the hotel was its utterly perfect location, which I think has a significant effect on how enjoyable a trip proves to be--and we enjoyed our trip a great deal!

yk

thanks for reporting back, smalti. Would you be writing a trip report?

zeppole

Glad to hear it worked out so well for you! But your post will probably make it even harder for me to get a room there!

But do share the hotel's restaurant recommendations.

smalti

London trip report to come, including restaurants!