Hotel suggestion
 

my husband and I are traveling to London for 4 nights and then on to Paris for 4 nights. Would like a clean midsize hotel - probably 4-5 star US type. Not sure how to read the european standards. Would like to be close to a tube stations in a safe neighborhood close to some tourist attractions. My husband is a runner so needs to be able to get out or use a fitness center. Looking to spend about $300 us a night.

I would recommend any of the hotels from the Firmdale group (www.firmdale.com). I live in London and sometimes stay in one of these hotels because they are so special. Even if you can't stay, you should definitely try and have a drink in one, in particular The Charlotte Street, The Soho or the Covent Garden. For you, the Pelham, Knightsbridge and No.16 are sort of in your price range. All of them are in the Knightsbridge/Kensington area, close to the Tube and close to Hyde Park - a runner's paradise. I run through the park several times a week. You can't beat an early morning run - if you are lucky, you may see the Horseguards from the nearby barracks (really tall building overlooking Hyde Park) exercising their horses or making their way to Whitehall in their uniforms. I have also seen them exercise their Shire horses and have also seen foxes.

If you like a 4-5* in the US, you definitely have to be considering the 4-5* hotels in London, or you won't be happy. A 3* London hotel certainly is not going to fit the expectations if you want a 4-5* hotel. Same for Paris (top level is called 4*L, but same as 5*). There are not very many top-level hotels of that rating in any city, I think (even in US). YOu aren't going to get that level hotel for around US$300 a night.

Thanks - do either of you recognize these names, Langham Hotel,Chesterfield Mayfair, or Millenium Baileys? I saw them mentioned in this column as quite nice. I should have been more specific to 4 star us hotels, we really can't afford a 5 star for that many nights. Have you ever booked through Londontown.com? I usually call the hotel direct, but this spot seems to offer good pricing. I just want to be sure I actually wind up with a reservation when I arrive.

I got the Millenium Bailey's through laterooms.com in 2002. I asked and paid for a single, but was upgraded. It is just across the street from a tube station. Neighborhood is good with some shops. Friends were there at the same time. I don't think any of us paid $300 per room. It is not my favorite location in London, but I would not hesitate to stay there again.
A lot of people run in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, so a hotel near there might be convenient.
Boots

An excellent London choice in that price range is the Rembrandt. Get one room up from the least expensive standard.

In Paris, try the Lutetia as they often run promotions that will be close to $300. One of the reasons for this choice is it is close to Luxembourg Gardens, which in my view is the best place to run in Paris. Also, a smaller boutique type hotel right across the street from the Luxembourg Gardens is the Luxembourg Parc hotel. Should be in your price range, and very charming

http://www.luxembourg-paris-hotel.com/

Also close to Luxembourg Gardens is the Victoria Palace, which we enjoyed last fall.

www.victoriapalace.com

Byrd