My family and I just returned from London and Paris and had a spectacular time. In London we stayed at a hotel near Kings Cross. Despite the warnings I heard about the area, it was fine, even delightful. THe hotel, a Comfort Inn, was immaculate, our suite was modestly sized, but very convenient, and the staff was as helpful as they could get. Free breakfast was pretty good too. The weather in London was wonderful-- not a single day of rain. Loved all the sights. Saw Mama Mia and The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. Loved them both. We were in Leicester Square just as the England/France soccer game began and heard the entire square singing God Save the Queen. People were great- helpful to the greatest extent. Used the tube constantly, even to get from Heathrow and even late at night. Never a problem feeling safe.

In Paris we stayed at the St. James and Albany across from Tulleries. Perfect location for first timers and a beautiful hotel. The staff was superb. Got our food mostly from cafes and sidewalk crepe stands, but everything was delicious. Had the hot chocolate at Angelina's. It's so rich we skipped dinner that day. Spent an entire day in the Louvre and an afternoon at d'Orsay. Visited Pompidou Centre, Sacre Couer, and had a family portrait done at Montmarte. The French were accomodating, great communicating with us, and never rude. I expected something different, but did not find one disagreeable person anywhere, until we arrived in Chicago to connect to out flight back hime. But that's another story!

glad to read good things about the St James & A.--there had been some negatives here in the past, sounds like it has been spruced up significantly.

If you have the time, you might also want to post your hotel comments at tripadvisor.com

thanks for the info

I read about some of the negatives, and was even a little apprehensive approaching the hotel. But the minute we walked into the lobby, I knew we made a good choice. They greeted our modest attemps at French with big smiles, a little more French, and then English to make sure we were comfortable with everything. Can't say enough about the staff. We had a junior suite, which was a very nice room.

Your positiveness (?) is infectious. Glad that you had a great time and that you got to experience unexpected local delights and surprises.

I'm pleased you enjoyed London, I often pass that hotel, a garish blue/purple affair, and have wondered what it's like - nice to know it's comfortable as described!

Additionally, we found Londoners, except mkingdom, quite polite. All in all, they and the French made the trip a wonderful experience.

The hot chocolate diet! A great way to fill up without needing dinner. Hmmm.

I stayed at the St James also. The room was the size of 2 Paris rooms together. We faced a small courtyard looking towards St. Honore. It is a great location and everyone was friendly.
Glad you had a nice time.
Fellow Chicagoan Also