I need some advice on these two hotels. I'm traveling August 2004. There are three of us, and I have a room reserved now at the Rubens--king bed with a sofa bed--for 106 pounds plus tax, breakfast included.

There is also a triple room at the Lime Tree Hotel for 140 pounds, breakfast included.

Which would you pick? Thanks.

topper

In my mind, there is no comparison. I have not stayed at the Lime Tree and I'm sure it is a fine hotel, but I have stayed at the Rubens. It is a 4* hotel with a great location and their buffet breakfast is fabulous. The rate you quoted is really good for the Rubens. We paid 99 pounds for a double including breakfast and VAT for our stay in May 2002.

Unless someone has a really good reason for you to stay at the Lime Tree, I'd definitely go with the Rubens.

From looking at the Rubens website, and because of the a/c, I was leaning that way. Any idea on VAT--what percentage? The rate doesn't include it. I got my rate on londontown.com

Hi, Nancy:
I believe the VAT is 17.5%. Pretty steep, so be aware. Have fun!

Nancy, I've stayed at the Lime Tree, although not recently, and am stunned at the high price you quoted. While it's a nice, clean, friendly, well located place, I'd go for the Rubens. The reviews of the Rubens are all excellent on Tripadvisor.com here

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...n_England.html

PS A few people mentioned being upgraded at the Rubens on arrival. You might want to check if you can get the same price from the hotel's own website (rather than londontown). You MIGHT have a better chance of an upgrade if you book through them directly.

I've stayed at the Lime Tree and really enjoyed it, however the price you quote seems high. Does it include VAT? Also, I wouldn't stay anywhere in August without AC. You could get a heat wave.

Rubens--no question. You got a great rate, by the way!

Enjoy London!

Nancy-
The Rubens deal sounds wonderful- I am going to check that out for our trip in January (we also need a double).

I am also a Michigander living in the metro area- nice to see a neighbor on this board!

I was surprised by the Lime Tree price, too. It was a direct quote from the manager--and he said it was a discount from 155 pounds/night. Thanks for all the help.

I stayed at the Lime Tree early last summer. Nice enough place but I think all the attention Rick Steves' guides have been giving it has driven up the rates and too me seems overpriced. Though I haven't stayed there, the Rubens sounds like a steal.

Though I haven't stayed in either, I have stepped inside both, and both are nice.....BUT I DO KNOW that the LOCATION of the Ruebens is better. It is between Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station. The Lime Tree is at the end of Ebury St, farther south of Victoria station. Lime Tree is more of a B&B, and I imagine you would get a big breakfast,,,,the Ruebens is a Hotel and you perhaps wouldn't get a breakfast. I would still choose the Ruebens, if indeed the prices are fairly close.

Mari3, as noted in my post above, the Rubens has a fabulous full English buffet breakfast. Also, the location can't be beat and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Our room was on the smallish side but very nicely furnished and the bathroom was large and well equipped. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.