Anyone have experience with 3 diamond B&Bs in London? Is there a large difference upgrading to a 4 diamond? We are considering the Barry House Hotel and the Norfolk Plaza Hotel (23 pound a nite difference in price), both in the Paddington Station area.

You don't say which one costs more and I do not know the specific hotels - but I'd personally avoid them. The Norfolk Plaza is in Norfolk Square just off Praed St/Paddington. This area is simply full of cheap hotels and isn't particularly nice. Not dangerous or anything, but just not the most convenient or nice location.

The Barry house is in Sussex Place which is right around the corner from the Norfolk Plaza.

I personally would not stay in either one - Paddington is convenient for the Heathrow Express but it really isn't very convenient for any of the main tourist sites.

How much are they quoting? If we know your budget we can make other suggestions for better located places.

The Barry House is 92 pounds, Norfolk is 115. We are a family with a teenage daughter looking for a value price, but certainly not flea-bag or accomodations. We don't need frills but wish to stay in a clean, comfortable place in a convenient location. We would like to enjoy ethic cuisine and "local" pubs in the eve.

I personally wouldn't spend approx £100 for those sorts of hotels. Heck, you can get a full one bedroomed flat in a lot of good areas for £75 to maybe £110 per night. This would give you a lot more space, a kitchen, maybe a washer/dryer and not be near Paddington.

Thanks Janis. Have any ideas where to look? In your opinion, what area is the best to stay and why? Sounds like you have traveled to London-

I lived in the UK for 5 years and get back there once or twice a year. I almost always rent flats when visiting - the only times I consider hotels if I'm just in town a night or two.

There are a ton of threads on here about apartments in London so a search will turn up a lot of info.

But here are a few to get you started

E & E Apartments have flats in Pimlico and near Victoria Station (waling distance to B'ham Palace, the River, Tate Britain and really good for transport). Apparently they finall have a web site but I don't have the url. Their e-mail address is [email protected] 1 bdrms less than £100 per night

Hamlet UK has 1 and 2 bdrm flats in St Katherines Dock next to the Tower of London. This is farther out but is right on the river and it is a lovely area. being almost in the shadow of the tower/tower Bridge makes up for £80 or less per night depending on the season. But they do have a 7 night minimum and you don't say how long you'll be in London.

Scala House is off Tottenham Court Rd - walking distance to the British Museum, Oxford Street and Covent Garden. These are all 2bdrms and run £105 to £130 per night depending on the season - a little more for renting less than a week.

But like I said there are a lot of other folks on here who post about flats so maybe others will give you some good suggestions.

The areas I like best - would be Victoria/Pimlico, South Kensington, Russell Square and around Covent Garden - especially if you wanted to do a lot of theatre. Knightsbridge is terrific but a very pricey neighborhood. Parts of the southbank are also good but you need to know the area to know if you have a good location. Another area to look in is Marylebone - it is north of Oxford st and south of Regents Park.

Day's Inn Waterloo

NW corner Kennington Rd. & Lambeth Rd.

Brand new

Smallish, but clean

5 minutes from Big Ben on #159 bus, Waterloo Station on #59

5 minute walk to Lambeth North Underground

$150 double

We are more into hotels and B&B's that flats. Found something somewhat reasonable in Bayswater area, a Thistle property. Any advise?

Hi Cathy. I don't know that particular Thistle but I have stayed in others in London. They are the chain with the most London properties and they tend to be decent tourist class full service 3 star places in oldish buildings in decent locations.
Their website often has some very good offers so have a look there if you haven't already - www.thistlehotels.com
Good Luck.

Adam C
[email protected]