Hi,
my husband thinks that I need to spoil myself and is trying to talk me into going to London for a couple of days on my own. I think that he has me convinced that what I really need is two days with time to shop and see some great art and go to cafes with a good book and not thinking about what to cook for dinner and how to get to the kindergarten before closing time... So, can any of you recommend a nice hotel where I won't feel awkward eating breakfast alone? Since I am going to pamper myself I am not looking for a budget hotel (I am thinking around 240 pounds per night)... the main thing is location, a tasty breakfast and preferably an inroom dvd player... I've been in London several times before, but now I am going by myself and really want a nice place to stay...
Any suggestions?

Well, my solo hotel wasn't at all in that range (the Thistle Marble Arch) but I didn't feel at all awkward at breakfast: I'd popped around to Marks and Spencer's food hall and gotten a little pyramid of profiteroles and put 'em in the frig.

Best. Breakfast. Ever. (and in my jammies...)

Do you belong to any clubs (country clubs, social clubs, etc) in your home town? London is full of clubs that might have a reciprocal membership with your club. A great place to stay if you're on your own (and yes, there are club in London for women!)

I don't know if the Hotel Goring on Beeston Place has an in-room DVD player (although they might put one in for you) but it's a lovely place, located between Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station. We see many business travelers there, so you won't feel odd eating alone and the staff is wonderful!

Here's the URL:

www.goringhotel.co.uk/

The Rubens at the Palace would be a good choice - they have a "single female traveler" package and their "Royal (upgraded) Rooms" are around £200. www.rubenshotel.com/

Yes to the Goring--a perfect place for someone on her own.

Trust me on this. Check out the Franklin Hotel. I don't know about the DVD player but it's perfect for shopping, is quiet, luxurious & the location cannot be better.

http://tinyurl.com/rpluz

I stayed at The Cranley Hotel a few years ago while traveling on my own. It's a small, privately owned hotel in a beautiful residential area of So. Kensington. Very cozy reception room with a fire place and wine served in the afternoon. Room was very nice with half canopy bed and very nice bathroom. Wonderful breakfast served in the room. I felt very safe there because when you enter the hotel you must press a "buzzer" and the staff lets you in (no strangers in and out of the hotel). As I said the area is lovely with lots of cafes, small grocers and plenty of shops - plus a short walk to the Gloucester Rd. tube station. I really felt pampered. Wish I could afford it again!

Thank you for all your great responses! I will have a look at all the hotels you have suggested. Amy, I think that we have the same taste in great breakfasts - I could see myself doing exactly the same!

I frequently go to London on my own and to perfectly honest I don't hesitate to stay at any hotel or go into any restaurant. Sometimes, single rooms in hotels are pretty bad,but my preference, Dukes Hotel, has wonderful single rooms.
http://www.dukeshotel.com/