Dear Catalana: <BR> <BR>My favorite hotel in London is in Kensington - the Montana. It is right across the street, kitty-corner from the Gloucester tube station. It is clean, helpful, very friendly and offers a continental breakfast. They also have an Indian restaurant on the premises (although I've never tried it since I don't like Indian food). You can view this site by going to www.hotel-assist.com and book right on line or through a telephone operator. The hotel staff always takes excellent care of me and we are on a first name basis! <BR> <BR>The hotel neighborhood offers many convenient restaurants and shops, plus it is very close to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Palace - all within walking distance. <BR> <BR>Check it out - it's definitely worth it.

Connie, <BR>I stayed at the Thistle Kings Cross a year ago and was very happy with the hotel. I reserved a room through laterooms.com and was able to stay in this 4 star property for less than I was paying to stay in a 3 star! The rate I had was a special deal they offer over the weekend: Thursday night thru Sunday Night. I believe I paid 45 pounds per night for a "executive single" room with full breakfast. My room was like any 4 star hotel room in the US: Marble bathroom, queen size bed, color tv with stellite, internet access (with your own laptop), double-paned windows, etc. The only "down" side to the hotel is the location---not exactly convenient. I had to walk about 3 blocks (10-15 minutes) to get to the nearest tube station (Kings Cross). There are a few small restaurants and pubs in the area, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar in the lobby. There was zero night-life in the immediate area. The surrounding area is ready for some revitalization, but I felt safe (I was travelling alone in March). The area immediately around Kings Cross tube station is pretty grim and needs to be cleaned up. I was able to walk from the hotel to the British Library, though it was probably a 20 minute walk. I suggest you check out www.laterooms.com as they offer deals on a variety of hotels, including many other Thistle properties that are more centrally located. I would consider staying there again. <BR>Hope this helps. Cheers! <BR>Giovanni

Let me throw my two cents in. Have you thought of trying the U.S. Priceline? I just finished booking 6 of 7 nights(first week in November) through the U.S. Priceline using a link on the Smarter Living website. THe hotel I ended up with was London Ryan. With tax the cost per night is jsut below $55 excluding a $10/night boost using a link on the Smart Living website. <BR> <BR>FYI - THe 7th night was booked through BA when they had a special $100 off and hotel booking. So $14 for one night at the Plaza on Hyde Park.

Try www.londontown.com. I just booked a double at the Millennium Bailey's (across from the Gloucester tube stop) for 51 pounds! This doesn't include breakfast or VAT tax, but it is a considerable savings over the 72 and 99 pound rates I was considering earlier in my trip. I haven't stayed at the Millennium, but it is listed in several posts on this BB as being a nice place. Good Luck!