Has anyone stayed at the Regency Hotel in S. Kensington or the Rathbone Hotel near the Tottenham Ct tube stop? <BR> <BR>Any feedback would be great. Thanks.

Jen, <BR> <BR>I know these hotels, both of which are good. Personally I would go for the Rathbone. It's a charming hotel in a very central but in a quiet street, close to lots of good restaurants on Charlotte St and shopping on Oxford Street. Tottenham Ct Rd Tube is about a 7 min walk, Goodge St is about 4 mins. It is a realtively small (if I recall about 70 rooms), but all are nicely furnished. I think all rooms have air-con. <BR> <BR>Mike

Mike, seeing that you are in London, would you happen to know what the Gloucester Hotel is like? (I like the location but I'm unsure about the room quality) thanks!

Su-Yee, <BR> <BR>The Gloucester Hotel is pretty good, rated 4 star. I haven't seen the rooms for about 18 months but, they were a reasonable standard when I saw them. It is a large modern hotel and as you mentioned the location is good. The Tube is 1 min walk and there are shops, banks and restaurants within a few hundred yards. Added to that you have the Scienec Museum, Natural History and V&A Museum within walking distance. <BR> <BR>Mike

Thanks! How about the Millennium Baileys near Gloucester Road? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

The Bailey's is another nice hotel and unlike to Gloucester Hotel next door it has character as well as comfortable rooms. It is a Victorian Town House built in the late 19th century. Many of the bedrooms have high ceilings which always gives an added feeling of space and light. <BR> <BR>The location is good, opposite Gloucester Rd Tube station, so it is convenient for the musuems I mentioned previously. <BR> <BR>The Rathbone is more central, but the Bailey's wins on quality. <BR> <BR>Mike

OK Mike, how do you know so much about the various hotels? Do you work in the tourist industry, for a hotel, or just scout them out for this Forum? I'm curious that's all.

Ok Lori, you found me out. I have worked in the travel industry all my life. I used to have a travel business in London that arranged tours to the UK for oversees visitors. So I've seen a few hotel rooms in my time. <BR> <BR>I now work for a travel guide publisher but like visiting this site. <BR> <BR>Mike <BR>

Mike, what do you think of the Rembrandt Hotel? I am trying to decide where to stay. Thanks!

I've stayed at the Regency in South Kensington and the Rembrandt and they are both very nice hotels in comfortable and convenient neighborhoods. My last several trips I have stayed in hotels in zone 2 and 3 and saved a considerable amount of money although it does take about 10 additional minutes to get to the West End by tube. This year I'm staying in a "B&B" private home in Chiswick which I'm sure will be just fine. Have a good trip.

Tammy, <BR> <BR>In my opinion the The Rembrandt is a good hotel (but certainly not de luxe), just about 4 star standard. It is a traditional hotel with furnishings to match. Facilities in the hotel are very good for its size. There is a bar restaurant and excellent leisure facilities, including a tastefully designed indoor pool. <BR> <BR>They have different type of rooms, standard, superior and executive. <BR> <BR>The location is great even though it is on the busy Brompton Road. It's very close to the Science, Natural History and the V&A museums. Also Harrods is only about a 7 min walk and South Kensington Tube station is about a 5 min walk. <BR> <BR>Mike

Now you've done it, Mike! What about the Bayswater Inn, on Prince's Square?

Mike, You seem to have a wealth of information and right now some of that wealth would help me choose a hotel in London. We've never been to London and would like to stay at a central location with a price range of 100 to 175 american dollars. <BR>any suggestions please?

<BR>I,m not Mike. However stayed at the Bayswater Inn last November and early December, love the Bayswater area, very ethnic and near Whitley's. However the hotel itself has seen better days, quite shabby, the room was comfortable but very shabby. The lobby is misleading,. However with London prices, it kept us warm and safe. Choices, choices.

just returned from london(first time) <BR>stayed at holiday inn mayfair <BR>wonderful hotel <BR>great rooms, service and fabulous location <BR>also stayed at holiday inn at gatwick, not so fabulous <BR>le meridien is a better choice if you have to stay at the airport <BR>what a great city!!!!

Mike: <BR>This year we opted to stay in the Victoria area of London vs. last year's Brompton Road hotels of Rembrandt and Park International. Will this location be alright for walking at night between Tube station and hotels after dark? <BR>Any thoughts on these two hotels: <BR>Melita House and Hamilton House Hotel? <BR>Please advise asap as we have to make a decision by the end of the week. <BR>Many thanks! <BR>Kristy

Firstly, sorry for the delay in answering, I've been away. Here are some answers to the recent questions. <BR> <BR>Sue - Bayswater Inn. I agree with Mary Jane's comments. It is a basic 2 star hotel that is in need of some refurbishment. On a plus side it's in a quiet street close to the Tube. <BR> <BR>Anne - This is a little hard to answer not knowing your expectations and likes/dislikes (e.g. do you like large modern hotels with all the facilities or do you prefer more traditional properties?). Anyway here are a few suggestions, but feel free to e-mail if you if have more questions. <BR> <BR>2 Star - Windermere or the Winchester <BR>3 Star - Waverley House or the Byron <BR>4 Star - Harrington Hall, Number 16 (might be a bit expensive, Rathbone, Cavendish <BR> <BR>Kristy - Victoria is generally a safe area, but like in any big city be sensible. Some of the cheaper hotels are a bit of a hike to the station and the Melita House Hotel is an example of this. It is a good 10 min walk to Victoria, in fact I would say that Pimlico Tube is nearer. I have seen the hotel, but not for a while. It is a reasonable budget hotel but the rooms are small. I haven't seen the Hamilton House. <BR> <BR>Hope these comments help <BR>Mike