Luckily, I had only booked one night there, janisj. I moved to another hotel right on a main street for the next 3 nights. Thank god it was much better. I think it was a chain like a Radisson. It was just better built/soundproofed. I never heard a thing and slept like a babe the nights thereafter. Both were about $100/night, btw.

good point though, I should invest in some earplugs for the future. I've never had such a noisy sleepless night and it is easily averted with this precaution.

I looked it up; the noisy hotel was the Hotel Russell. It is so amazing how much reviews can vary. The only ones consistent with my experience were the negative ones. The room they show in their picture is nothing at all like the caliber of what you get. The picture is a 4 to 5 star room and what you get is a 2 star at best room. That was certainly adequate for me but the noise put it over the top. I got a room right on the main street so perhaps there are rooms in the back that are quieter. I found one review mentioning this (they must have paid a significant upgrade for the nice room:

Too much traffic noise
The hotel was very nice, the room was spacious and updated, the staff extremly courteous and knowledgeable. We had booked including breakfast but were told that breakfast would be an additional 10 pounds each, for a total of 20 pounds each which was just too expensive. The noise from the traffic, which continued non-stop all night, was a nightmare and most disturbing.

This was the other hotel I stayed at, Radisson Edwardian Grafton at the top of Tottenham court road. My room was very quiet. The room was small but had everything I needed. I would walk down through Soho every day to the West end (maybe 20 minutes walk?) and pick up half price theater tickets then head off to explore for the day. It is an okay location but the price was terrific and it met all my basic needs. Again, I think I paid about $100-120/day.

http://www.radissonedwardian.com/hom.../rateSearch.do

I've stayed at the Morgan as well and highly recommend it - it is one of the smaller b&b type hotels, though, so I'm not sure how hard it would be to get your entire party there. I was in a twin room and we had enough space, but you would probably be a bit cramped if you have a ton of luggage. However, the location is fantastic.

Monica, do give us the names of the B&B's you are intending to contact. Thanks!

Thanks for your postings!

I've looked at most of the B&B's in the Bloomsbury area (trip advisor has some listed with good comments) to include the Morgan hotel. None are taking reservations this early for October 2011. All seem to be similar in price and amenities. Will be emailing them in October-December this year.

I figure if I can't get my entire group together at one B&B, we can at least be in the same area at different B&Bs.

The Park International on Cromwell Road looks good, but would that be considered too far west of the main area of London?

The Raddison is coming up a bit high.

Noise: I always bring earplugs. My husband snores like a saw! ;)

Monica ((F))

PS: I really appreciate everyone's comments!! Thanks!!!!!!

Monica ((F))

Have you seen this one Monica? Also Cromwell road vacinity:
http://www.base2stay.com/index.html

Park International is in walking distance of the V&A, Natural History museum, Harrods. and lots of good shops, services, and food nearby.

It also has excellent transportation along Cromwell Rd by bus or Gloucester Rd tube. we've stayed in that area numerous times and actually prefer itto most other parts of London

Hi Tod,

Thanks for the link.

Here's the list of B&B's that are in the Bloomsbury area:

Morgan Hotel #7
Jesmond Hotel #11
Arran House #27
George Hotel #52
Arosfa Hotel #77

Numbers are the ratings on Trip Advisor out of 306 B&Bs.

Monica ((F))