I will be staying at the Novotel Tower Bridge (Pepys Street) in London. Anybody have any information on this hotel? It's relatively new and I have been unable to find any information, other that what is on the Novotel web site.

Bob <BR>I have not stayed at this Novotel, but have used Novotels in Madrid and also many times in Montreal and Toronto, Canada. Novotels are typically very nice hotels, with good rooms and nice facilities as far as bars, dining rooms, and so on. I am sure this one will be in that class as well. Being at Tower Bridge will be a bit removed from the center of things in London, but you will be close to the Tower of London, and with the underground access you will have easy time getting around. By the way, how much does this hotel cost per night?

Not sure exactly where "your" Novatel is (pls.post address when you post rates that the last person asked about), but we stayed at a Novatel in Paris on one of our trips there and it was great. Large hotel, nice dining areas, average (motel type) rooms, etc. I think they are all more or less alike in that they are fairly large and have comfortable rooms, decent bathrooms, etc. The area is not that far "out" - The Tower is right there and the tube will take you anyplace in virtually minutes. Sometimes it is nice not being smack in the middle of all the action. There is a large Tower Thistle hotel right at Tower Bridge, adjacent to St. Katharine's Marina which is a nice area as well.

Bob - What's the website address for Novatel, I can't find it. Thanks

Address: 10 Pepys Street EC3N 2NU <BR>Rate: Corporate 111 GBP/night, incl VAT. <BR>Website: www.novotel.com <BR> <BR>I opted not to stay in the Tower Thistle. People I know who have stayed there say the place is HUGE and the elevator service is extremely slow, sometimes waiting as much as 10 minutes just for a ride to the lobby. Also, it's a bit more of a hike to the Tower Hill station. <BR> <BR>Another question: Anybody know a good local pub in this area (one that is not over-run wit tourists!)?

I stayed at the Novotel last summer and yes it maybe a bit far from everything in London but the tube is just around the corner. There are a several places to eat and a shopping center next to the tube station. Forgot to mention that there is also a bank at a walking distance. This was convenient for me for I had not exchanged my money at the airport. As for the elevators, we had no problem at all. Friendly and helpful staff (especially the only Spanish guy working there forgot his name but tell him I say hi) and nice rooms. Hope this information helps.

Bob, I used to work a block away from where they have built the Novotel, so I know the area quite well. I think the hotel was only completed last year. The only tourists you will find in this area are those around the Tower as this is a commuter area and will be dead after 7pm on weekdays. A few minutes walk north (under the railway bridge) is the front entrance of Fenchurch Street station, around there you will find some shops and sandwich bars - WHSmiths, Boots, Pret a Manger, Books etc. Lots of pubs in that area. I think theres one called the Yeoman which was OK, it also serves basic food. <BR>the Dickins Inn at St Katharines Dock is a nice pub, its very touristy during the day while the Tower is open, but during the evening it will be mostly city types. There is a restaurant upstairs. St Katharines Dock is a really nice area. <BR>Directly opposite the Tower Thistle on the other side of the Thames is a building housing a few restaurants, including a couple of the trendy Conran restaurants. If you find them too expensive check out the Chop House bar menu, which has good prices for set menus. Again, not touristy during the evening, not sure about lunch times. <BR>Not many people stay or explore in the city, the "square mile", and its actually quite interesting to wander around for a few hours - sometimes the old buildings against the brand new are quite a contrast. The Lloyds building is very interesting and has been used in lots of recent films. <BR>If you need any further info. on the area let me know. <BR>