London - Scala House
 

Has anyone recently stayed at the Scala House in London (http://www.scala-house.co.uk/index.html)?

I am traveling to London with 3 others and it seems to be a very reasonable convenient place to stay in February. I was just wondering if anyone had any feedback about its location/accomodations. Thanks

I haven't personally stayed there but have referred lots of folks to them and almost universally the reports back are good. Now it isn't posh for sure - but the owners are very helpful and it is a very good value for London.

I normally stay in Pimlico or once in a while S Kens, which is the main reason I haven't stayed there myself. But in Feb I'm renting 3 flats in Scala Housed for me and a group of friends.

meant to add - there are a couple of scala house regulars on Fodors so maybe one of them will see your thread . . . . .

We've stayed there 3 times and will again this Spring. It's NOT fancy, by that I mean it has basic accommodations, the furniture is functional, not frills. The kitchens are good, full size refrig., stove, a microwave, dishwasher and a washer/dryer combo (it takes forever to dry clothes in those things tho). Plenty of dishes, pots/pans, etc. if you want to cook something.

It's very convenient to Goodge Tube Stop (right around the corner) and there is a TESCO grocery across the street. Just one block over is Boots, Marks&Spencer Food Store and numerous other shops. One block the other way is Charlotte St. which is lined with restaurants.

The livingroom/dining room combo is a good size with a full size diningroom table & chairs. There is plenty of closet space, including one in the hallway. The full bath is nothing fancy, just the basics including toilet, tub/shower combo. The cloakroom is a small sink and toilet (no shower/tub in there). It's very handy to have a second toilet/sink tho with a couple of people in the apt.

The main bedroom is decent sized, again sort of K-Mart furniture. Large closet with a safe in it for your personal stuff. The bedroom can be made up with a king bed or twins. The small bedroom is small. It has a bed and desk and closet. That is all.

The higher floors have great views I might add.

Scala House has recently been sold, I am hoping management continues to run it the way the Palos family did. Chris is the Manager, you can contact him for info (tell him Lori & John in Arizona recommended the place !!).

For the price (and London is soooo expensive) we have found Scala House to be very good. We like having a full kitchen for fixing breakfast and/or another meal if we are in the mood. Keeping snacks around is so much easier with a kitchen too.

It's within walking distance of the British Museum and much of the West End. There is a large Sainsbury (grocery) at Tottenham Court Rd. too.

&quot;<i>Scala House has recently been sold</i>&quot; Doesn't it just figure! Now that I am finally staying there- we could get the owners from hell. Oh well?!

Thanks for the info. Lori, do you have an email contact for the manager. I tried the one posted on the site a few days ago, but have not had a response(is Ken still there?). I could always try calling in a few hours instead. Also, how long of a walk to Leicester Square?

I think the old e-mail still works. But it is pretty likely they wouldn't answer over the New years hoilday.

I'd send another e-mail and then call if that doesn't work.

The old e-mail still works, I've had e-mails from Chris. Maybe is has been off for a few days for the holiday. Ken &amp; his wife are no longer there, sorry to report.

I guess you could walk to Leicester Sq. - we always took the tube. Maybe 20 min. or so walk, depends on how fast you walk :-) (or how slow !!)

Janis - I hope you do not get the owners from hell :-) Just do not expect Buckingham Palace decor, please. It's a large apt. bldg. and there is a small lobby off the street which is kept locked at night (you can buzz the attendant). The elevator always worked real fast by the way. There are 4 apts. on each floor all off the landing where the elevators are. There is a trash shute for you to dispose of your daily trash too. Incidentally there are 2 larger apts. on the top floor with terraces.

We have been satisified with the price (10% off to returning guests) and the fact that the apts are roomy. If you are going to be in London for more then a few days it is so nice to have room to spread out.

Don't worry - I'm not expecting Buck House :)

I think the photos on the website are probably pretty accurate - and I'm REALLY used to budget London flats (about the only time I get posh is when I use priceline)

Janis - Please let me know how the Feb. trip goes. We will be there in April. Glad you are not expecting POSH :-) and I hope your friends are not either. We can't afford luxury flats in London, but what works for us may not for others so I always worry when I recommend something since American's standards of hotels, etc. are usually pretty high (we indulge our luxury taste in Vegas several times a year to make up for it tho!!)

I stayed there with my husband and daughter in July, 2004, and it was just as Lori describes. I found the location extremely convenient; we walked to Leicester Square pretty easily and I am a slow walker. We enjoyed the pub at the corner and the souvlaki take-out across the street. There are about four coffee shops within two blocks.

I too am curious to hear how it will be under new management.

Nikki, I'm glad Scala House worked for you too. It will be interesting to see what new management does (or doesn't) do.

Sorry to say, the Scala House is fully booked during the time I requested to stay. I thank all of you for your input. If anyone knows of any other flats in that area or similar walking distance to Covent Garden/Leicester Square, I'd love to hear your ideas. It looks like I'm starting my London apartment search over.

Mike,
You might contact Nick Price at Price Apartments. Nick owns several apts and he and his son Warren act as rental agents for others. They have a website. We have dealt with Nick in the past and he's a very nice person.

I'd also suggest Price, they seem to have flats in all sorts of price ranges.

Just noticed your visit is in Feb -- oops, I may be one of the reasons you are locked out :)

We are taking 3 flats in Feb. When are you there? Maybe we could work out a sub let - just kidding.

Yes, call or email Nick Price-we stayed in the Grape Ave flat in 2005-I am hoping to get the owner to adopt me-comfortable and worth every penny!

Thanks everyone for the info. I have emailed Price Apartments for availability in that particular area. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! If it doesn't work out, what's this I read about a sublet from janisj? Just kidding. My emails are sent, and I'm still looking!

ttt

janis, are you returned from your visit to Scala House? If so, may I have your opinion of it and the new management? Thank you.