My husband and I are going to London in May and I am unsure of what area and which hotel to stay in. We are in our 30's and want to do the touristy things as it is our first trip so we would like to be centrally located. It is an anniversary trip and we are willing to splurge on accomodations. I have looked into some of the Savoy Group hotels (Berkeley, Claridges, Connaughts), but I just can't find much info on them on these boards. Any suggestions on area and hotels to focus on appreciated. Thanks.

My first question is: central to what? London is easy to get around in and you'll end up wanting to cover much of it. Of those you mention, my choice would be Claridge's for the splurge trip. I still think of the Connaught as being a much older and stuffier crowd, and I've never thought of the Berkeley as being anything very special -- more of a businessman's hotel.

Since I'm a theatre nut and love being near the theatres and the buzz of Covent Garden and Soho, my first choice for a splurge hotel would be the Covent Garden Hotel, a really delightful place, especially if you spring for a larger room or suite.

Sorry. Website for Covent Garden Hotel:
http://www.firmdale.com/covent.html

Hi.

If you don't mind a "chain" take a look at the Churchill Intercontinental on Portman Square.

http://www.london-churchill.intercon...hf/index.shtml

It has what you would expect from an Intercontinental and the location is perfect, but I'd suggest making your booking through one of the many discount sites.

B.V.

My all time favorite London hotel is <b>41</b>. Very classy, smaller place, right next door to <b>Rubens Hotel</b>. The location can't be beat. It's next to Buckingham Palace and about 2-3 blocks away from Victoria Station. The standard rooms are nice enough, but if you're willing to spend little more, their Junior bi-level suites will knok your sock-off. And maybe for a night or 2, The Conservatory Suite with the pyramid shaped glass roof above your bed. All the rooms are equipped with computer systems with internet access, so no need for laptop.
Anyway they have a great site with many, many pictures. Highly recommended, if you have some extra cash to spend.

http://www.41hotel.com/index_flash.htm

You might look into booking one of the rooms at the Savoy with a view of the Thames.

The Dorchester in Mayfair is a good choice.Check www.lhw.com You will find a large variety of top hotels.

ljd05,
I have never stayed at the Berkeley but when my Dad was sick in London last week I called our corporate travel department and asked if they knew how to get medical care. They got in touch with the Berkeley and they called my Dad immediately and offered to send the house Dr. I was impressed my company is not a huge client but their service was amazing!

My Dads description:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34492363

Has anyone heard of the Fairway Hotel near King's Cross Station? I saw a pic of it on one site and it was very picturesque. I saw a pic of what was supposedly the same place on another site, and it looked as if it were somewhat smaller and poorly maintained compared to the first pic. I do not mean to offend, but it just didn't look like the same place.

I would not recommend to anyone to stay in the King's Cross area as it is notorious for prositutes. I'm sure some of the hotels there are rather nice, but as an area it's a no no.

My husband and i jsut got back from London and stayed in a fabulous hotel in the best locaion... Sofitel St James. It is 2 blocks from Picadilly circus, 2 blocks from Trafalgar Sq, 2 blocks from The Mall. He actually got it on Priceline. He chose a 5 star hotel in the St James area and this hotel accepted his bid. Their rack rate is about 3 times the amount we paid. Our room was certainly small by American standards but we didn't care - we were in a great hotel in a great location for an amazing price. It is a &quot;boutique&quot; hotel i would say, very posh and in an old bank building so the architecture is great. You are going to have a great time in London!