Here is my dilemma: Thistle Trafalgar or Hilton London Kensington? My heart is set on the Trafalgar (actually, it was the Morgan Hotel but it was booked), but nagging budget bugs who email me (read: family members) are eating away at my resolve. Save $20! Save $30! We've never been to London, probably will never be able to do so again (that budget pest again); thus, I want to be happy and comfortable, not chasing the elusive "great" deal and ending up disappointed. We don't have time for that. My 70 year old parents will be with us and I need to present them with solid fact as to which hotel would be better suited to us. My heart says Thistle but my actual knowledge is nil. What say you, Mr. Haines? I thank you in advance for your anticipated response.
Nancy Holliday
P.S. I was able to get a twin deluxe at Thistle Trafalgar for 84 pds/night, exc. of VAT per night, including breakfast. I think that is just fine, yes?

Sorry to be rude, Fodorites. Everyone's input is more than welcome. It just seems from reading these threads that Mr. Haines is a top notch source of information for just about any question on London.

Of course, lodging least likely of all. He LIVES there, so he doesn't stay in hotels of course.

I hope you will forgive me for butting in on your question, when I cannt provide an answer.

But I would repost with a more informative message header.

"Thistle Trafalgar or Hilton London Kensington" would work nicely.

Best wishes,

Rex

Nancy, you are overworrying this. With the Thistle you have a good hotel at a good price in a great location. Take it and move on to more important questions.

I see nothing wrong with your title, but I'm sure some egos will be bruised! Ben is a good person to seek out for advice and I am sure that anyone else who can make an educated contribution will do so.

You may have already done this, but have you looked at tripadvisor.com to see if there are any hotel reviews for these properties?

Have you considered the Holiday Inn Kensington on Cromwell Rd. across from the Glouchester tube station? I highly, highly recommend it. Lovely private hotel garden, nice bar and v. good breakfasts!

If the Thistle Trafalgar is near Trafalgar Square, go for that. Location is much better, you are right in the middle of the West-End. From the Hilton Kensington you can really not walk anywhere with your parents and would have to take the underground much more (or even taxis; bad for your budget!). With a more centrally located hotel, it is much easier to go back for a rest too.

Ron, you are correct. I do tend to obsess. On to more important things - Pubs, best pubs! I know, I know, start a new thread! Rex, I tried posting the hotels in the title but didn't receive much of a response so I resorted to begging, seems to attract more attention! I'll retitle it next time "Fodorites, please help!" Thanks for the info, as always, very much appreciated.
Nancy

If I recall correctly Ben Haines himself has commented that he is not really familiar with many hotels (logically) in London, but he is great at answering questions about their locations.

But now to the Pubs question -- you've hit the real area of Mr. Haines expertise (along with trains). Do a "London Pubs" search and you'll find a link to him for downloading a whole disc of information on London pubs. It's now part of my permanent files of discs.