Opinion-Hotel vs. Apt. in London
 

Hi all-
Going to London first week of September. Hubby and I had planned to stay in a B&B/hotel but then heard about some apts. by Coach house rentals.

We like the idea of a washer/dryer, more space in an apt. However it is $70 more per night than the hotel. They are both centrally located. Has anyone stayed at the hotel below or rented an apartment?

Luna and Simone Hotel: http://www.lunasimonehotel.com/index.htm

1 bedroom from Coach House Rentals:
http://www.chslondon.com/vr/

Thanks!
LSmith

You don't say which apartment it is that you'd be staying in, so I can't compare the two locations for you.

It all comes down to personal preference. If you have children - which you say you don't (or at least aren't travelling with) - then an apartment is usually far easier than having to go to the hassle of arranging interconnecting rooms etc. However, if it is just the two of you, a hotel room that is serviced daily, and a hotel that will give you breakfast will make the break far more relaxing than having to cook and clean as you do at home.

Thanks,
No kids travelling with us. I did forget about the fact that we would have daily maid service :) We are looking at the apt below vs. the hotel:

http://www.chslondon.com/vr/sey/sey.htm

Wow. I found only one picture on that luna and Simone Hotel site and it looks like a very small, plain college dorm room. For all I know there isn't even a chair to sit on. Is that what you're comparing to the full and seemingly nicely decorated apartments on the Coach House site? Which apartment are you looking at?

Don't laugh.:) London is so expensive my budget for sleeping was around $200 US. We are spending 6 weeks in Europe.

Tripadvisor and people on the RS site rave about this place. I agree it looks like a dorm room. But apparently the owners are friendly, helpful, etc.

Other options I'm looking at:

Winchester Hotel

http://www.winchester-hotel.net/rooms.htm

Lime Tree (more than the apt.)
http://www.limetreehotel.co.uk/home.htm

Hyde Park Radnor
http://www.hydeparkradnor.com/Special_offers.html

I'm looking for a decent central location.

Luna & Simone is a clean room for the night, just don't get out of bed too fast or you'll bump your head.

I would take the apartment -- Marble Arch is a very busy corner, but you'll be able to walk to many sites. And having to setup breakfast would be worth the space tradeoff to me.

Yipee! This is the first time I can actually share information instead of asking for it! I am traveling on a very tight budget this summer with my son. I found through hotels.com a very reasonable apartment (under $100 a night). It was also recommended by Rick Steve as well (I think). I can't remember the exact name but if you want it please email me or post and I'll be happy to find it. I think it's Royal Court apartments.

thanks giggles- I'd appreciate a link if you can find it.

I stayed at the Riverbank Plaza Hotel for $105 USD via priceline:

http://www.parkplaza.com/londonuk_riverbank

I think you can have much higher standards given your price range. That luna hotel room looks horrible. I expect a pretty nice room for $150 USD, even in London.

It doesn't always happen -- last time I did Priceline, I got the Jolly St Ermins for $95 USD and I was pretty bummed out by my room although it was much nicer than Luna and Simone.

http://www.aboutbritain.com/hotels/hotel151.asp

Luna & Simone is great - practically has a cult following - much like the Morgan. The location is very convenient. However it is definitely a budget/basic place, and if you can afford a flat go for it.

Here is the link I promised:

http://www.victoria-parishomes.com/index.html

Happy Travels!

giggles, am I missing something? What does the site for Paris apartments have to do with the London apartment lpsmith is looking for?

OOps...sorry lpsmith...I gave you the wrong link. I can not seem to find a direct link to Royal Court Apartments. If you want to google it, the exact information is:
Royal Court Apartments 51 Gloucester Terrace LONDON W2 3DQ GB.
I'm traveling on a budget so I'm settling for 2-3 star hotels which I think this is considered. Hopefully we won't be there so much except to cook some meals and sleep!

Thanks giggles! I hadn't heard of that place I'll take a look.