Radisson Kenilworth/Marlborough
 

I'm looking into staying at the Radisson Edwardian Kenilworth or the Radisson Marlborough in the Bloomsbury area of London. I've heard some of their rooms are nicer than others -- does anyone know what I should request to get something comparable to, say, a standard Courtyard by Marriott room? How does the Kenilworth compare to the Marlborough? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Lee Newman, [email protected]

I'm interested in the answer to this question too!. i'm taking a tour through CIE in June and there is an optional extension at the end to stay 3 days in London at the Kenilworth. i have tried to research this hotel on the internet but have been unsuccessful. Since we will be on our own in London, i would like to know if the hotel is located close to the sights. Also, what kind od area is it in? I hope there are restaurants and shopping close by. as we live in Chicago, we are familar with public transportation and plan to use the tube quite a bit, how far is the closest station? Any help please!

I was waiting for someone more knowledgeable than I to reply since I don't think my answer will help much. During the Gulf War I got an extremely cheap price at the Marlborough because there were not many tourists in London. My room was the best I had ever had in London, terry robe, candy in the room, silver tea/coffee set. It was wonderful. Though I don't remember the tube stop, it is near one and also near bus stops. It is within walking distance of Leicester Square which I consider central London. A friend and I stayed there about three years ago, got an upgrade, and paid, I think, about $130. The room seemed a bit threadbare, but it was still good, considering London rooms which I always think are overpriced and a bit tacky. Another friend stayed there a few months ago and paid about $250 for a single. She liked the hotel, but thought the price was quite high. Sorry I can't be of more help.

If you have not seen it already, you may want to take a look at the Raddison Edwardian website, for photos, maps, rates, etc. of these (and their other) hotels. http://www.radissonedwardian.com/hot...rt=city-London <BR> <BR>Both are quite central; it looks as if the Kenilworth is quite near the Tottenham Court Road tube stop, very close to the British Museum. The Marlborough is about a block over.

We were lucky enough to stay at the Kenilworth with a student tour one April and absolutely loved it and the location. It was a few years ago, so my memory is fuzzy on details, but I do remember that we were knocked out to be staying in such a nice hotel. We have priced it for returns to London, but unfortunately, it's out of our price range. Be glad it's in yours. <BR> <BR>I personally love the Bloomsbury area--it seems to be so central. The Kenilworth is right around the corner from the British Museum.

Sorry, Abe. The Kenilworth is close to the Tottenham Court Rd. tube stop, can walk to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Oxford Street (which I believe is good for shopping--I don't do that) and even theaters. <BR> <BR>The Kenilworth is marked on my London Mapguide (Penguin) (which is realliy useful to have). The Marlborough isn't, but it looks as if it's very close to the Kenilworth. Radisson rates Kenilworth 4 star and Marlborough 4 star deluxe.

Sue, I so glad to hear your response! It sounds like the Kenilworth will be very good and all this time I thought he hotels through ecsorted tours and groups werre second class and not centrally located. can I assume then that the Kenilworth will have amenties such as hairdryer, iron, and coffepot in the room? Also my brochure says all rooms have a private shower OR bath. Does this mean they don't have both like most american hotels?

Abe, I'm sure you will have everything you need in the room. Radisson's site is vague, but says there is a full range of services in room. I know there is a hairdryer and all British hotels seem to have coffee pots, trousers press, etc. Iron I don't know about (never have wanted one--don't iron at home, don't intend to abroad!) <BR> <BR>You can check out Radisson's site (www.Radisson.com), type in London, choose country UK, and scroll down to Kenilworth when you get the list of London hotels to get a look at it. You can even pretend to book it to get a look at rates (the cheapest one was over $200/night). <BR> <BR>I'm not a London expert, but in Paris you either get a shower or a tub with a spray gizmo hooked up (no shower curtain). Either is OK, but I prefer the convenience of a shower. <BR> <BR>I think the advantage of an escorted tour is that they are able to wangle advantageous prices based on quantity. <BR> <BR>Stay, enjoy, and I'll envy you!

ttt

I can't recommend the Edwardian Kenilworth enough. I fled there after having been booked into yet another of those horrendous London tourist's hotels. Luckily they were not full and were able to take me in. I think that for London, they are the best price going for the money. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in London, other than in another one in the same chain. <BR> <BR>In my experience, London is the worst city in Europe as far as reasonable, habitable hotel rooms. If you can afford this hotel, don't heistate to take it.

Hi, <BR>I stayed at the Kenilworth a number of times over the years. My last trip was last month. They have done a complete renovation and lost all the lovely British style that it had. The hotel lobby has a sleek, Swedish modern look. The first room we were shown was totally unacceptable. It was a walk up one level and looked right over the street. The bus noise was awful. We changed to a room on the 6th floor on the same side so it was quieter. The room was very small and the bathroom with shower only was miniscule. The hot water was shut off one day, for repair, and the next day the phones were shut off, for repair. Both for only a few hours, but inconvenient non the less. The room was not cleaned too well either. I have recommended this hotel many times but was not happy this time. The Marlborough is across the street and is more upscale and more expensive. <BR>I stayed at the Academy (around the corner) in August and loved it. It is very charming and includes a lovely breakfast. Hope this helps. Enjoy my favorit city.

Oh, poo, Pat. I hate hearing this but thanks for the update. I was there nearly three years ago, which I should have mentioned in my original post.