Would love to get some recommendations for restaurants in the vicinity of our hotel for breakfasts and dinners. Also, would you advise reserving tables before our arrival in London, or is it safe to wait until we arrive? (We will be there 10/9-10/13.) Also, are there taxis in London that can accommodate five people, or will we have to take two taxis? Thanks for any help you can offer.

That hotel has a very good buffet breakfast, there's no need to leave the hotel. I thought all rates included it, I know mine did and it was even a discount on Londontown. However, other than that, there is a French cafe not far to the north across the street on Gloucester Road, that would be my choice. There are a couple places around there in the immediate vicinity, you can't miss them.

There are also many restaurants around there, just walk around the immediate couple block area. Ones I've liked are a cheaper Italian cafe at the corner of Gloucester and the street to the south of the hotel (away from the tube station), and I highly recommend the Indian restaurant Noor Jahan. I believe that's on Bina Gardens several blocks away walking down Gloucester and then to the right on Old Brompton Rd. If you like Indian, this is one of the best in London and not at all expensive.

oh, on dinner reservations -- you don't need to at many of the casual restaurants around there (def. not that Italian place) but they would be advised at Noor Jahan. I got it as a single but it was packed. This is a very popular restaurant. You wouldn't have to do it way in advance, however.

Olives is the restaurant right in the hotel. It's not bad. There's a great little Italian restaurant about 3 or 4 blocks up Glouchester toward Kensington, called DaMario. Several other appealing places on the way to DaMario but I haven't tried them. For good pub food try the pub across the street from the hotel. Great fish and chips.

Thanks to Christina and Grasshopper for restaurant suggestions. Can anyone help with the taxi question?