Some questions about the Morgan Hotel in Bloomsbury
 

I have ready many posts about the value and friendliness of the Morgan Hotel in Bloomsbury. Several make the comment, however, that it is better to stay in the main hotel than the annex down the street. <BR><BR>I got the impression, however, that the apartments with kitchens were in the annex. Is this correct? If so, what are the reasons that people advise against the annex? If one stays in an apartment does one still get the breakfast?<BR><BR>Finally, given the apparent value of this hotel, are the furnishings cheap and or depressing?<BR><BR>

Me, too! Many here extol the virtues of the Morgan. Also in the rants and raves department of the hotel section here. But no web site, and nowhere have I found any pictures of this fantastic place. Any help is appreciated. I guess I'd like to see a picture or something.

I am also amazed at this phenomenon. I must see room pictures first or will not book. I have specific tastes when it comes to decor and don't want to end up in some frilly, hyper-floral wonderland if that's not my thing.<BR><BR>It is incredible that this legendary Morgan has nothing to look at. The word of mouth is so good you almost want to forego any visual reference.<BR><BR>But, alas, I passed.

Nicol,<BR>The Morgan Hotel's flats are in the 'annex' at #40 Bloomsbury, just a few doors down from the main building which is at #24 . No matter which of the two buildings one stays in, one has breakfast in the cozy breakfast room in the main building. ( The main building is less than a minute walk from the annex.)<BR>The breakfast room is a warm friendly place. The walls are paneled ,there is a ledge of Toby mugs and other bric a brac all along the top. There are antique prints and photographs of London. The tables hold tiny vases of fresh carnations. The host is genial and the breakfast is cooked to order. <BR>I have no idea why people would advise against staying in the annex, I can only imagine it is a matter of personal taste.<BR>I always stay in Flat #2. I prefer the flat to a regular room because my London trips are usually for 3 weeks, the flat allows me space to 'spread out'..and I also like having a place to invite friends in for a pre or post theater drink.<BR>Now bear in mind that the entire Morgan Hotel is being refurbished (the top floor of #24 was completed when I was there last October) so what I am about to describe will be changed a bit when all the re-decorating is done.<BR>Flat #2 has a sitting room with 2 windows that face Bloomsbury Street. The sitting room has a mantel &amp; fireplace ( that is non-functioning now). It is furnished with a leather wing back chair, ottoman and sofa. There is a glass front bookcase that is loaded with books ( a -take-one-leave-one policy). There is a set of nesting end tables , the top one holds the phone and a lamp. There is a writing desk which also holds a lamp and a desk chair. And the TV sits inside a small cabinet. There are framed old maps of English counties on the walls.<BR>The bedroom has two windows which overlook the rear garden..and behind the wall of the rear garden is the British Museum. The bedroom is furnished with an armoire, a dresser, a straight chair, &amp; two nightstands with lamps. The bed arrangement can either be 2 twins or one king.<BR>The kitchen has a kitchen sink and counter top, half size refrigerator, a full size stove, a dining table with 2 chairs. <BR>Inside the broom closet is an ironing board and iron, The cupboards have a modest supply of dishes, glasses and silverware for two. There is a toaster and an electric tea kettle. There is also a small safe. The window overlooks the rear garden.<BR>The bathing arrangements are duel : one room has a large bathtub ( with a hand held shower) and sink. Another room holds a small shower, the toilet and a hand basin. <BR>From the stairwell, one enters Flat 2's small foyer which is furnished with a console and mirror and an umbrella stand.<BR>Flat #1 ( where I have not stayed but have seen inside) also has a sitting room, bedroom, and kitchen. This one has a single bathroom with a shower. There is direct access to the rear garden from the kitchen.<BR>I've not seen inside any of the main building's guest rooms.. but as I said, they are all being redecorated.<BR><BR>

Starspinners, thank you so much for the detailed description. Is there room for a third person? Does the sitting room sofa fold out into a bed, or is there room for a folda-bed?

Biscuit<BR>For lack of a picture you passed up the chance to stay at one of the best small hotels in London. Too bad for you.<BR><BR>If one must have pictures, the Morgan does have a nice brochure they will mail to anyone that requests it. It has photos, descriptions, and rate information. Simply call or write them and ask for one and you will have pictures. Better yet, just trust those of us that know this hotel and recommend it, or even better yet, don't stay there so that we have a better chance of booking it when we are ready to go to London. It is difficult to book unless done very far in advance since it is so popular with so many people.

Nicol,<BR>A folding single bed can be set up in Flat 2's sitting room . :-) (And I am guessing the same holds true for all the Morgan's flats.)<BR>If you have additional questions re: the hotel and/or its neighborhood, I will be happy to try to answer.<BR><BR>

The comment about having specific hotel decor requirements is interesting to me. <BR>I am not disputing that it is OK to have personal tastes, but I am wondering how a person could be sure that EVERY room in a hotel would fit those requirements?<BR>Having an online picture of one or two rooms doesn't necessarily mean that some of the other rooms wouldn't be more floral ( or more frilly, or more Gothic, or more whatever it is you disliked) than what was shown in the picture.