We (three of us) are thinking of staying at the Thistle Victoria Hotel, London, for a week in March. It seems reasonable, considering the dollar to the pound, and basic. We'd like charm, but probably can't afford it. Prices at Thistle Victoria are around $187 USD per person. The location is Buckingham Palace Road, about a block from the Victoria Station Underground. Is that a better general location than South Kensington? Could we find something comparable in South Kensington?

Thistle Victoria is a nice hotel right on Victoria Train Station, with adequate and clean rooms, not really without charm. I stayed at the hotel about 2 1/2 years ago.

The area is quite different from S.K. but more convenient for sightseeing. But, if possible, I would much prefer Thistle charing Cross for the most central location and rooms.

I will be staying there in a week and a half. I was able to book a superior double for 116 GBP per night including breakfast through their website. That price included a second person staying in the room. I went to the area on the site with the special offers and got the 'shopper's special" or something to that effect. I had to punch in a code when I booked to get the discount.

We have stayed at the Thistle Victoria and found the location handy. I have been to London three times, and the proximity to Victoria Station is great. The breakfast at the Thistle is quite substantial and Victoria Station has restaurants, as well as "fast food" take aways. A really good soup place. You can walk to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral (not Abbey) and the park from the hotel. At Victoria Station you can also pick up the "hop-in, hop-off" tour bus. All in all, we found the location of the hotel quite convenient.

I would agree with the previous posters and give it a thumbs up for location, too. (It's actually in the same block as Victoria station.) It actually does have some charm to it and you'll be pleasantly surprised on that count just as soon as you walk into the lobby.

I stayed at Thistle Vic about a year ago, would definitely stay there again.

We have stayed at the Thistle Victoria three times and we really like the convenience. In addition to the station, numerous bus lines either start in front of the hotel or pass at the side of the hotel.
The first time we were given a spacious room although we paid for a "standard". The second and third times we were given extremely small rooms, although the third stay was booked in "superior". We were given larger rooms both times after going down to the desk and objecting to the size of the room. After a long overnight flight, that wasn't something we looked forward to doing, but it was worth it to object.

In 2002 and 2003 readers of Fodors Forum said this.

Thistle Hotel prices. Reports from travellers say that it is worth shopping around for the cost of a room in a Thistle hotel. They suggest you start with two company sites,
http://www.thistlehotels.com/offers/ then “Regional offers”, then “London”then "View All Offers". In June 2004 this showed the following offers until 31 Dec 2004, with full English breakfast, per passenger in a double room,
At Thistle Trafalgar and Piccadilly, from 49.50 GBP
At Thistle Charing Cross and Thistle Royal Horseguards, from 62.50GBP
Weekend Special at Thistle Charing Cross, 55GBP
In July 2003 the Thistle website was offering weekend rooms at auction, starting at a pound a night
For the Thistle Victoria: http://www.thistlehotels.com/hotel_d....jhtml?id=4684

Then they say you should check via brokers:
http://www.lastminute.com, then Hotels, then London. Shows only Barbican and Tower, nothing central
http://www.orbitz.com, then hotels, then London and dates. Shows only Charing Cross
http://london.hotelguide.net/, then Thistle. Shows only Charing Cross, at full rates and no discounts

Another traveller called the Thistle company’s 800 number and asked for their best rate. When she was given a rate she asked if there was a better rate and there was

Grosvenor Thistle, the Victorian hotel right at Victoria station. I stayed there years ago several times. There is an entrance right in the hotel to the station which was convenient . The rooms were clean, the help, friendly, helpful shops and cocktail lounges.

Grosvenor Thistle, right there at Victoria, indeed over it and surrounding it, cannot be beat for location, location, location. It is huge, and it does lack the charm that smaller places can deliver. However, being right there at your train station and/or tube stop has huge advantages. Our room there was spacious, clean, and comfortable. Buckingham Palace Road , SW1W 0SJ, phone 7834 9494 and 0870 333 9120, fax 0870 333 9220. 148 pounds or 208 dollars a night for a double.

October 2002: Message: Erin, we had a double room on the fifth floor of the Thistle Vic. It was a good sized room with twin beds, nice dresser with mirror, big closet (wardrobe type), small table, two chairs, a trouser press, and a TV, and nicely decorated. The bathroom was larger than other places I have stayed, too, with both tub and shower.

The area is convenient, but I like the Gloucester Road tube stop area better. I haven't stayed in Bloomsbury and would like to try that next time. (There is always going to be a next time for me; I love London.) What is particularly nice for people not familiar with the city is that there is a hotel entrance inside Victoria Station, so if you come from Gatwick by the express train, you are home when you get to the station.

We did hear muted train announcements during daytime hours, but they were not distracting and we did have the windows open all the time. I don't believe there is any air conditioning. Our room was through a priceline.com vacation package and did not include breakfast. We didn't eat breakfast in the hotel dining room since it was quite expensive when not included.

We stayed at the Victoria Thistle in 1998 and it was very nice. "Victorian" in no way implies aged or seedy--the exterior is quite Victorian, but our room was spacious and lovely. We could hear the announcements from the station drift up, but they were in no way interruptive or sleep preventing. There really aren't too many announcements later in the evening or through the night. (I think we were on the third or fourth floor.)

The location is perfect, of course, as it is right in the heart of things--walkable to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey. It is convenient, obviously, to the rail station and to the tube, as well as bus stations. If you are flying in and out of Gatwick, it has the bonus of being right there where the jetlagged get off the Gatwick express! And if you are on Brit Air, you can check your luggage there at Victoria and not have to fiddle with it on your return trek to Gatwick. American Airlines used to have a check in there, too--I don't know if they still do.

If there is a down side, it would be that its sheer massiveness means it is not exactly cosy and charming. It is more regal and just plain large. The breakfasts we had there were not quiet moments to start the day, but rather clattery, bustling experiences. But given all its other advantages, that was a minor point.

Obviously we liked the place, and when the state of North Carolina gives its community college teachers a huge raise, we would stay there again! It is more affordable via airline package deals, I think.

I stayed at the hotel last month (November 2002), booked through Londontown.com for 45 pounds (VAT included). There are two wings. It is not very convenient to stay in the side wing, as you have to change elevator, and walk through Very Long corridors. The room was nice and clean, but nothing fancy.

Correspondence from Fodors forum, 29 March to 5 April 2003

Question from Judy

My travel agent has suggested the Thistle Victoria Hotel for my family of four's first visit to London. Does anyone know anything about this hotel and its location? How about the Harrington Hall or the Park International? These are other suggestions by my travel agent. Any tips about what to do and how to get about would be appreciated

Replies

RosemaryM: We stayed at the Thistle Victoria a few years ago when it was still the Grosvenor Thistle. It is old and rather Victorian, unless it has been refurbished with the new name. However I enjoyed it. It is so close to Victoria Station that there is an entrance to the Station concourse from the lobby. From our room you could hear the announcements from the station. It is very convenient if you are coming from Gatwick.

Ann: The hotel is OK. Not great but OK. Everything works. My only problem is the Victoria area. Horrendously busy, noisy, and covered in construction. They are currently redoing the front of Victoria Station which will be impossible to avoid. If you are only staying a few days then being dead central is key. If you are staying a week or so, go about one or two tube stops to the west for a more neighborhood London feel.

JoeE: We have just returned Sunday, March 30, 2003, from a seven-night stay at the Thistle Victoria on an American Airlines vacation package. We couldn't have been more pleased with it for our first stay in London. Access is so easy from the Gatwick Express. There are two short flights of stairs from the train station lobby up to the hotel lobby. One flight of about four steps and the second flight of about ten steps. The lobby and staircase are regal. The room was very nice. The towel warmer in the bathroom was convenient for drying our washables. While in our room, we weren't aware that we were near the train station. Many city busses depart from the plaza in front of the train station. The tube is just a few steps down from the station level. We didn't think the area was seedy at all, especially compared to the area around the Munich and Frankfurt train stations. There are several decent restaurants (including a pub) in Victoria Place two levels up from the train station. We would seriously consider staying there again.

We stayed at one of the Thistle chain hotels, the one at Victoria Station, during Sept. 2003. Hotel was very convenient, being right at Victoria train station (entrance right in the station) and next to one of the main tube stops. We were within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, etc. Rooms were not luxurious but nice and comfortable. The hotel staff was polite and helpful. Seemed to be quite a few Americans - I guess we like convenience. Next time I'm in London, I probably won't stay there just so I can try something different (and a different area) but I wouldn't complain if I had to stay there again. One caution - if you do stay here and need A/C, ask for it in advance. Some of the rooms have A/C and others do not. I believe our room was less than $150 per night (but who knows now since the pound is so strong against the dollar).

I agree with Judy that the Thistle Charing Cross, and I add the Thistle Trafalgar Square, are even better placed for reaching tourist destinations.

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I love staying in this area of London - I stay there every time I visit whether it be this hotel or a B & B on Ebury Street just a block away. I love Victoria Station - it is a little village all in itself. I am either traveling alone or with one of my children, and this area is very safe and convenient.

There is no tourist area of London that is unsafe.

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Any recommendations for hotels on Ebury st or that neighborhood? would like to stay under 100 lbs if possible. 2 people - double bed. bathroom included. Victoria Thistle is way over for sept.

thanks

I've stayed at the Victoria Hotel and found the staff very helpful and good location to walk around. Having the train station right there was so helpful when we had to leave for Lymington.

I quote these notes on Ebury Street hotels from messages to Fodors Forum for Europe in July 2001, with later additions, dated

Astors Hotel. I cannot necessarily recommend the hotel (it was pretty worn, but the price was right), but the area was great. 110 Ebury Street, SW1, phone 7730 3811.

Cartref Hotel or James House. I stay there as often as I can as long as they have a vacancy. Both B&B's are owned by the same family and they are located directly across the street from one another. The facility is spotless and the staff are so friendly. Coming down for breakfast every morning was a delight! Good luck! Cartref Hotel, 129 Ebury Street, SW1, phone 7730 6176 and 7730 7637. James House Hotel, 108 Ebury Street, phone 7730 2511 and 7730 7338. Double 68 pounds or 99 dollars a night bed and breakfast. http://www.jamesandcartref.co.uk/htm/about.html/.

Chesham House Hotel. We paid 55 pounds or 80 dollars for a double room without bathroom per night which included a full English breakfast. They also have rooms with bathroom. We found it to be quite adequate for our needs. Our room was not large or luxurious but we didn't go to London to stay in our room. 64 Ebury Street, phone 7730 8513, fax 7730 1845.

Collin House. We had a family room the summer of 1997 for about $125. We recommend it. 104 Ebury Street, phone 7730 8031. http://www.milford.co.uk/go/collinhouse.html/.
Double with breakfast, with en-suite 82 pounds or 115 dollars, without en-suite 68 pounds or 96 dollars

Ebury Court Hotel. My favourite. Not all rooms have private baths. Room #1 is particularly pleasant. Like staying at Grandma's house. No children under 6 allowed in dining rooms. 28 Ebury Street, phone 7730 8147.

Ebury House Hotel. In the late 1980's we stayed at this delightful small hotel. It was made up of a couple of Georgian houses and we had a room with a canopy bed and a fireplace. It was moderate price then and only a few blocks from the station. It had a full English breakfast which was served in the basement of the old house. We found this hotel in guide books but it is probably on the internet.

December 2002. Message: I have stayed at the Ebury House. It's quite nice and a Frommer's favorite. The B&B is around the corner from Victoria Coach Station, and within reasonable walking distance of Buckingham Palace. There is a wonderful fish and chips shop on the same street as Victoria Coach Station, and a very nice tea shop across the street.

We had two rooms at the B&B and they were well appointed. Each room has a tea kettle and television. You have the option to have a private bathroom or else share one on the floor. We opted for the private bathrooms. Breakfast was very good and plentiful. The B&B was very clean. The clientele is a mix of Americans, Aussies, Kiwis, and Brits. The owners are very nice.

I recommend the Ebury House and would definitely stay there again.
102 Ebury Street, phone 7730 1350. Double or Twin Bed and Breakfast from 55 to 75 pounds, 77 to 105 dollars. http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/a44192.html/.

Harcourt House Hotel. Do not stay there. I stayed there a couple of years ago and it was awful. (5 nights there - I still can't believe we didn't just leave and go someplace else). 50 Ebury Street, phone 7730 2722, fax 7730 3998. http://www.harcourthousehotel.co.uk/...N/Catalog/3069

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Lime Tree Hotel. I read about it on the Rick Steves board. The owner is delightful, our room was small, but cheerfully appointed, we had a stall shower, the area is quiet at night and has a pleasant boho feel to it, and an English breakfast is served. It was a little under 71 pounds or $100 a night. Most of the other guests were repeat customers, too.

Lime Tree Hotel. I stayed there two years ago and really enjoyed it. I booked one of the smaller rooms (only in London for two nights). It was cheerfully decorated in floral prints, had a stall shower, no bath, bring your own soap, big closet, and a desk. Breakfast was the traditional English breakfast and Dave and his wife and the staff were friendly and helpful. Compared to other dreary and threadbare places I've stayed in London, the Lime Tree was a welcome change. 137 Ebury Street, phone 7730 8191, fax 7730 7865. 75 to 115 pounds or 105 to 157 dollars a room. http://www.limetreehotel.co.uk/location.htm

Lime Tree. August 2002. I've stayed twice and really like it. The well-decorated rooms are small as are the modern bathrooms. A full breakfast is served in the dining room. Like many B&Bs, the Lime Tree has no elevator. Your hosts are helpful and friendly. The Ebury Street Wine bar is next door and is very good and very popular(eclectic menu). I like the area--good blend of B&Bs and small shops. Easy walk to Buckingham Palace. We also walked to the theatre area; a longer trek.

I have friends who stayed at the Lime Tree in 2001 and really liked it. They said it was clean and comfortable and would stay there again.

http://www.limetreehotel.co.uk/. In 2003 75 pounds to about 110 pounds, includes a full breakfast

Topham Belgravia Hotel. We were pleased with the accommodation. The restaurant was excellent.

Topham Belgravia Hotel. I second this. The public rooms are charming, particularly the breakfast room. The bedrooms were sweet and clean. The staff was friendly.

28 Ebury Street, phone 7730 8147. http://www.tophams.co.uk/. In August, double or twin, without en-suite, 110 pounds or 154 dollars. Otherwise, from 130 pounds or 182 dollars.


Westminster House Hotel. My husband and I just returned (last week) from a fantastic 5 day London trip. A B&B (really a small hotel). Just about $100 or 72 pounds per night with full breakfast. Clean, quiet, with private WC and shower. Mr. and Mrs. Jones (proprietors) and their three daughters were nice. Walk to either Victoria or Sloane Square tube stop (we preferred the latter, as it took us right through our lovely neighborhood, Belgravia -- Mrs. Thatcher lives on the square behind, according to our host!). We would return - lodging is so expensive in central London and this was good value. 96 Ebury Street, phone 7730 4302. http://www.westminsterhousehotel.co.uk/contact.htm/.

Twin or double room with breakfast: standard 70 pounds or 98 dollars, en suite 80 pounds or 112 dollars.

4 April 2002.Stayed at the Westminster House Hotel in Nov 2001 and it was a dump. We checked out the next day. The shower was totally covered with green mold. If this is anyone's idea of a nice place to stay for $100 they had better look around. We went to the 4 star Holiday Inn Victoria and got a wonderful room for 99 pounds with a fabulous buffet breakfast.



Woodville House Hotel. nice: in Rick Steves' book

Woodville House Hotel. I believe the price was under $100 US, but I do not have it listed in my journal - it is probably listed in Rick Steves book. The room did not have toilet or shower, there was one on each landing. It did include a typical English breakfast - more food than we ever ate at breakfast but then we saved money on lunch! The owners were extremely helpful.

107 Ebury Street, phone 7730-1048, fax 7730-2574. http://www.woodvillehouse.co.uk/. Double or twin room with breakfast, and showers down the corridor, 62 pounds or 87 dollars.

In October 2002 we stayed at Woodville House near Victoria Station. The location was great, close to train, tube and bus terminal. The neighbourhood was also very quiet and we walked together and alone quite late at night and early in the morning. Lots of restaurants nearby plus a very reasonable Internet Cafe. 69 pounds a night with breakfast. The bad news - although clean, it's pretty shabby. And the breakfasts were your regular fry-up, fairly disgusting after the third or fourth day. Bathroom down the hall, very basic, and you didn't want to be the fourth or fifth person showering. Depends what you want. If we go to London (my husband and I) and want a real treat and real English hotel experience we'll stay at the Basil Street (which can be very expensive.) But if you're spending your time out all day and need a central place that's handy to transportation, we'd stay at the Woodville again.

In fall 2002 we stayed at Woodville House. Although it is a basic bed and breakfast with some charming touches, it is in a great location. Not far from Victoria Station but in a very quiet area. My husband and I walked the route many times during the day and night and never were worried. Around Victoria Station are lots of pubs (our favourite was the Duke of York), restaurants, internet cafe, grocery stores. Cost us 58 pounds.

Along Ebury Street from north to south.

28 Ebury Court, 28 Topham Belgravia. 50 Harcourt House, 64 Chesham House, 96 Westminster House, 102 Ebury House, 104 Collin House,

107 Woodville House, 108 James House, 110 Astors, 129 Cartref, 137 Limetree.

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I stayed at the Thistle Trafalgar square in october for about 200.00 dollars a night. 4 women went and we split 2 rooms. The location couldn't be beat. We were right by Liester Square, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Covent Garden. The hotel was rated 4*
clean and adequate. The room came with breakfast and the hotel was on a side street with small shops. I'd look into that one. Natalie

We stayed at the Thistle Charing Cross and thought it was the perfect location. We walked everywhere and the few places we didn't we took the tube from the station right by the hotel. Great room with tons of room. I think we paid around $250 for 3 people in a superior room.

My daughter and I are planning a London trip and we have reservations at the Thistle Victoria. Any suggestions to first time London visitors regarding local transportation, and also is it worth buying a tour package for the sights or do this independently?

Take the Original Bus hop-on, hop-off tour where you ride around the city from sight to sight on a 24-hour ticket, getting off if and where you want to, and then do your own sightseeing. London is very easy to get around in by tube, and the Victoria stop is right outside the door of your hotel.

I completely agree with the hop on/hop off tours for first time visitors. There are two companies; Original Bus (15 pounds for 24 hours) and Big Bus Tour (20 pounds for 48 hours - discount if purchased on website of 2 pounds). Both have a stop right outside the Thistle Victoria.

Thank you Carolyn and Catbert. That's sounds perfect. Can either of you suggest a fun shopping area for a 17 year old? This is a mother/daughter trip.