My family & I ( 2 adults and 2 girls ages 8 & 13 ) will be visiting London this July for 3 nights. I initially had considered the "Queensgate Hotel" in Kensington but have been reading about 2 other properties that might be much softer on the wallet AND may possibly be in a better location relative to attractions I believe the children will enjoy ( London Eye, Tower of London, Globe Theater, the Thames etc... ). Can anyone offer an opinion re: Travel Inn County Hall vs. Premier Lodge Southwark relative to quality/size of rooms and hotel location? Secondly, does anyone have any suggestions for family oriented restaurants with good food in the South Bank/Southwark area? Thanks very much for any feedback......

The County Hall TI would be a better location. It is much closer to most tourist attractions and is in the very center of London. The Premier Lodge would be a good second choice if the Travel Inn is booked up tho'.

There are family friendly restaurants nearby - a couple right in the County Hall bldg.

Just posting to endorse Janis's comments. I doubt that there will be much difference between these two hotels in terms of accommodation etc. but the County Hall Travel Inn definitely has the edge in location. You've probably checked out the websites already but, just in case, they can be found at:
www.travelinn.co.uk
&
www.premierlodge.co.uk

Jim

Janis & JJBhoy - Thanks much for the reply. I secured a reservation @ Travel Inn months ago but wanted to be sure that I was headed in the right direction. Your answers have made me feel comfortable w/ my choice. Thanks again - and if you remember the names of any of the restaurants - would love to know. We really enjoy creative cooking and like to try the best spots ( I figure we're saving some $$ on the lodging ). It actually doesn't have to be a "family" restaurant, it just helps to know if it is NOT a "kid-friendly" spot. Maybe I will post another question asking specifically for restaurant input for this area. You know, it's funny - all of the guide books that I have read do not remotely suggest staying in the Southwark area but it seems to me to be a great location, close to so many things. It also seems to be an area that has a lot of energy and new things happening.

There are two good restaurants in the Royal festival Hall just down river from County Hall. Festival Square is a moderately priced cafe w/ good food, and the Peoples' Palace is up stairs, pricier, with great views and very good food.

I also am going to London this July (2 adults 2 boys 12 & 13. Question is also what hotel? Travel Inn I was told is not air conditioned rooms? And as far as I could get info from Dolphin Square they do not too. What's the story with no a/c and rooms that don't accommodate 4 people?

Unless you plan on going way upmarket in price, do not expect air conditioning. If A/C is that important to you book at a modern property or at one of the major 4 or 5 star hotels.

But a/c is not something you would usually need. Yes, they do get heat waves like the one last August, but that is extremely rare.

That being said, I am surprised the TI is not a/c'd - since it was built into an existing office bldg only a few years ago and I thought a/c was retrofitted then.