Rene

Will be in London for 1 night, which would be the better hotel (basically going to be couch potato before long flight home!)

celia Lynn

I stayed at the Mayfair and it was wonderful. The restaurant had delicious food, and the rooms were spacious and confortable. Just a short walk to Picadilly, Hyde Park and Harrod's. Id gladly stay there again. It's also a hotel Agatha Christy used in several of her books.

Bebe

Don't know anything about the Intercontinental but we did check out 5 Sumner Place the last time we were there. We were planning to stay there on our next trip but haven't made it back yet. From what we could tell it was a very nice little place on a quiet side street in South Kensington. It is only about two blocks from the tube station which is very convenient as it has three lines running through it. The South Ken area is very nice - a real neighborhood feeling to it that we prefer over Mayfair. As I recall 5 Sumner Place had very reasonable rates. Very quick to and from Heathrow on the tube too.

Rick

I definitely like the rooms and restaurant food at the Mayfair Intercon. Never been to 5 Sumner Place, but I personally like to get closer to the Picadilly just in case I feel like taking the bus or strolling to enjoy the nightcrowd. Have you considered the airport hotels? Both Heathrow & Gatwick have American chain hotels(for their low prices)perfect for a one nighter couch potato. I have to say the food at Gatwick Hilton is reliably bad. You'd prefer the food & room at the Mayfair if you don't mind pulling your suitcase(s) on the train.

elaine

Rene
I have stayed down the street from 5 Sumner Pl and I love the neighborhood, lots of casual restaurants within a few blocks of the tube station. The hotel was named the "Best small hotel in London" at least twice, I understand.
And as Bebe mentioned, on the tube it's a straight ride to Heathrow, although I wouldn't again do the tube to Heathrow during rush hour with substantial luggage.

dave

The Four Seasons is just across the street from the Intercontinental. It is just a bit more expensive, but MUCH better service...