There are 1,019 rooms at this massive four-pearl property set on London’s South Bank. Many of London’s top attractions are within a short walk -- such as Big Ben and the London Eye -- making this an excellent base for tourists. The hotel's common areas are sleek and stylish -- from the sexy bar to the artsy furniture used throughout. Guest rooms are modern, but a bit worn, and all include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some of the Suites and Penthouses have outdoor terraces, a nice bonus in central London. The hotel also has an excellent spa plus three restaurants and extensive business facilities. Those wanting a smaller hotel with a bit more history should consider The Sanctuary House Hotel just across the river.
There are 1,019 rooms at this massive four-pearl property set on London’s South Bank. Many of London’s top attractions are within a short walk -- such as Big Ben and the London Eye -- making this an excellent base for tourists. The hotel's common areas are sleek and stylish -- from the sexy bar to the artsy furniture used throughout. Guest rooms are modern, but a bit worn, and all include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some of the Suites and Penthouses have outdoor terraces, a nice bonus in central London. The hotel also has an excellent spa plus three restaurants and extensive business facilities. Those wanting a smaller hotel with a bit more history should consider The Sanctuary House Hotel just across the river.
The Ramada London Finchley is a mid-range property close to offices and chain restaurants, about a 35-minute drive north of the city center. Its removed location keeps prices lows, and free buffet breakfast with hot items and free Wi-Fi add value. The 88 spacious rooms are mostly dated, though some have been updated with modern, albeit generic decor. Regardless of room type, all have desks, kettles alongside tea and coffee, and flat-screen TVs, but no fridges. A bus stop outside runs to a tube station, but the hotel is best for travelers with cars, who can use the parking lot for free. A Mediterranean restaurant with live evening music and an outdoor terrace is on-site, but there are no fitness or wellness amenities here. Those wanting to be in this area may prefer the more homey, family-run Glenlyn Guest House.
The Ramada London Finchley is a mid-range property close to offices and chain restaurants, about a 35-minute drive north of the city center. Its removed location keeps prices lows, and free buffet breakfast with hot items and free Wi-Fi add value. The 88 spacious rooms are mostly dated, though some have been updated with modern, albeit generic decor. Regardless of room type, all have desks, kettles alongside tea and coffee, and flat-screen TVs, but no fridges. A bus stop outside runs to a tube station, but the hotel is best for travelers with cars, who can use the parking lot for free. A Mediterranean restaurant with live evening music and an outdoor terrace is on-site, but there are no fitness or wellness amenities here. Those wanting to be in this area may prefer the more homey, family-run Glenlyn Guest House.
There are two reasons to stay at the mid-range Ibis London Excel Docklands: its price and its proximity to the Excel Exhibition and Convention Center. Sitting alongside the Royal Victoria Dock, the hotel is an eight-minute drive to London City Airport and a full 25 to 35 minutes from central London. Decor is stylish and a bit quirky, with lots of industrial gray, bold colors, and chalk-style designs throughout the lobby, restaurant, and bar. The 278 rooms continue this vivid look, and include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi; larger rooms have pullout sofas, though bathrooms can be small. Rooms pick up noise from London City Airport, and when we visited, some rooms had an unpleasant smell and noisy ventilation. Another option in the area is Aloft London Excel, which has a pool and gym but slightly higher rates than the Ibis.
There are two reasons to stay at the mid-range Ibis London Excel Docklands: its price and its proximity to the Excel Exhibition and Convention Center. Sitting alongside the Royal Victoria Dock, the hotel is an eight-minute drive to London City Airport and a full 25 to 35 minutes from central London. Decor is stylish and a bit quirky, with lots of industrial gray, bold colors, and chalk-style designs throughout the lobby, restaurant, and bar. The 278 rooms continue this vivid look, and include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi; larger rooms have pullout sofas, though bathrooms can be small. Rooms pick up noise from London City Airport, and when we visited, some rooms had an unpleasant smell and noisy ventilation. Another option in the area is Aloft London Excel, which has a pool and gym but slightly higher rates than the Ibis.
The three-pearl Mercure London Paddington Hotel is located next to Paddington rail and tube station, where the Heathrow Express and Connect stop. It's a busy area that can get noisy. The 64 rooms are small but sleek, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi; Executive Rooms add mini-fridges and Nespresso machines. It's a hotel that covers the basics well -- it has a small gym, a decent restaurant that serves a full English breakfast (not included), and one meeting room. Overall, the hotel delivers, but travelers could also consider the nearby Best Western Plus Delmere Hotel, which has a more fashionable look.
The three-pearl Mercure London Paddington Hotel is located next to Paddington rail and tube station, where the Heathrow Express and Connect stop. It's a busy area that can get noisy. The 64 rooms are small but sleek, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi; Executive Rooms add mini-fridges and Nespresso machines. It's a hotel that covers the basics well -- it has a small gym, a decent restaurant that serves a full English breakfast (not included), and one meeting room. Overall, the hotel delivers, but travelers could also consider the nearby Best Western Plus Delmere Hotel, which has a more fashionable look.
The Novotel London ExCeL is a mid-range corporate chain hotel that's convenient to the ExCeL convention center, but far from London's downtown attractions. This stylish property has a modern, airy feel; many of the 257 spacious rooms have river views, and pricier units feature Nespresso coffeemakers and iPod docks. Some bathrooms are small and some rooms suffer from airport noise. For relaxing, there's a small gym with modern equipment, a sauna, and a steam room. For dining, there's a good breakfast buffet (free for kids), all-day restaurant and bar, and 24-hour room service. Wi-Fi is free, but parking and pets cost extra. For the novelty factor, the nearby Sunborn London is a floating yacht hotel with similar rates, though it lacks a gym.
The Novotel London ExCeL is a mid-range corporate chain hotel that's convenient to the ExCeL convention center, but far from London's downtown attractions. This stylish property has a modern, airy feel; many of the 257 spacious rooms have river views, and pricier units feature Nespresso coffeemakers and iPod docks. Some bathrooms are small and some rooms suffer from airport noise. For relaxing, there's a small gym with modern equipment, a sauna, and a steam room. For dining, there's a good breakfast buffet (free for kids), all-day restaurant and bar, and 24-hour room service. Wi-Fi is free, but parking and pets cost extra. For the novelty factor, the nearby Sunborn London is a floating yacht hotel with similar rates, though it lacks a gym.
Located inside Renzo Piano's The Shard (the U.K.'s tallest building, completed in 2012) this stellar five-pearl property is bucket list-worthy. The 202 guest rooms have decor that takes cues from nature, styled with luxurious details and fine furnishings. The litany of amenities and features include Frette linens, Nespresso machines, and marble-clad bathrooms with soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs behind vanity mirrors, and Acqua di Parma products. The center of the action is on the 52nd floor, which has dizzying views from the always-packed cocktail bar, fab infinity pool, and restaurant. Spa-goers may be crushed, as the chain's posh CHI spa isn't here, and while the gym is opened 24-hours, it has only six cardio machines. As an alternative, check out the equally highbrow boutique Threadneedles Hotel, located directly across the Thames.
Located inside Renzo Piano's The Shard (the U.K.'s tallest building, completed in 2012) this stellar five-pearl property is bucket list-worthy. The 202 guest rooms have decor that takes cues from nature, styled with luxurious details and fine furnishings. The litany of amenities and features include Frette linens, Nespresso machines, and marble-clad bathrooms with soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs behind vanity mirrors, and Acqua di Parma products. The center of the action is on the 52nd floor, which has dizzying views from the always-packed cocktail bar, fab infinity pool, and restaurant. Spa-goers may be crushed, as the chain's posh CHI spa isn't here, and while the gym is opened 24-hours, it has only six cardio machines. As an alternative, check out the equally highbrow boutique Threadneedles Hotel, located directly across the Thames.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street is an upscale 174-room hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury adjacent to the British Museum and just East of Tottenham Court Road and the famous Oxford Street. Contemporary rooms have big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms but some rooms are on the small side and there have been some complaints about street noise. There is a sleek steak and lobster restaurant and bar on the ground floor. A central, prime location allows easy access to major attractions and London's airports.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street is an upscale 174-room hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury adjacent to the British Museum and just East of Tottenham Court Road and the famous Oxford Street. Contemporary rooms have big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and modern bathrooms but some rooms are on the small side and there have been some complaints about street noise. There is a sleek steak and lobster restaurant and bar on the ground floor. A central, prime location allows easy access to major attractions and London's airports.
The four-pearl Novotel London Blackfriars is an upscale, 182-room hotel situated on Blackfriars Road, just south of the River Thames and within walking distance of many major attractions. Rooms are sleek and sophisticated, with wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, minibars, and -- in higher-category rooms -- Nespresso coffeemaker. However, some might find the glass walls separating bathrooms from sleeping areas compromise privacy. Features include a fitness center with modern equipment and a bar and restaurant serving international dishes, plus a crowded breakfast buffet in the morning. On the whole, it's a solid option for those who want an upmarket chain property. Travelers looking for a self-catering option may wan to consider Citadines Trafalgar Square London, which offers studio and apartment-style rooms with kitchens.
The four-pearl Novotel London Blackfriars is an upscale, 182-room hotel situated on Blackfriars Road, just south of the River Thames and within walking distance of many major attractions. Rooms are sleek and sophisticated, with wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, minibars, and -- in higher-category rooms -- Nespresso coffeemaker. However, some might find the glass walls separating bathrooms from sleeping areas compromise privacy. Features include a fitness center with modern equipment and a bar and restaurant serving international dishes, plus a crowded breakfast buffet in the morning. On the whole, it's a solid option for those who want an upmarket chain property. Travelers looking for a self-catering option may wan to consider Citadines Trafalgar Square London, which offers studio and apartment-style rooms with kitchens.
The budget 140-room RestUp London is a huge hostel in South London, with unadorned private and dorm-style rooms for up to 20 people. Showers and bathrooms are mostly shared and there's a fee for everything from towels to reception-level lockers. Modern common areas are a different scene, outfitted with attractive British-inspired decor. There are a cozy lounge with a projector screen and a cafe serving coffee and meals throughout the day. An outdoor terrace with seating is another pleasant spot. Though it's hard to beat the cheap rates, guests have complained of dirty bathrooms, thin walls, and a lack of Wi-Fi in the rooms. It's worth considering YHA London Central, which has a better location, in-room lockers, and a communal kitchen.
The budget 140-room RestUp London is a huge hostel in South London, with unadorned private and dorm-style rooms for up to 20 people. Showers and bathrooms are mostly shared and there's a fee for everything from towels to reception-level lockers. Modern common areas are a different scene, outfitted with attractive British-inspired decor. There are a cozy lounge with a projector screen and a cafe serving coffee and meals throughout the day. An outdoor terrace with seating is another pleasant spot. Though it's hard to beat the cheap rates, guests have complained of dirty bathrooms, thin walls, and a lack of Wi-Fi in the rooms. It's worth considering YHA London Central, which has a better location, in-room lockers, and a communal kitchen.
Before St. James's was a luxurious boutique hotel, it had a distinguished past as an exclusive Gentlemen's Club. In both common areas and guest rooms, there are luxurious details like handmade silk wallpaper, plush velvet chairs, and Murano-glass chandeliers. The hotel has a Michelin-star restaurant directed by executive chef William Drabble and a more casual bistro and bar. Its 60 rooms and suites have minibars, flat-screen TVs, docking stations, 24-hour room service, and smartphones, though entry-level rooms are tiny for a five-pearl property. In-room spa treatments are available at any hour, but there's no fitness facilities on-site. The hotel is exceptionally located in the exclusive Mayfair neighborhood, an easy walk to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Travelers may want to comparison shop the neighboring properties like The Stafford London and Dukes Hotel.
Before St. James's was a luxurious boutique hotel, it had a distinguished past as an exclusive Gentlemen's Club. In both common areas and guest rooms, there are luxurious details like handmade silk wallpaper, plush velvet chairs, and Murano-glass chandeliers. The hotel has a Michelin-star restaurant directed by executive chef William Drabble and a more casual bistro and bar. Its 60 rooms and suites have minibars, flat-screen TVs, docking stations, 24-hour room service, and smartphones, though entry-level rooms are tiny for a five-pearl property. In-room spa treatments are available at any hour, but there's no fitness facilities on-site. The hotel is exceptionally located in the exclusive Mayfair neighborhood, an easy walk to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Travelers may want to comparison shop the neighboring properties like The Stafford London and Dukes Hotel.