The Academy is an upscale boutique hotel set in a row of Georgian houses in central London's bookish Bloomsbury neighborhood. While the setting is relatively serene, there's plenty of public transport and much of the capital's bustling center within walking distance. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation that was completed in 2018. If rates feel a little steep -- especially with a charged breakfast -- guests could take a look at the nearby Arosfa, where rates include full English breakfast.
The Academy is an upscale boutique hotel set in a row of Georgian houses in central London's bookish Bloomsbury neighborhood. While the setting is relatively serene, there's plenty of public transport and much of the capital's bustling center within walking distance. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation that was completed in 2018. If rates feel a little steep -- especially with a charged breakfast -- guests could take a look at the nearby Arosfa, where rates include full English breakfast.
The one-and-a-half-pearl Smart Russell Square Hostel offers cheap accommodation in downtown London. Russell Square is a dated, industrial-looking hostel with worn interiors, but affordable rates and nearby King's Cross and St Pancras tube stations make it convenient. A mix of private and shared dorms form the 60 rooms, but they're unsurprisingly low-frills. Bright layouts and 24-hour facilities are bonuses here, but you're paying to be central, so expect mostly shared bathrooms, and fees for lockers, luggage storage, and the basic breakfast. For those who don't mind compromising space, cleanliness, and amenities for a stellar location, it's an okay pick. More-competitive rates at RestUp London make for a nicer overall stay, but its South London map pin is less ideal.
The one-and-a-half-pearl Smart Russell Square Hostel offers cheap accommodation in downtown London. Russell Square is a dated, industrial-looking hostel with worn interiors, but affordable rates and nearby King's Cross and St Pancras tube stations make it convenient. A mix of private and shared dorms form the 60 rooms, but they're unsurprisingly low-frills. Bright layouts and 24-hour facilities are bonuses here, but you're paying to be central, so expect mostly shared bathrooms, and fees for lockers, luggage storage, and the basic breakfast. For those who don't mind compromising space, cleanliness, and amenities for a stellar location, it's an okay pick. More-competitive rates at RestUp London make for a nicer overall stay, but its South London map pin is less ideal.
The business-friendly, four-pearl Novotel London Paddington is a relatively quiet option, an eight-minute walk from Paddington Station. Families are attracted to the hotel for the special perks for kids that include a pool, children’s corner, and game room for teens. It’s also a convenient stop for anyone doing business in the area, thanks to multiple event spaces, speedy Wi-Fi, and a bright fitness center. The bar and lounge help too, as well as the hotel’s proximity to the rail line and Heathrow Express. The 217 rooms are pleasantly contemporary and include 55-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, with proper coffeemakers and iPod docks in higher-category rooms. Those wanting a classically elegant hotel that's closer to Hyde Park should consider the Grand Royale London Hyde Park instead, where rates are similar.
The business-friendly, four-pearl Novotel London Paddington is a relatively quiet option, an eight-minute walk from Paddington Station. Families are attracted to the hotel for the special perks for kids that include a pool, children’s corner, and game room for teens. It’s also a convenient stop for anyone doing business in the area, thanks to multiple event spaces, speedy Wi-Fi, and a bright fitness center. The bar and lounge help too, as well as the hotel’s proximity to the rail line and Heathrow Express. The 217 rooms are pleasantly contemporary and include 55-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, with proper coffeemakers and iPod docks in higher-category rooms. Those wanting a classically elegant hotel that's closer to Hyde Park should consider the Grand Royale London Hyde Park instead, where rates are similar.
Right by conference and exhibition centers Olympia and Earl's Court, the 40-room value Kensington West provides basic and affordable rooms in a great location. It's ideal for low-key travelers visiting nearby sights, as well as tourists looking to explore the city from charming Kensington. It doesn't offer anything aside from the no-frills rooms, which all come with flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Note that rooms and bathrooms can be tiny, and they lack air-conditioning and fridges. Additionally, there's no common area to lounge, and guests have reported occasional noise issues. The City Continental Kensington is similarly priced, but comes with more stylish rooms and free breakfast.
Right by conference and exhibition centers Olympia and Earl's Court, the 40-room value Kensington West provides basic and affordable rooms in a great location. It's ideal for low-key travelers visiting nearby sights, as well as tourists looking to explore the city from charming Kensington. It doesn't offer anything aside from the no-frills rooms, which all come with flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Note that rooms and bathrooms can be tiny, and they lack air-conditioning and fridges. Additionally, there's no common area to lounge, and guests have reported occasional noise issues. The City Continental Kensington is similarly priced, but comes with more stylish rooms and free breakfast.
The California is a smart and stylish mid-range bed-and-breakfast located a block from hectic King's Cross transport hub. It occupies a Georgian property, which means there is no elevator, and internal soundproofing can be a problem, but rooms are generally well-maintained. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a pleasant bar are all plus-points, and while not the least-expensive budget-end hotel out of the dozens in the area, The California is certainly one of the more creative and better looking.
The California is a smart and stylish mid-range bed-and-breakfast located a block from hectic King's Cross transport hub. It occupies a Georgian property, which means there is no elevator, and internal soundproofing can be a problem, but rooms are generally well-maintained. Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a pleasant bar are all plus-points, and while not the least-expensive budget-end hotel out of the dozens in the area, The California is certainly one of the more creative and better looking.
The three-pearl Hyde Park Executive Apartments is a basic, no-frills serviced apartment property in Bayswater. With no dining options, parking, or gym on-site, the only thing attracting travelers are the 89 studio-style apartments with kitchenettes. There’s no air-conditioning, no daily cleaning or towel change, and the free Wi-Fi doesn’t seem to work well in the rooms. About the only thing this place has going for it are a few vending machines, a coin-operated laundry room, and a location close to a tube station and Kensington Gardens. A better, more stylish option to consider could be the Mayflower Hotel & Apartments, which has apartment-style rooms, though often at higher rates.
The three-pearl Hyde Park Executive Apartments is a basic, no-frills serviced apartment property in Bayswater. With no dining options, parking, or gym on-site, the only thing attracting travelers are the 89 studio-style apartments with kitchenettes. There’s no air-conditioning, no daily cleaning or towel change, and the free Wi-Fi doesn’t seem to work well in the rooms. About the only thing this place has going for it are a few vending machines, a coin-operated laundry room, and a location close to a tube station and Kensington Gardens. A better, more stylish option to consider could be the Mayflower Hotel & Apartments, which has apartment-style rooms, though often at higher rates.
Elegant and eclectic, this 74-room luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of London's City District has been converted from an original Victorian banking hall, and retains stunningly beautiful period features. With elegant common spaces, abundant luxury amenities, and warmly inviting rooms, it doesn't seem as if there's much to fault at this hotel, but guests have complained about slow Wi-Fi.
Elegant and eclectic, this 74-room luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of London's City District has been converted from an original Victorian banking hall, and retains stunningly beautiful period features. With elegant common spaces, abundant luxury amenities, and warmly inviting rooms, it doesn't seem as if there's much to fault at this hotel, but guests have complained about slow Wi-Fi.
The Pullman London St Pancras Hotel is a four-pearl property in the vibrant King's Cross area of London. Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, the hulking concrete structure belies the streamlined and effortlessly cool style found indoors. It certainly embraces its uber-cosmopolitan surroundings, but is also an antidote to it, with a fresh color palette and simple chic styling throughout. The 312 spacious rooms are brightly styled and outfitted with high-end amenities like free smartphones. The hotel’s popular Golden Arrow Restaurant and Bar is similarly impressive, with a show kitchen and swanky bar area. Flexible meeting spaces and the hotel's well-equipped Fit Lounge round off the list of features here. If you'd like an upscale option with a pool instead, the Great Northern Hotel is nearby,
The Pullman London St Pancras Hotel is a four-pearl property in the vibrant King's Cross area of London. Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, the hulking concrete structure belies the streamlined and effortlessly cool style found indoors. It certainly embraces its uber-cosmopolitan surroundings, but is also an antidote to it, with a fresh color palette and simple chic styling throughout. The 312 spacious rooms are brightly styled and outfitted with high-end amenities like free smartphones. The hotel’s popular Golden Arrow Restaurant and Bar is similarly impressive, with a show kitchen and swanky bar area. Flexible meeting spaces and the hotel's well-equipped Fit Lounge round off the list of features here. If you'd like an upscale option with a pool instead, the Great Northern Hotel is nearby,
The St. Athans Hotel is a no-frills, family-run budget property near Russell Square, within a 13-minute walk of the British Museum and a four-minute walk to the tube station. The hotel has 40 rooms, which can sleep one to five guests. They're basic and dated but clean. Rooms lack air-conditioning and TVs, and most share bathrooms, though Wi-Fi is free. The hotel has a small lounge with books to borrow and a computer for guests' use, and there's a separate coffee shop on the ground floor of the hotel, which serves fresh baked goods and slightly discounted breakfasts. Travelers looking for budget digs in the area could also consider the Generator Hostel London, but its social, youthful atmosphere isn't for everyone.
The St. Athans Hotel is a no-frills, family-run budget property near Russell Square, within a 13-minute walk of the British Museum and a four-minute walk to the tube station. The hotel has 40 rooms, which can sleep one to five guests. They're basic and dated but clean. Rooms lack air-conditioning and TVs, and most share bathrooms, though Wi-Fi is free. The hotel has a small lounge with books to borrow and a computer for guests' use, and there's a separate coffee shop on the ground floor of the hotel, which serves fresh baked goods and slightly discounted breakfasts. Travelers looking for budget digs in the area could also consider the Generator Hostel London, but its social, youthful atmosphere isn't for everyone.
This sophisticated four-and-a-half pearl property offers 235 apartments in the heart of London's Square Mile. The luxury accommodation is easy to access as there are many underground and train stations within a five- to 10-minute walk, including Barbican, Old Street, Farringdon, and Moorgate. There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, and the apartments have their own kitchenettes too. The rooms are large and stylish, with 40-inch flat-screen TVs and luxurious bathrooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and guests can access the fitness center and restaurants across the street in the property's sister hotel. For a more eclectic boutique option, guests should investigate the Hotel Indigo - London Tower Hill, though rooms are smaller.
This sophisticated four-and-a-half pearl property offers 235 apartments in the heart of London's Square Mile. The luxury accommodation is easy to access as there are many underground and train stations within a five- to 10-minute walk, including Barbican, Old Street, Farringdon, and Moorgate. There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, and the apartments have their own kitchenettes too. The rooms are large and stylish, with 40-inch flat-screen TVs and luxurious bathrooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and guests can access the fitness center and restaurants across the street in the property's sister hotel. For a more eclectic boutique option, guests should investigate the Hotel Indigo - London Tower Hill, though rooms are smaller.