London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [125]
B&B Belgravia.
££ | This modern guesthouse a short walk from Victoria Station has cool all-white decor—white chairs and walls, white pillars and desks, white linens and towels; it all looks a bit ethereal, which is what they’re aiming for. Rooms are small but beds are comfortable, and at least nothing you’re wearing will clash. There’s a modern, open-plan lounge where a fire crackles away in the winter. It’s a good place to grab a cup of tea (always available) and check your email on the free computer. Pros: nice extras like free use of a laptop in the hotel lounge; coffee and tea always available. Cons: bathrooms and rooms are small; no hotel restaurant or bar. TripAdvisor: “clean and comfortable,” “almost a brilliant place to stay,” “good value.” TripAdvisor: “location is perfect,” “inconsistent cleaning and room service,” “best cheap accommodation in London.” | 64–66 Ebury St., Victoria | SW1W 9DQ | 020/7259–8570 | www.bb-belgravia.com | 17 rooms | In-room: no a/c. In-hotel: Wi-Fi | AE, DC, MC, V | Breakfast | Knightsbridge
The Goring.
£££££ | Buckingham Palace is just around the corner, and visiting VIPs use the Goring as a convenient, suitably dignified base for royal occasions.The hotel, built in 1910 and now run by third-generation Gorings, retains an Edwardian style. It would never be described as “modern,” with striped wallpaper and floral curtains combined with patterned carpets and brass fittings. But it is luxurious and welcoming all the same. Pros: comfortable beds; spacious rooms. Cons: price is too high for what you get; decor is a bit fussy. TripAdvisor: “friendly and attentive management,” “excellent breakfasts,” “great location.” | 15 Beeston Pl., Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria | SW1W 0JW | 020/7396–9000 | www.thegoring.com | 68 rooms, 6 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Victoria
Lime Tree Hotel.
££–£££ | On a street filled with budget hotels, the homey Lime Tree stands out for its gracious proprietors, the Davies family, who also act as concierges. Built in 1834, this place is a real find for the price in an outrageously upscale neighborhood. The flowery, comfortable rooms are of a decent size for London, and the hearty cooked breakfasts (included in the price) set you up nicely for the day. The simple breakfast room covered with notes and gifts from former guests opens onto a garden. Pros: friendly and cheap; great location. Cons: some rooms are up several flights of stairs, and there’s no elevator; family rooms don’t allow kids under five. TripAdvisor: “staff were exceptionally friendly,” “bathroom was spotless,” “beautiful neighborhood.” | 135–137 Ebury St., Victoria | SW1W 9QU | 020/7730–8191 | www.limetreehotel.co.uk | 25 rooms | In-room: no a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: no kids under 5 | MC, V | Breakfast | Victoria
Studios @ 82.
££ | These self-catering apartments represent fantastic value for money; after checking in at the main B&B, you’re left entirely to your own devices in the newly converted apartments. They’re pleasant, contemporary spaces, that have everything you need, plus a few useful extras such as free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is included in the price. Pros: great price; lovely location; all the independence of self-catering. Cons: lots of stairs and no elevator. | 64–66 Ebury St., Victoria | SW1W 9DQ | 020/7259–8570 | www.bb-belgravia.com | 9 apartments | In-room: no a/c, Wi-Fi | AE, DC, MC, V | Breakfast | Knightsbridge
Windermere Hotel.
££ | This sweet little hotel, which is draped with charmingly sunny floral fabrics that look appropriate on the antique beds, will not let you forget that