London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [137]
££££–£££££ | This surreal “urban spa” is housed in a converted 1950s textile factory with a lobby that looks like a design museum: billowy fabrics serve as bathroom doors, and bedrooms have sleigh beds. The furniture is a mix of over-the-top Louis XV and postmodern pieces. Exercise addicts find Agua (the “holistic bath house”) and the indoor-outdoor fitness classes to be just what the doctor ordered. The Asian-influenced restaurant Suka merges Malaysian and British cuisine. The elegantly landscaped courtyard forms a romantic retreat in the city, especially late at night, by candlelight. Pros: popular with design mavens; your every whim gratified. Cons: “designer cool” can be self-consciously hip; bar and restaurant are so exclusive it’s hard to get in. TripAdvisor: “made us feel like VIPs,” “room service prices are excessively high,” “great location and comfortable rooms.” | 50 Berners St., Bloomsbury | W1T 3NG | 020/7300–1400 | www.sandersonlondon.com | 150 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bars, gym, spa, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Rd.
Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel.
££ | A block away from leafy Russell Square and a short stroll from the British Museum, the location of the Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel is outstanding, though once you get past the handsome frontage and gleaming lobby, everything seems decidedly more average—though not necessarily in a bad way. This is the kind of place where all the basics are covered, but little else. Guestrooms are small, with mass-produced furniture, and simple, rather hospital-like decor. It won’t win any style awards, and there are few amenities, but service is reasonable. In short, a decent enough place to stay—and cheap by London standards. Pros: affordable option in a great location; good deals and discounts; family rooms cost only slightly more than doubles. Cons: small rooms; tired decor; cheap furnishings. TripAdvisor: “spotlessly clean,” “fairly spacious and cozy,” “bathroom was well equipped.” | 126 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury | WC1B 5AD | 0871/376–9007 | www.thistle.com | 95 rooms | In-room: no a/c, Wi-Fi (hotspot). In-hotel: restaurant, bar | MC, V | Breakfast | Russell Sq.
THE CITY
Crowne Plaza London—The City.
££££ | The shell of an old stationery warehouse, on the former site of Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, is now in its “nth” reincarnation as a polished hotel. Don’t let its all-business appearance and financial-district location put you off. It’s just paces away from the Tube, and soundproof windows block out City noise. At night, the soundproofing is wasted, as the neighborhood is quiet, so you’ll have to go elsewhere for a party scene. Minimalist rooms are smaller than at a typical Crowne Plaza but reasonable by London standards. Head down to the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Refettorio, for high-quality rustic Italian cuisine by acclaimed chef Giorgio Locatelli. Pros: good prices available with advance booking; lots of amenities in rooms. Cons: neighborhood is busy during the day and quiet at night. TripAdvisor: “exceptionally clean and tidy,” “lovely hotel for sightseeing,” “breakfast was very good.” | 19 New Bridge St., The City | EC4 6DB | 0871/423–4901 | www.crowneplaza.com | 203 rooms, 14 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, DVD (some), Internet, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service, parking (paid) | Blackfriars
Grange City Hotel.
££££ | With an eye on business, this sleek hotel in London’s City has everything the workaholic needs to feel right at home—chic bedrooms subtly decorated in creams and chocolates, modern furnishings, plenty of space (by London standards), Internet and direct-dial phones, and more. The women-only wing has extra amenities ranging from more powerful hair dryers to extra-secure doors with peepholes and chain locks. Ladies (and gentlemen) can exercise in the hotel’s magnificent columned swimming pool, and then linger over sushi at the Koto Japanese Restaurant or sip cocktails in the