London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [138]
The London Mal.
£££££ | Part of a small chain of well-regarded U.K. boutique hotels, this Clerkenwell-based property is filled with elegant furnishings, clean lines, and all the electronic extras. Stylish rooms are well decorated in neutral cream and beige, and have huge comfortable beds and CD systems with a library of music on demand, as well as satellite TVs and free broadband. The hotel prides itself on fast, high-quality room service, so breakfast in bed can be a pleasure. Pros: luxurious rooms; excellent service. Cons: neighborhood is off the tourist track; area can be quiet at night. TripAdvisor: “very comfortable and elegantly furnished,” “check in was fast,” “particularly good value.” | 18–21 Charterhouse Sq., The City | EC1M 6AH | 020/7012–3700 | www.malmaison.com | 95 rooms, 2 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: restaurant, room service, bar, gym, laundry service | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | Barbican, Farringdon
London St. Pauls YHA.
£ | On the doorstep of this hostel are St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge that leads to the Tate Modern. Once a choir school, the hostel has an oak-panel chapel that’s now a meeting room. Most of the rooms have four to eight beds, but there are a few singles, doubles, and triples. Pros: outstanding location; friendly and safe. Cons: lively atmosphere can keep you up nights; piped music in some public areas; geared to the young. TripAdvisor: “fantastic location,” “good if you’re not fussy,” “cheapest for a reason.” | 36 Carter La., The City | EC4V 5AB | 0845/371–9012 | www.yha.org.uk | 210 beds | In-room: no a/c, no phone, TV (some). In-hotel: restaurant, bar, laundry facilities, Internet terminal | AE, MC, V | Breakfast | St. Paul’s
Fodor’s Choice | The Rookery.
££££–£££££ | This beautiful 1725 town house, surrounded by office buildings, is tucked away down a discreet alleyway in the heart of London’s business district. Bedrooms are huge, wood-paneled affairs, with heavy raw silk drapes and antique furniture. Some also have four-poster beds and little sitting rooms off to the side—perfect for relaxing with one of the antiquarian books that have been artfully scattered around here and there. The white marble bathrooms have deep claw-foot tubs big enough for two. There’s no restaurant, but there is a good quality (and reasonably priced) room service menu. Breakfast comes in the form of a large basket of tasty, freshly baked breads and pastries, plus juices and yogurts, served in your room. This is the kind of place that you want to allow some proper time to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere—preferably in the elegant, Regency-style drawing room, which has a well-stocked honesty bar. The conservatory, with its small patio garden, is a relaxing place to unwind. Great deals are available here in the winter. Pros: absolutely unique and beautiful; helpful staff; good deals to be had in the off-season. Cons: breakfast costs extra. TripAdvisor: “try the room service for breakfast,” “the antiques make a good touch,” “very clean and quiet.” | 12 Peter’s La., at Cowcross St., The City | EC1M 6DS | 020/7336–0931 | www.rookeryhotel.com | 30 rooms, 3 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, refrigerator, Internet. In-hotel: room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid) | AE, DC, MC, V | Farringdon
Threadneedles Hotel.
£££££ | The elaborate building housing this grand hotel is a former bank, and the vast old banking hall has been beautifully adapted along with its luxurious marble and mahogany panels; given its location in the financial