London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [151]
ISLINGTON
Hilton London Islington.
£££–££££ | Next door to the Islington Business Design Centre, this hotel is sleek and modern, standing out starkly in historic Islington. The hotel has standard, good-size rooms with all the usual amenities meant to soothe the soul of the business traveler. For guests with time for aesthetics, the rooms higher up have panoramic views. Pros: lots of amenities for business travelers; handy restaurant and bar. Cons: not many amenities for leisure travelers. TripAdvisor: “staff were all friendly and helpful,” “very good value,” “very nice and ultra modern.” | 53 Upper St., Islington | N1 0UY | 020/7354–7700 | www.hilton.co.uk/islington | 183 rooms, 6 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Internet. In-hotel: 3 restaurants, room service, bar, gym, spa | AE, DC, MC, V | Breakfast | Angel
CAMDEN TOWN
66 Camden Square.
££ | This beautiful B&B is run by an architect and his wife, so it comes as no surprise to find that the space within is tastefully done; the owners, Sue and Roger Davis, are gracious and personable hosts, with an encyclopedic knowledge of what the area has to offer in terms of pubs, restaurants, and nightlife. Guestrooms show a Japanese influence, with low-slung beds and clean-lined, minimalist furniture. The breakfast room overlooks a sweet garden courtyard. Pros: lovely owners; unique place; inexpensive. Cons: few extras; bathrooms not en suite (but not shared either); maximum stay of one week; no Web site. | 66 Camden Sq., Camden Town | NW1 9XD | 020/7485–4622 | 35 rooms, 3 suites | In-room: no a/c, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: parking (paid) | Camden Rd.
St. Christopher’s Inn Camden.
£ | In bustling, hippie Camden Town just north of the center of London, this branch of the local hostel and backpacker hotel chain is perfectly situated for wandering around Camden Lock and Camden Market. The decor is in the usual cheap-and-cheery hostel style, and is kept in good condition. There’s no curfew, and you get key-card security and 10% off in the raucous Belushi’s bar on the ground floor. Rooms range from doubles to mixed or women-only dorms; linens are free. Pros: clean, safe, and friendly places in London really don’t come cheaper than this; funky neighborhood. Cons: a bit noisy and boisterous. TripAdvisor: “not the best but not bad,” “great for meeting people,” “good food and friendly staff.” | 48–50 Camden High St., Camden Town | NW1 0JH | 020/7388–1012 | www.st-christophers.co.uk | 52 beds, some without bath | In-room: Wi-Fi, no a/c, no phone, no TV. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, laundry facilities, Internet terminal | MC, V | Breakfast | Camden Town, Mornington Crescent
THE THAMES UPSTREAM
K West Hotel.
££–£££ | The proudly edgy K West is hidden away inside a featureless glass-and-steel building near the Shepherd’s Bush Tube stop, just outside Notting Hill. This is definitely a grown-up place, more popular with business types and young couples, rather than families with young kids. Dark wood, soft suede, and sleek beige walls combine to create a designer look in the bedrooms, and baths are easily big enough for two. The minimalist style extends to the all-white hotel bar, dubbed the K Lounge, and the hotel restaurant “Kanteen.” The hotel spa has recently had a £2 million refit, including a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, and a snow room, but you have to pay £25 per day to use it. Pros: sleek, modern decor; funky attitude. Cons: not a great neighborhood; bar is loud on weekends; hotel service can be patchy. TripAdvisor: “well decorated and comfortable,” “modern and trendy,” “excellent value.” | Richmond Way, Shepherd’s Bush | W14 OAX | 020/8008–6600 | www.k-west.co.uk | 216 rooms, 6 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: