London Trip Hotel Information

Hi,

I asked our EF Tour consultant (we have a new one named Dave by the way) about specific hotels/areas that EF have used in the past for tours similar to ours. I was sent this comprehensive list which at least it gives us an idea of our options.

" Most groups will be placed centrally in London near the tube, although we do use hotels that are not in London in areas such as Wembley and Greenwich. The majority of hotels are located in the areas of Bayswater, Paddington, Kings Cross/Islington, Earls Court (most are typical converted row houses which means smaller rooms, often no elevators, small breakfast area and basic breakfasts) and East London/Docklands (modern, purpose-built hotels with larger rooms)--an Eastern area of the city located by river docks. The Docklands area of London is connected to the rest of the city with the "DLR" or Docklands Light Railways tube line. While most hotels located in central London are converted row/ townhouses that have charm but lack more modern amenities such as elevators, the Docklands area boasts large, purpose-built hotels with modern amenities".

CENTRAL - TRADITIONAL ROW HOUSE
Norfolk Plaza Hotel http://www.norfolkplazahotel.co.uk/
Traditional walk-up; converted row house that is centrally-located in London. The hotel is located in the Paddington area. It is very close to Hyde Park and Marble Arch. The closest tube station is Paddington. Several public buses like 36 & 23 & 15 are stopping nearby the hotel. 87 Rooms, Bar, International phone lines, TV, Elevator Safety deposit box renovated in 2002.

Huttons Hotel http://www.huttonshotel.co.uk
Typical London converted row house (dating from 1850), family-run establishment. Last renovated in 2003. Central location with good access into S. London--5 min walk to tube and close to Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Parliament and Tate Gallery. Hotel does have an elevator, which is not typical. Rooms and bathrooms, however, are very small, which is typical for this type of building. Rooms do have TVs and hairdryers. Buffet-style breakfasts which are above-standard.

Apollo Hotel64 Queensborough Terrace, W2 3SH, London NO WEBSITE AVAILABLE

The Apollo Hotel is close to Queensway and Bayswater underground stations, allowing access to all areas of central London. This traditional Georgian converted town house hotel offers 45 bedrooms with tea and coffee making facilities, colour TV and telephone. This is a simple hotel offering basic accommodation. Most suitable for those looking for an economic base from which to explore all that London has to offer. Rooms are small, breakfasts very basic.

CENTRAL - PURPOSE-BUILT Blakemore Hotel 30, Leinster Gardens, W2 3AN London, Bayswater W2 NO WEBSITE AVAILABLE The hotel is located in the residential area of Bayswater. 5 minutes walking distance to the tube stations Bayswater and Queensway. It is set amidst many local attractions such as Portobello Road, Whiteley's Shopping Centre and Hyde Park. Major attractions are within a few minutes travel via the 3 local underground stations. Oxford Street, Harrod's, Piccadilly, the West End are all within 10 minutes journey. 164 Rooms, Bar/Lounge, International phone lines, TV Elevator, Safety deposit box.

Lily Hotel 23 -33 Lillie Road, SW6 London NO WEBSITE AVAILABLE
In Earls Court area of London next to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, close to the Olympia Centre. It is centrally-located, with the West Brompton Tube Station less than 100 metres from hotel. Short metro ride to Piccadilly Circus, Knightsbridge (Harrods) and other main attractions in London. Hotel is a basic-quality, modern purpose-built building (circa 1970s)--all rooms have been recently renovated. Tourist class hotel with 120 rooms, elevators, restaurant, TVs, coffee/tea making facilities. Rooms are small. Serves groups English breakfast.

City Hotel 12 Osbourne Street, E1 6TE, London NO WEBSITE AVAILABLE
Located in East London on the Aldgate East tube stop. The hotel is close to the centre of London and popular local attractions include the Tower of London, the South Bank, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Old Bailey, Spitalsfield Market, Petticoat Lane market, Whitechapel Art Gallery. The Tower Gateway is nearby to visit the Excel Exhibition Centre. City Hotel is easily accessible from Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street mainline stations. Aldgate East tube station is a 2 minutes walk. There is a coffee shop located next tour and there are lots of other shops, Indian restaurants and stores surrounding. Osbourne St. is located off a main street with many stores and fast-food restaurants. Some rooms are suite-rooms with kitchenette--all rooms have TV, phones, windows that open plus standing/oscillating fans. All rooms spacious and with large bathrooms. Restaurant/club The Lane is located downstairs--it's popular with locals. Full buffet breakfasts served. Pay internet available in lobby. This hotel is popular with business clients--it is considered above-standard quality.

Ibis Excel and Novotel Exce l9 Western Gateway, Docklands http://www.accor-hotels.com The Ibis London Excel and the Novotel Excel are two distinct properties (both part of the same Accor Hotel chain) located within the same purpose-built building in the East London/ Docklands area. The docklands area is accessible via the Docklands Light Railway line on the tube--trains run frequently and past midnight each day. The building is also located 200 meters from the main entrance of the Exhibition Centre.

The Ibis Excel is a brand new 3-star hotel located just 200 metres from the main west entrance of the Exhibition Centre. The hotel has its own restaurant 'La Table' and a full range of services available around the clock. There are a total of 278 guestrooms all well equipped with modern facilities and amenities

The Novotel Excel is a 4-star property with 257 rooms, bar and restaurant. Rooms have AC, safe deposit box, mini bar, Pay per view channel(s), radio, satellite/cable colour TV, Hair dryers in bathrooms.

Custom House Excel Docklands, London E16 3BY The hotel is located opposite the ExCel Centre and the DLR Station, just minutes from London City Airport with direct access to the city of London. All 122 en-suite bedrooms are equipped with television, telephone and hairdryer. Facilities include 4 restaurants, Chinese, vegetarian, seafood, champagne bar and Continental cuisine. Leisure facilities include a state of the art fitness centre with free access to the indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.

Travelodge Islington and Travelodge Farringdon http://www.travelodge.co.uk/ Islington--In the busy Islington/Kings Cross area of London close to King's Cross, St. Pancras and Farringdon stations. A central location to both the "city" of London and the city center. Easy access to the British Library (down the street and an excellent free time activity!), St. Paul's, Covent Gardens and the British Museum. Purpose-built hotel with about 375 rooms so they are able to accommodate big groups. Great breakfasts (better than standard: buffet, hot items) Farringdon--Sister property to Travelodge Islington. About 1 mi. down the road, on the next Tube stop (Farringdon). ** Both hotels have been renovated this spring and have updated amenities and facilities. An important note for groups, however, is that there are NO PHONES IN ROOMS. Hotel will be installing credit-card operated phones in the rooms in the future since they cater to a business traveler clientele. Groups are, therefore, encouraged to use pay phones in the area.

Premier Travel Inn Euston http://www.premiertravelinn.com
Situated on the corner of Euston Road (south side) and Duke's Road, between Kings Cross/St Pancras and Euston stations. Ideally situated for West End shows, shopping & entertainment.

Days Hotel Waterloo 54 Kennington Road London http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInnUK/control/home The hotel is ideally situated for London's West End theatres, cinemas, art galleries, museums, and shopping. Located opposite the Imperial War museum, just 10 minutes walk from Waterloo International Station and close to London Eye. Also close to Lambeth North tube station (Bakerloo Line)--2 minutes walk. 162 rooms, 6 floors, 24 hrs reception, safety deposit in reception- free of charge, in-room complimentary tea and coffee, direct dial telephones and computer points in all rooms, TV with in-room movies and Sky TV. Full continental breakfast buffet is served 7-11.


NON-CENTRAL Hotel Ibis Wembley Located in Wembley, about 15km from London--10 minutes by train to East London/Docklands. The Ibis London Wembley is only two minutes from Wembley Train Station and five minutes from Wembley Park Underground Station. All rooms are comfortable and en-suite with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and direct dial telephone. There is a restaurant available at the hotel and snacks are available from the bar. The hotel reception is open 24 hours.

Ibis/Novotel Greenwich http://www.accorhotels.com Located in the heart of historic Greenwich right next to the railway and DLR station--12 minutes by train to Canary Wharf/East London Docklands, and five minutes walk from the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory. Better than standard modern hotel--part of the Novotel Chain, same hotel chain as the Novotel/Ibis Excel. The hotel has 151 rooms, a restaurant, bar, conference rooms.

If you are an obsessive planner (like I am) this list gives us an idea of available options.