hotels in London?

September 11, 2008 1:19 PM

I am traveling to London in October and looking for hotel recommendations. Would like wireless Internet access and private bathroom. Looking for something in the budget range of an academic traveler, but not something that is too budget. Has to be convenient to this location: The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA

Was provided with this list of possible hotels but would like some personal recommendations. Not interested in hostels.

posted by needled to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

A friend was staying in the Club Quarters near St Paul's earlier this year, and I was extremely impressed by both the price and the quality.

Google says it's about a 25 minute walk, though I think that's a very generous estimate.

Bonus - you're literally 5 minutes from Tate Modern.
posted by Magnakai at 2:55 PM on September 11, 2008

Club Quarters is a bed, a shower (no bath), a toilet, a t.v. in a room about the size of a regular and that is about it. It is clean and quiet and if all you plan on doing in the room is sleeping, it is fine.
posted by monkeydluffy at 3:54 PM on September 11, 2008

Needled - this article in the Times may be of interest to you - "The best hotels in London for under £100". The one in Notting Hill sounds cool but might be booked for October.

Otherwise try Travelodge or Novtel - both decent motel type chains.
posted by laukf at 4:23 PM on September 11, 2008

Hotels with private bathrooms are not usually inexpensive in Europe. Are you sure you care?
posted by jeffburdges at 4:30 PM on September 11, 2008

When I stayed at Club Quarters on Ludgate Hill (next to St Pauls) I got 2 rooms, a fridge, hob, 2 televisions and one of the best beds I've ever slept in.

Granted this was on the tab of a large investment bank but I think you'll find the quality is superb if you get the right room.

From your list however I'd probably select the Novotel Waterloo, they are consistently good in my experience (I spend 100+ days a year in Accor hotels) and the location is far better than say Kings Cross or Euston.
posted by hardcode at 8:09 AM on September 13, 2008

You may try Goodenough Club at Mecklenburgh Square (WC1N 2AB) probably a 15 min walk from your work location. They have rooms which are inexpensive. Depending on your length of stay you may also be able to get a dorm style accomodation at the 'square' in a nice academic college like setting. Try www.goodenough.ac.uk or call them at [phone]. I have good positive experience.
posted by london302 at 3:39 AM on September 14, 2008