London hotel - best place to book?

Trying to arrange suitable accommodation for nov.
seen the current SPG offers, but even with 2-4-3 offers, the Meridian (not exactly Meridian Shanghai standards...)and Park Lane, are still pricey for the run down rooms they offer. I aint paying for a fancy lobby...[n]

looked at the Hoxton, mentioned elsewhere,(good link for future options) however need something more central to West End.
Currently getting prices of around 120/nght for Strand Palace, which doesn't seem bad.

Other than the obvious Expedia, last minute, etc type booking routes, can anyone suggest tried and trusted leads for booking agents,

Are there any other little gems I've missed??

[Scrooge]

My own personal fav hotel in London is the Park Plaza riverbank link

Take a look, see if that fit the bill, the rates are normally very good.

Try laterooms.com as they usually have some good reductions for central London hotels.[y]

Another advantage is you don't have to pay in advance of your stay and just settle your bill with the hotel on check out. [:D]

Beware the Strand Palace at the moment. It's in the middle of a two year refurb. They are supposed to be closing down the job for about 8 weeks from this Friday (8th).

Otherwise their Club Rooms are OK, a bit pokey perhaps and noisy if facing the Strand. Their breakfasts never contained any cooked potatoes, which I always found a bit odd [?]

Thanks for this, we have booked Grand at trafalgar sq, deal was good and appears by all reports to be in good nick. oh well worth a punt..
(will try & TR our stay to add to the Hotel reviews for future)
Just trying to sort a nice meal out now, Marcus Wearing at the Savoy last time, (contemporary good british grub) so looking for something high quality, without too much foamy air emulsions etc...

Originally posted by northernhenry
Thanks for this, we have booked Grand at trafalgar sq, deal was good and appears by all reports to be in good nick. oh well worth a punt..
(will try & TR our stay to add to the Hotel reviews for future)
Just trying to sort a nice meal out now, Marcus Wearing at the Savoy last time, (contemporary good british grub) so looking for something high quality, without too much foamy air emulsions etc...

The Grand, which is a Club Quarters hotel, is housed in my old office building which we sold a couple of years back. Still not quite finished the re-furb (restuarant yet to open) but is a pleasant looking 3* hotel. Infact it is the 'location' mentioned in Hound of the Baskerville (Northumberland Hotel).

As for food - depends on what you are after but the location of the hotel is ideal for Le Caprice or Sheekeys (two of my regular haunts) , or indeed The Savoy when it re-opens.

Hackneyguy

Great link in with Sherlock H, need to look this up, as wife a huge fan!
3* is fine considering we'll only be using as a bedroom, and hardly likely to use any of the additional whistles/ bells. Will chk out the food suggestions.

Originally posted by northernhenry
Great link in with Sherlock H, need to look this up, as wife a huge fan!
3* is fine considering we'll only be using as a bedroom, and hardly likely to use any of the additional whistles/ bells. Will chk out the food suggestions.

They have even named the pub opposite The Sherlock Holmes but avoid it - a real tourist trap for the Americans. I have loads of local food and wine/beer haunts available if you are interested (an off the touristy track).

Hackneyguy

Originally posted by northernhenry

Just trying to sort a nice meal out now, Marcus Wearing at the Savoy last time, (contemporary good british grub) so looking for something high quality, without too much foamy air emulsions etc...

For traditional British you could do worse than Rules.

If you want something spicey, one of my favourite London restaurants is 'La Porte des Indes'. They describe themselves as offering Indian food with a french influence - but it is still great! They are situated in Marble Arch round the back of the Cumberland Hotel. Booking is probably essential.

Regards

Ian

[Scrooge]

Seeing as I have just found out that Amy Winehouse uses the riverbank plaza, I am going to have to withdraw it from any future discussions...unless it involves a VF social, in which case we may well all fit in well.

link

Claridges. End of discussion.

GJ

[quote]Originally posted by daharris

For traditional British you could do worse than Rules.

Yep, seeing as a major 'game' emphasis on the menu, plugged for this, and had a nice, if slightly pricey meal.
Service was good, although did feel a slight bit touristy.
Can't go wrong with 'Roast loin of Roe Deer'

poor little bambi....

quote:Originally posted by northernhenry
[quote]Originally posted by daharris

For traditional British you could do worse than Rules.

Yep, seeing as a major 'game' emphasis on the menu, plugged for this, and had a nice, if slightly pricey meal.
Service was good, although did feel a slight bit touristy.
Can't go wrong with 'Roast loin of Roe Deer'

poor little bambi....



Went for my dad's birthday at the end of October and weren't disapointed either - Bambi loin was particularly good, but so was the champagne fish pie. I'm was tempted by the fish and chips served in the FT, but couldn't quite bring myself to fork out almost £20 for it!

It can feel a bit touristy sometimes, but if you've been around as long as they have you're bound to become a bit of an attraction in your own right - bit like my old man [}:)]

Glad you enjoyed the meal.

The Grinning Jackanapes has dined at Rules and gives it a seal of approval.

GJ