Sofitel St James or Hilton Tower Bridge

[Neil]

Just planning another long weekend in London for t'other half's birthday. It is just something we are trying to squeeze in as an extra in what is already an expensive year for us, so trying to find a decent hotel that is not too expensive.

Having regretfully ruled out One Aldwych this time due to price (240 per night) I have seemed to narrow the choice down to either The Hilton Tower Bridge (139 per night) or the Sofitel St James (165 per night) and just wondered if anyone had any experience of either of these hotels. I have a HH gold card and a Sofitel Privilege Card but know that neither are too much use to me.

Also, any West End recommendations, we are struggling on which one to see, Dirty Dancing (already seen but very very good), Hairspray and Wicked are our current pick but any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Neil

nb: Not in the mood for a Priceline hotel this time, London just has too many 'not good enough' hotels we might get and don't really want to risk it and ruin the weekend.

[Nottingham Nick]

Hilton Tower Bridge gets a big [y] from me, location is spot on and it is a modern smart hotel.

Never stayed at the Sofitel.

For a show, now that Rent is no more, how about 'We will Rock you' ? - very good if you are in any way into Queen music.

Nick

[Neil]

Thanks Nick - I must admit I was favouring the Sofitel but just get the feeling the 'superior' rooms are not going to be that big. Luke is pushing for the Hilton and I am coming round to his thinking now, my only concern is being on the other side of the river and how it is from the main places (is the tube station far?)

[Nottingham Nick]

Locals, like Buns will be able to tell you exactly, but - no.
I remember coming out of the tube, walking past the London Dungeons and the hotel was close by. Lots of eating places nearby as well.

Nick

Agree with 'We Will Rock You' as a superb show.

But... the greatest surprise for a long time was the musical version of Lord Of The Rings. If you've seen the films... forget all about them. This is a production worthy of seeing more than once, just for the effects & stagecraft.

[honey lamb]

A thumbs up from me for the Hilton Tower Bridge also. The location is superb and it's a vibrant up-and-coming area with some nice restaurants nearby - especially the other side of Tower Bridge on the same bank of the river if you see what I mean - butler's Wharf is the area. The nearest tube is London Bridge which is where Nick passed the London Dungeons place but also Tower Hill is on the other side of the river and not too far away either

[mcmbenjamin]

Dido on the Hilton Tower Bridge, especially if you got the promo for the 2,000 bonus HHonors points and 2,000 FC miles (looks to targeted to US FC members).

Ben

I saw Wicked a couple of weeks ago and can't recommend it highly enough - had a great time.

Jonathan

Neil,
Hilton Tower Bridge gets my vote. Must admit I've never stayed there but I have picked up quite a few people that have.
Tube access is easy come out of the door onto Tooley Street turn right (heading towards London Bridge) and London Bridge Station is about 5 minutes on the opposite side of the road.
Don't forget the local tourist spots as well, HMS Belfast is behind the hotel and Tower Bridge to the Left!
Le Pont De La Tour Restaurant (36 Shad Thames) comes highly recommended, infact do an internet search on restaurants in Shad Thames as there are several to choose from.

-Steve

[Neil]

Hilton it is then, thanks for all the advice, just booked for 2 nights.

Still not decided on the show, I fancy Hairspray (although I do have some other reasons for wanting to see that[:I]) but Luke doesn't and I guess it is his birthday.

Cheers again
Neil

[buns]

Neil

I know you have already decided, but the Hilton gets my vote too.

I have stayed there and was upgraded courtesy of my HH gold - this provided an executive room, check in and access to the lounge (well worth it, i can tell you) and first rate service throughout.

Rooms may not offer a view - they either overlook office blocks or the railway line - but the location offers much in terms of access to other areas. The Jubilee Line provides access to either Green Park / Oxford Circus or going the other way to North Greenwich where the O2 (aka The Dome) is located. If there is a concert there whilst in town it is well worth a visit.

Please PM me for any further info

buns