A travel journal to London by Mchaela
Quote: Every chance I get, I run to London for a sanity break. Just one day sets my mind and soul right.
Overview
Hotel
As we walked the two blocks from the station, we randomly picked one of the hotels on Sussex Gardens. We decided that if it looked creepy, we would just go to the next one. The door to 137 was locked, but it had a bell. A smiling woman came to the door and we asked if there were any vacancies and how much a room would be for two nights. At that time it was 70 pounds for the two nights. The hall was very clean and bright and I just loved her smiling face. We decided to stay.
Our room was decorated in cheery orange and yellow and with a sink and an open window looking down on the street. The bathroom with bathtub was just down a half flight of stairs and was a sparkling white. I loved it! Not as much as the breakfast, however. The charming breakfast room in the lower level was very inviting and the breakfast huge! Everything an English breakfast should be.
Since that stay I have stayed at the Hyde Park Rooms Hotel everytime I'm in London. They were even good enough to receive my ferry tickets for me the week before I arrive and held them until I got there. It's not often you can find an affordable accommodation in London that is clean and friendly as well. Someone was smiling down on us as Todd and I randomly picked a hotel that day.
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 17, 2003
Hyde Park Rooms Hotel 137 Sussex Gardens, Paddington London, England W2 2RX 44 207 723 0225
Restaurant
Even if you aren't a Sherlock Holmes fan, you should visit this pub just to experience the traditional Englishness of it. The wait staff and bartenders are friendly and the beer is great.
www.sherlockholmespub.homestead.com
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 21, 2002
The Sherlock Holmes 10-11 Northumberland Ave. London, England +44 (020) 7930 2644
Attraction
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 22, 2002
City Cruises Westminster Pier/River Thames London, England SW1A 2JR +44 20 7930 9033
Attraction | "Portabello Market"
The further north you go, the market changes. It switches from antiques to cheap souvenirs to a fruit and vegetable market to, at the very end, a flea market full of even more crap. Its fun and funky, however, and it fascinated me the variety that presented itself. It is possible to get a deal, but don't expect one. The adage "Buyer Beware" is very true here.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 23, 2002
Portobello Road Market Portobello Road London, England W11
Story/Tip
Another option for good, cheap food is the corner chippie. Fish and chips is a cheap, greasy and to die for meal. Make sure you add salt and malt vinegar for the complete experience. If you aren't fond of fish, try the chicken. One of my favorite meals is to get chicken and chips at the corner shop near Paddington Station where I stay. Yum! One of my favorite meals is to go to a market and pick up fruit and bread and have a picnic. I have been know to pick up some cheese at a shop as well and take it all back to my room for a quick evening meal before going out for the evening. I can eat well for less than 2 pounds and even have some fruit left over to suppliment my continental breakfast.
Mchaela St. Paul, Minnesota