Best London options
Apr 19, 2013, 4:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto and Switzerland
Programs: AA EXP - Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium and lifetime PLT
Posts: 178
Best London options
Hi guys,
new to SPG after 10 yrs Diamond at Hilton. Typically stay at Hilton and Conrad and do approx 100 nights a year. their recent devaluation was brutal.
Just booked the Sheraton in Zurich for 4 nights; and spent a night at the Westin in Santa Fe (Mexico City - nice experience btw) and I am on the plat challenge.
I goto London quite a bit and a couple quick questions for those that do the same:
best hotel for late arrivals into LHR? or something near paddington...any thoughts here?
and best hotel around the 175 to 300 BP rate...I'll have status soon and like to be near Hyde Park or Mayfair so any thoughts on club lounges and related perks would be appreciated.
Note to mods - I have reviewed many of the London threads but think this is a little specific...
Thanks all! Don't know why it took me so long to make the move!!
new to SPG after 10 yrs Diamond at Hilton. Typically stay at Hilton and Conrad and do approx 100 nights a year. their recent devaluation was brutal.
Just booked the Sheraton in Zurich for 4 nights; and spent a night at the Westin in Santa Fe (Mexico City - nice experience btw) and I am on the plat challenge.
I goto London quite a bit and a couple quick questions for those that do the same:
best hotel for late arrivals into LHR? or something near paddington...any thoughts here?
and best hotel around the 175 to 300 BP rate...I'll have status soon and like to be near Hyde Park or Mayfair so any thoughts on club lounges and related perks would be appreciated.
Note to mods - I have reviewed many of the London threads but think this is a little specific...
Thanks all! Don't know why it took me so long to make the move!!
Apr 19, 2013, 9:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: AA EXP, SPG PLT
Posts: 584
Most SPG hotels fall into the 175-300 GBP category ...
There are two airport hotels near LHR...
IIRC no SPG hotels really near paddington. Most downtown hotels are located near Knightsbridge/HPC/Piccadilly Square/Leicester Square, which are easily accessible via Piccadilly line.
There are two airport hotels near LHR...
IIRC no SPG hotels really near paddington. Most downtown hotels are located near Knightsbridge/HPC/Piccadilly Square/Leicester Square, which are easily accessible via Piccadilly line.
Apr 19, 2013, 9:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor Area
Programs: UA Million Miler, BonVoyLifetime Platinum, UA Platinum, President's Club,
Posts: 1,494
I'm returning to London next month and was there in 2009 during the volcanic ash incident. I didn't enjoy that stay (go figure) but appreciated the hotels I was in. Over the years I've made the rounds and found I have my favorites.
In London, Starwood has quite a few options. I tend to go for the Sheraton Park Lane b/c it's the lowest priced and lowest points, but I also have been treated very well there. I've been upgraded to a suite every time I've stayed in the past, and I LOVE the perfect location. The hotel employees have always been kind and for many years I kept up a correspondence with one staff member, who unfortunately is no longer there. She was always so kind about helping with suite upgrades and getting me in touch with the concierge so I could plan day trips on my days off. Needless to say, I'm doubting that I'll get my favorite suite upgrade on my trip next month, but I'm crossing my fingers.
There's another great hotel where I spent my last night before I was able to fly home during the volcanic ash incident. Le Meridien Piccadilly is remodeled and very nice, and several years ago I was even upgraded to one of the older suites which I adored. Last trip I was in a small but nice room, moving from Park Lane only b/c their rates went up and I had to extend my stay b/c of that damn ash. Le Meridien had dropped their rates, so even though it was a higher category hotel, I saved $ on the move. I seem to recall they had a lounge, as well, and were located across from a big bookstore. Again, a great location.
Years ago I stayed at the now defunct Sheraton Belgravia and had a very bad stay. I moved to Sheraton Park Tower, which is a bit pricey, but they'd heard from Belgravia's manager how badly I'd been treated by a staff member and literally named me "Guest of the Day" and treated me to ice cold Voss water (my fave) and all sorts of goodies after being welcomed by the manager on duty and escorted to my room. I wish I'd had more than 1 night there as it was a lovely and new property back then, but I haven't been back since maybe 2004? It was always just too expensive for my wallet.
London has some great Starwood hotels. If you're American, the exchange rate is awful, but once you get past that you can find a hotel to fit any mood. I highly recommend the Sheraton Skyline at Heathrow but they have another Sheraton out there, as well. They're similar in cost so I now always stay at Skyline, but it's been years since I stayed at the other.
If you check out the comments made under the London Starwood hotels in the Master Hotel List, you'll probably read a lot of details that can help you choose. I'm kind of partial to the Park Lane and Skyline Sheratons b/c of personal reasons, but I'll know more after this trip in May. I do know that Park Lane has an offer right now that helped me stay longer than I'd planned. It was buy 2 nights get 3rd free, up to buy 4 nights get 5th & 6th nights free or something along that line. I'm only reimbursed for the nights I'm there to work so that promo helped me a lot.
Also, regarding Sheraton Skyline- they have a program where they hold excess luggage while you travel elsewhere. I'm going to Amsterdam for 3 days and Skyline is happily holding my extra luggage so I don't need to bring extras with me on a strange airline that actually charges for luggage. I've used that service many times.
Good luck with your new Starwood status- I am Hilton and Starwood but much prefer Starwood!
In London, Starwood has quite a few options. I tend to go for the Sheraton Park Lane b/c it's the lowest priced and lowest points, but I also have been treated very well there. I've been upgraded to a suite every time I've stayed in the past, and I LOVE the perfect location. The hotel employees have always been kind and for many years I kept up a correspondence with one staff member, who unfortunately is no longer there. She was always so kind about helping with suite upgrades and getting me in touch with the concierge so I could plan day trips on my days off. Needless to say, I'm doubting that I'll get my favorite suite upgrade on my trip next month, but I'm crossing my fingers.
There's another great hotel where I spent my last night before I was able to fly home during the volcanic ash incident. Le Meridien Piccadilly is remodeled and very nice, and several years ago I was even upgraded to one of the older suites which I adored. Last trip I was in a small but nice room, moving from Park Lane only b/c their rates went up and I had to extend my stay b/c of that damn ash. Le Meridien had dropped their rates, so even though it was a higher category hotel, I saved $ on the move. I seem to recall they had a lounge, as well, and were located across from a big bookstore. Again, a great location.
Years ago I stayed at the now defunct Sheraton Belgravia and had a very bad stay. I moved to Sheraton Park Tower, which is a bit pricey, but they'd heard from Belgravia's manager how badly I'd been treated by a staff member and literally named me "Guest of the Day" and treated me to ice cold Voss water (my fave) and all sorts of goodies after being welcomed by the manager on duty and escorted to my room. I wish I'd had more than 1 night there as it was a lovely and new property back then, but I haven't been back since maybe 2004? It was always just too expensive for my wallet.
London has some great Starwood hotels. If you're American, the exchange rate is awful, but once you get past that you can find a hotel to fit any mood. I highly recommend the Sheraton Skyline at Heathrow but they have another Sheraton out there, as well. They're similar in cost so I now always stay at Skyline, but it's been years since I stayed at the other.
If you check out the comments made under the London Starwood hotels in the Master Hotel List, you'll probably read a lot of details that can help you choose. I'm kind of partial to the Park Lane and Skyline Sheratons b/c of personal reasons, but I'll know more after this trip in May. I do know that Park Lane has an offer right now that helped me stay longer than I'd planned. It was buy 2 nights get 3rd free, up to buy 4 nights get 5th & 6th nights free or something along that line. I'm only reimbursed for the nights I'm there to work so that promo helped me a lot.
Also, regarding Sheraton Skyline- they have a program where they hold excess luggage while you travel elsewhere. I'm going to Amsterdam for 3 days and Skyline is happily holding my extra luggage so I don't need to bring extras with me on a strange airline that actually charges for luggage. I've used that service many times.
Good luck with your new Starwood status- I am Hilton and Starwood but much prefer Starwood!
Apr 20, 2013, 9:47 am
#4
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
thaliajen gives some great advice - the only part I can add is that Sheraton Skyline is also my favourite hotel as well. It's less than an hour metro ride into the city, or if you hop over to Terminal 3 you can grab the Heathrow Express right into Paddington Station, in a 30-minute train ride with wifi. Note that for both of those you'd need to grab a bus to the metro station or terminal, still.
For rates, I've often seen Sheraton Skyline listed on beatthetimer.com - as low as $67 Euros/night. It's very conveniently located, especially if you have a mix of meetings in London, and outside.
The hotel is right next to the airport, but since LHR has a flight ban from 11pm-6am, you won't hear planes all night. It also has a covered central courtyard with a pool, sports bar, restaurant, etc., and if you want budget is just a 10-minute walk from a McDonald's.
It also has a lounge, but as you're on a platinum challenge you won't qualify for it.
As a Gold I once stayed for 10 days (in a row), and was sent a free bottle of wine from the manager - a nice touch!
For rates, I've often seen Sheraton Skyline listed on beatthetimer.com - as low as $67 Euros/night. It's very conveniently located, especially if you have a mix of meetings in London, and outside.
The hotel is right next to the airport, but since LHR has a flight ban from 11pm-6am, you won't hear planes all night. It also has a covered central courtyard with a pool, sports bar, restaurant, etc., and if you want budget is just a 10-minute walk from a McDonald's.
It also has a lounge, but as you're on a platinum challenge you won't qualify for it.
As a Gold I once stayed for 10 days (in a row), and was sent a free bottle of wine from the manager - a nice touch!
Apr 20, 2013, 11:10 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto and Switzerland
Programs: AA EXP - Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium and lifetime PLT
Posts: 178
I'm returning to London next month and was there in 2009 during the volcanic ash incident. I didn't enjoy that stay (go figure) but appreciated the hotels I was in. Over the years I've made the rounds and found I have my favorites...
...Good luck with your new Starwood status- I am Hilton and Starwood but much prefer Starwood!
...Good luck with your new Starwood status- I am Hilton and Starwood but much prefer Starwood!
Will dive a it deeper on the individual hotel threads when i can find a free hour...
Thanks, Edward
Apr 20, 2013, 11:16 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto and Switzerland
Programs: AA EXP - Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium and lifetime PLT
Posts: 178
thaliajen gives some great advice - the only part I can add is that Sheraton Skyline is also my favourite hotel as well. It's less than an hour metro ride into the city, or if you hop over to Terminal 3 you can grab the Heathrow Express right into Paddington Station, in a 30-minute train ride with wifi. Note that for both of those you'd need to grab a bus to the metro station or terminal, still.
For rates, I've often seen Sheraton Skyline listed on beatthetimer.com - as low as $67 Euros/night. It's very conveniently located, especially if you have a mix of meetings in London, and outside.
The hotel is right next to the airport, but since LHR has a flight ban from 11pm-6am, you won't hear planes all night. It also has a covered central courtyard with a pool, sports bar, restaurant, etc., and if you want budget is just a 10-minute walk from a McDonald's.
It also has a lounge, but as you're on a platinum challenge you won't qualify for it.
As a Gold I once stayed for 10 days (in a row), and was sent a free bottle of wine from the manager - a nice touch!
For rates, I've often seen Sheraton Skyline listed on beatthetimer.com - as low as $67 Euros/night. It's very conveniently located, especially if you have a mix of meetings in London, and outside.
The hotel is right next to the airport, but since LHR has a flight ban from 11pm-6am, you won't hear planes all night. It also has a covered central courtyard with a pool, sports bar, restaurant, etc., and if you want budget is just a 10-minute walk from a McDonald's.
It also has a lounge, but as you're on a platinum challenge you won't qualify for it.
As a Gold I once stayed for 10 days (in a row), and was sent a free bottle of wine from the manager - a nice touch!
May 19, 2013, 11:20 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Richmond .VA
Posts: 26
London Options
London has some great Starwood hotels. If you're American, the exchange rate is awful, but once you get past that you can find a hotel to fit
Nice Article but the exchange rate is currently 1.52 to the £ compared to over $2 to the £ just a few years ago ...I think its pretty good if your'e an American in England right now !
Nice Article but the exchange rate is currently 1.52 to the £ compared to over $2 to the £ just a few years ago ...I think its pretty good if your'e an American in England right now !
May 19, 2013, 7:01 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Programs: US Airways Chairman, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 60
Best London options
The location of the Sheraton Park Lane is incredible. I've stayed there 4 or 5 times in the last two years. Unfortunately, the hotel is very, very tired. It is in desperate need of a renovation. Couches are shot. Public areas are tired. Desks, chairs, lamps and electrical in the guest rooms are shot.
If you love the location and can look past the fact that it is beyond tired, go for the Park Lane. Otherwise, if you like it's location, go for the nearby Le Meridien.
If you love the location and can look past the fact that it is beyond tired, go for the Park Lane. Otherwise, if you like it's location, go for the nearby Le Meridien.
May 19, 2013, 10:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 1,549
I've refined my stay patterns as follows:
1) if I want to stay at the airport, Sheraton Skyline.
2) if I want to stay in central London, Le Meridien Piccadilly.
Le Meridien's location is a bit better for the West End than the Park Lane: you can basically walk anywhere and multiple tube lines are just a couple of minutes walk away too. And it's a much better hotel.
1) if I want to stay at the airport, Sheraton Skyline.
2) if I want to stay in central London, Le Meridien Piccadilly.
Le Meridien's location is a bit better for the West End than the Park Lane: you can basically walk anywhere and multiple tube lines are just a couple of minutes walk away too. And it's a much better hotel.
May 19, 2013, 11:48 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: CO Plat, Starwood Plat, Hyatt Plat, Hilton Diamond, CO Pres. Plus, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 1,213
One other thing about Le Meridien Piccadilly - great health club and pool.
May 20, 2013, 5:34 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,585
