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HOTELS

London at a Price That's Right

The exchange rate means that if you want to stay someplace with style, you're going to spend at least $200 a night. Here's how to do it without hating yourself in the morning.
Friday, May 29, 2009 |

Details: 20 Nevern Sq., 011-44/20-7565-9555, twentynevernsquare.co.uk, from £105 ($154), includes breakfast.

B+B BELGRAVIA


'Hood: Belgravia, one of the grandest postal codes in London. The hotel's neighbors include the homes of Margaret Thatcher and Joan Collins.

First impression: In the entryway, classic Georgian Details such as the black-and-white tile floor are offset with a contemporary black-lacquer table and a funky orange swan chandelier. The sitting and breakfast rooms are linked by a glass bridge.

The rooms: The 17 rooms have white quilted duvets, soft gray carpet, and celadon tiled bathrooms (half have tubs and showers, the other half just showers). Rooms 1, 3, and 4 face the hotel's small garden, planted with fragrant passion-flower vines. It's a lovely place to enjoy a glass of wine on warm nights.

Plus: In the sitting room, guests chat about the day's sightseeing on low-slung leather sofas next to the fireplace.

Minus: Like most small London hotels, the five-story B+B Belgravia doesn't have an elevator. (There is one handicapped-accessible room on the ground floor.)

Details: 64-66 Ebury St., 011-44/20-7259-8570, bb-belgravia.com, from £115 ($169), includes breakfast.

BASE2STAY

'Hood: South Kensington/Earls Court, within easy walking distance of the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, and Hyde Park.

First impression: Base2Stay was opened last April by Robert Nadler, a developer tired of paying for amenities he never used, like gyms and restaurants. What's left are central A/C, flat-screen TVs, and soft linens. (The concept is similar to that of another London hotel, the Hoxton.)

The rooms: Each of the 67 rooms has a kitchenette tucked neatly behind a pair of doors. Food can be ordered from nearby restaurants through the free in-room TV Internet service. Large bathrooms and great light also make the hotel good for long stays.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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