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London's Notting Hill Neighborhood: Economies Of Scale
These days, prices in Europe are higher than the orbiting satellites, if you're working in US dollars. Those considering a trip to London, England to avoid euro-inflation, read on. My wife and I had reason to go to the U.K. recently and had been warned about the 2:1 U.S. to Great Britain Pound exchange rate. But we still opted to go and happily discovered there are some ways to ease the pain if you plan ahead, pick your hotel wisely and do not indulge in multi-star restaurants.
A Hotel Value with Class
Where to stay is always an issue. Over many years we have stayed in everything from some of London's grand hotels to B&Bs and many levels in between. This time we sampled and very much enjoyed a brief -- as it turned out, all too brief -- stay at the Hilton London Kensington Hotel (44/207-603-3355), located at 179-199 Holland Park Avenue, London, United Kingdom W11 4UL "in the leafy district of Holland Park," as their publicity puts it. This property is one of 10 hotels in the Hilton chain in Greater London (and is one of many throughout the country) and its appeal stems from the several amenities available which, when considered in light of the total tariff, make for surprisingly good value.
Whether traveling on business or for pleasure, opt for the Hilton's Executive package. This consists of a very pleasant and comfortable, recently decorated room on a higher floor, the rate for which includes (at no extra cost) a continental breakfast and/or hot breakfast buffet in the newly refurbished Executive Lounge. Also included are an elegant afternoon tea service, evening cocktails and soft drinks, and free access to the internet via a bank of computers; all in a comfortable lounge staffed by a knowledgeable concierge. The hotel has a full service restaurant called West Eleven and a fitness center.
After a day of work or sightseeing (which surely includes some shopping, even at these prices!) to come "home" to the Hilton London Kensington Hotel to enjoy afternoon tea and/or cocktails is a pleasurable luxury one can't afford to pass up.
We could quibble with the location; the hotel is slightly out of the city's center (centre, if you're already getting into the nuances of the English language). However, this is the charming Notting Hill quarter, and an off the well trod path location usually contributes to value pricing. If you give London's local transportation services half a chance you'll get around with great ease.
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