[actraveler]

(IMPORTANT-HOW TO GET THERE AT END OF REVIEW)

Having just completed a stay at the Express by Holiday Inn-Earl’s Court, I wanted to add my 2 cents.

I work with a major international airline and have been coming to London for 20 years. When I lived in NY, I used to come 2-3 times a year to see live theatre and visit favorite restaurants.

During these trips, I have stayed in many, many hotels from 5 Star properties to Bed-and-Breakfasts.

I’ve read many reviews of this property, and in large part, those who have had negative things to say are too critical given the value of this hotel if you can get it through an internet site like Hotwire, Priceline, etc.

I only have 2 issues with the hotel--

1) No in-room safes. There is a safe the front desk, but with a laptop, accessories, and a passport, I always prefer a private in-room safe.
2) The relative lack of quick and first-hand knowledge of the front desk about the best transportation options to/from the hotel other than the obvious. (More about this later in the review).

My first impression of the hotel was good. On a lively street with a bus stop literally at the front door (#28 & #391). North End Road has a myriad of shops, pubs, and restaurants between the Tube Station (West Kensington) and the hotel. Within 1 block of the hotel is a Chinese to-go, Indian to-go, and Fish-and-Chips to-go. Across the street is a Dry Cleaner & Laundry, and a few doors down is a 24 hour market (7-11 type).

At night, I would have no problem whatsoever in walking to/from transportation in this area, but with a bus-stop at the Tube and another at the front door, walking is optional from the Tube station (about 12 U.S. size blocks).

The lobby of the hotel is modern and spotless. The room comes with a continental breakfast which consisted of Apple/Fruit/Orange Juice, 4 types of Cereal, 3 types of cheese, grapefruit sections, peaches (canned), yogurt, croissants (regular & chocolate), Danish (2 types), white & wheat breads, 2 types of muffins (blueberry & chocolate), Regular & low-fat milk, and a coffee machine that I would love to take home making Cappuccino, Espresso, and regular coffees. Many varieties of tea and butter, margarine, and jams round out the lot.

The room was modern and normal size for London hotels of this nature, but if you are expecting large resort-style rooms like Orlando, you’re headed for disappointment.

The room was spotless. It contained a double bed, a pull out couch, a desk, TV, Coffee-and-tea maker, and a small bathroom. The bathroom had a walk-in shower instead of a tub. GREAT water pressure. As far as furnishings, I would liken it to Hotel-style Ikea. Lots of laminates and designed to be very specific in it’s use and it’s use of space. A/C was cold. Actually had to warm it up which for me is extremely rare!

Front desk service was always with a smile and they responded favorably to requests, although I did have to make a second call for pillows.

GETTING THERE: In London, there are many ways to get around, the most-expensive being Taxis and Car Services.

From Gatwick: Take the train headed to Victoria Station, but get off at "WEST BROMPTON". Frpm there you can walk or take the #190 bus to Lillie St & North End Road intersection. Walk 3 blocks to hotel.

From Heathrow: Start with the Tube (Subway to Canadians & Americans). There is only 1 line at Heathrow, The Piccadilly Line. Here is the best 2 options—

1) If you have luggage and want to avoid steps, sit in the last 2 cars of the train and get off at HAMMERSMITH. In front of you will be an elevator up. Exit the station, and follow the signs for Bus Stop “E”—the walk is short and ALL indoors. There are escalators and an elevator to the bus stop. Take bus #391-Fulham, and it takes you to the front door of the hotel.
2) Get off at HAMMERSMITH, cross the platform and take whatever the next train is. This is the District Line and get off at West Kensington (2 stops-No Elevators in station). At the top of the street you can catch the #391 or the #28 right to the front door of the hotel. OR if you prefer, walk it, but it’s about the equivalent of 12 blocks.

NOTE-From Hammersmith you can also take the #190 bus to the Lillie St. Stop (at the intersection of North End Road), but this will require about a 3 block walk whereas the #391 takes you literally to the front door.

You should also be aware, that the hotel has a contract car service. If you book through the hotel, they will tell you the price upfront, but understand that this will likely be higher than a metered black Taxi. Stick with the buses and subways (Tube) if you can. It’s more efficient and less costly.

I spoke with the manager, and she promises at my suggestion to produce a mass-transit guide for guests including late night options to get back to the hotel for you partiers and theatregoers.

For the money, this hotel was worth every penny. I paid US$49+tax through Hotwire.

[georgiecasey]

Just stayed here recently for about half a week and want to add my 2 cents to this great review. Everything he says is true EXCEPT I think the area is a small bit dodgy to walk around at night. Nothing too bad, I wouldn't have a problem if I was on my own but I was travelling with my youngest brother and he was a bit apprehensive walking around, we had to get public transport everywhere. Also, the closest tube is West Kensington, 5 mins walk or on the bus, don't go to West Brompton or Fulham Broadway like we stupidly did. It's still the District Line, but goes in a vertical direction so you've to get off at Earls Court anyway to go anywhere useful. All in all, very good for the price we got it for, about 50 euro a night on our credit card.