Built in 1862 by the same team that constructed London's Victoria Station, the palatial Grosvenor Hotel welcomes guests into Victorian grandeur. While many of the common areas maintain the original gold-and-marble details, the 345 rooms in this four-pearl property have been updated with contemporary decor, free Wi-Fi, and Bose iPod docks. They range in size from Standard Single Rooms to Executive Suites. Physically connected to the Victoria Railway Station, the hotel makes travel very convenient -- although some guests complain the trains bring heavy foot traffic. The Grosvenor is also within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and a short drive to Harrods department store. Travelers interested in staying at a hotel with old English glamour could also consider the similarly priced Rubens at the Palace, which has turn-of-the-century decor in a building that dates back to the 1700s.
Built in 1862 by the same team that constructed London's Victoria Station, the palatial Grosvenor Hotel welcomes guests into Victorian grandeur. While many of the common areas maintain the original gold-and-marble details, the 345 rooms in this four-pearl property have been updated with contemporary decor, free Wi-Fi, and Bose iPod docks. They range in size from Standard Single Rooms to Executive Suites. Physically connected to the Victoria Railway Station, the hotel makes travel very convenient -- although some guests complain the trains bring heavy foot traffic. The Grosvenor is also within walking distance of Buckingham Palace and a short drive to Harrods department store. Travelers interested in staying at a hotel with old English glamour could also consider the similarly priced Rubens at the Palace, which has turn-of-the-century decor in a building that dates back to the 1700s.
For travelers who need a reasonably priced and reliable stay in London, the mid-range, 167-room Premier Inn London Hanger Lane is a solid choice. The location, however, may be a turn off to some. While the Hanger Lane hotel is within a 15-minute drive of Wembley Stadium, getting to central London takes 25 minutes ride via the London Underground -- thankfully, the nearest tube stop is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. The simple rooms come with free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, and comfortable mattresses. By comparison, The Hide London is a boutique hotel with similar prices and more stylish character, but its small size may not be appropriate for large groups or families with young children.
For travelers who need a reasonably priced and reliable stay in London, the mid-range, 167-room Premier Inn London Hanger Lane is a solid choice. The location, however, may be a turn off to some. While the Hanger Lane hotel is within a 15-minute drive of Wembley Stadium, getting to central London takes 25 minutes ride via the London Underground -- thankfully, the nearest tube stop is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. The simple rooms come with free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, and comfortable mattresses. By comparison, The Hide London is a boutique hotel with similar prices and more stylish character, but its small size may not be appropriate for large groups or families with young children.
The three-pearl Maitrise Hotel is a welcome sight on Kilburn’s tired looking high street. It’s a four-minute walk from the Kilburn Park Tube station and a 13-minute walk to Maida Vale station. Interiors here are fresh and modern, thanks to details like copper light fittings and red-brown hues. The 105 rooms can feel dark and cramped, though they include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The attractive Rafkins Coffee Lounge & Bar serves tasty food, cocktails, and decent hot drinks. Depending on the level of your booking, it may include access to a nearby gym -- so check ahead if this is a deal-breaker for you. For curb appeal try Holiday Villa Hotel and Suites London in neighboring Paddington instead, though it’s much less modern.
The three-pearl Maitrise Hotel is a welcome sight on Kilburn’s tired looking high street. It’s a four-minute walk from the Kilburn Park Tube station and a 13-minute walk to Maida Vale station. Interiors here are fresh and modern, thanks to details like copper light fittings and red-brown hues. The 105 rooms can feel dark and cramped, though they include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The attractive Rafkins Coffee Lounge & Bar serves tasty food, cocktails, and decent hot drinks. Depending on the level of your booking, it may include access to a nearby gym -- so check ahead if this is a deal-breaker for you. For curb appeal try Holiday Villa Hotel and Suites London in neighboring Paddington instead, though it’s much less modern.
Located just beyond central London in Wandsworth, The Alma Hotel is a 23-room, upper-middle-range, boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere and attached British pub. Situated just across from the Wandsworth train station, guest can get to the city center in 15 to 20 minutes and to most London hotspots in about a half hour. Rooms are stylishly decorated in a combination of contemporary and antique decor with bright wallpaper accents. Top-shelf amenities include AC, comfortable Hypnos beds, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and other thoughtful details. The on-site restaurant serves a seasonal menu and a delicious, free cooked-to-order breakfast, while the popular on-site pub has plenty of beer on tap as well as bar food. The Lodge Hotel Putney is a similar hotel that’s slightly farther away from central London, but rates can be less expensive.
Located just beyond central London in Wandsworth, The Alma Hotel is a 23-room, upper-middle-range, boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere and attached British pub. Situated just across from the Wandsworth train station, guest can get to the city center in 15 to 20 minutes and to most London hotspots in about a half hour. Rooms are stylishly decorated in a combination of contemporary and antique decor with bright wallpaper accents. Top-shelf amenities include AC, comfortable Hypnos beds, Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and other thoughtful details. The on-site restaurant serves a seasonal menu and a delicious, free cooked-to-order breakfast, while the popular on-site pub has plenty of beer on tap as well as bar food. The Lodge Hotel Putney is a similar hotel that’s slightly farther away from central London, but rates can be less expensive.
The GEC Granville (formerly a Best Western) operates both as student housing and as hotel accommodations. Located in downtown Vancouver, western Canada's financial center, it has 143 bright, decent-sized rooms with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and in many rooms, microwaves and mini-fridges. But the decor is generic, and bathrooms are nothing special. The property features a fitness center with great downtown views, a Jacuzzi, gated parking, and great freebies, including Wi-Fi, shuttle service to any downtown attraction, and bike rentals. Overall, it’s a solid pick for value.
The GEC Granville (formerly a Best Western) operates both as student housing and as hotel accommodations. Located in downtown Vancouver, western Canada's financial center, it has 143 bright, decent-sized rooms with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and in many rooms, microwaves and mini-fridges. But the decor is generic, and bathrooms are nothing special. The property features a fitness center with great downtown views, a Jacuzzi, gated parking, and great freebies, including Wi-Fi, shuttle service to any downtown attraction, and bike rentals. Overall, it’s a solid pick for value.
This 30-room luxury boutique, a member of the Red Carnation Group, offers superb service and a central location near Buckingham Palace. Chic rooms have a black and white color palette along with marble bathrooms stocked with Penhaligon's toiletries. There is free champagne on arrival and free snacks/evening canapés in the plush lounge. With the feel of a private club and attentive service, this boutique is an excellent upscale pick.
This 30-room luxury boutique, a member of the Red Carnation Group, offers superb service and a central location near Buckingham Palace. Chic rooms have a black and white color palette along with marble bathrooms stocked with Penhaligon's toiletries. There is free champagne on arrival and free snacks/evening canapés in the plush lounge. With the feel of a private club and attentive service, this boutique is an excellent upscale pick.
The 111-room Times Hotel & Suites draws business travelers with its location near the Quebec City International Airport. The lobby is decorated with dark hues and has a modern enclosed glass fireplace and comfy black leather chairs. Contemporary rooms feature kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi, and stylish bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Suites come complete with fireplaces and large Jacuzzi tubs. Expect all the amenities of a typical airport hotel here, such as a small fitness center and indoor pool, although both are no better than average for a mid-range property.
The 111-room Times Hotel & Suites draws business travelers with its location near the Quebec City International Airport. The lobby is decorated with dark hues and has a modern enclosed glass fireplace and comfy black leather chairs. Contemporary rooms feature kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi, and stylish bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Suites come complete with fireplaces and large Jacuzzi tubs. Expect all the amenities of a typical airport hotel here, such as a small fitness center and indoor pool, although both are no better than average for a mid-range property.
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel is an enormous upscale property that draws mature business travelers and tourists seeking reliability and convenience. Set in downtown Montreal near scenic Place du Canada, this 825-room hotel is the second largest in Montreal and offers a small indoor pool, tons of event space, and a classy lobby bar. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with large work desks, and some include access to the Club Lounge, with skyline views and free evening hors d'oeuvres. However, the hotel charges for extras such as Wi-Fi and even access to the fitness center for guests staying in some room categories. Business travelers seeking a more luxurious downtown property may want to compare features at the pricier Hotel Le Crystal, where every suite includes a kitchenette.
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel is an enormous upscale property that draws mature business travelers and tourists seeking reliability and convenience. Set in downtown Montreal near scenic Place du Canada, this 825-room hotel is the second largest in Montreal and offers a small indoor pool, tons of event space, and a classy lobby bar. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with large work desks, and some include access to the Club Lounge, with skyline views and free evening hors d'oeuvres. However, the hotel charges for extras such as Wi-Fi and even access to the fitness center for guests staying in some room categories. Business travelers seeking a more luxurious downtown property may want to compare features at the pricier Hotel Le Crystal, where every suite includes a kitchenette.
Hotel des Coutellier is a mid-range boutique hotel with lots of style and a fantastic Old City location. The ambiance is chic and artsy with pops of red, white, black, and silver throughout. Spacious rooms have modern furnishings, plush linens, Keurig coffeemakers, and work desks. One perk here is breakfast baskets with juice, pastries, yogurt, and fruit are delivered to rooms each morning. The modern lobby with its atmospheric exposed brick walls and cozy fireplace is another lovely space to relax. With a helpful staff and convenient location, Hotel des Coutellier is a good pick in Quebec City.
Hotel des Coutellier is a mid-range boutique hotel with lots of style and a fantastic Old City location. The ambiance is chic and artsy with pops of red, white, black, and silver throughout. Spacious rooms have modern furnishings, plush linens, Keurig coffeemakers, and work desks. One perk here is breakfast baskets with juice, pastries, yogurt, and fruit are delivered to rooms each morning. The modern lobby with its atmospheric exposed brick walls and cozy fireplace is another lovely space to relax. With a helpful staff and convenient location, Hotel des Coutellier is a good pick in Quebec City.
The Thompson Toronto is every bit as hip as its sister properties. Rooms are sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent views, mod furniture, flat-screen TVs, and custom-made Sferra sheets -- and the dazzlingly white marble bathrooms sport rainforest showerheads and heated floors. The lively patios and bars, renowned dining at Scarpetta, and unique rooftop infinity pool attract young, trendy crowds. But the property is located in a newly gentrified area that is not particularly kid-friendly, so families and those looking for less of a nightlife scene may want to book elsewhere.
The Thompson Toronto is every bit as hip as its sister properties. Rooms are sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent views, mod furniture, flat-screen TVs, and custom-made Sferra sheets -- and the dazzlingly white marble bathrooms sport rainforest showerheads and heated floors. The lively patios and bars, renowned dining at Scarpetta, and unique rooftop infinity pool attract young, trendy crowds. But the property is located in a newly gentrified area that is not particularly kid-friendly, so families and those looking for less of a nightlife scene may want to book elsewhere.