London Travel Forum

Iam visit ing Egypt next month for 10 days then fly to london for 1 week
its my first time
I found hotel called royal national london

any recommendation?
is it indown town?
its my firts visit to london
JACKY

I haven't stayed in the Royal National personally, so can't vouch for its quality, but it is located in Bloomsbury - convenient for Russell Square tube (on Piccadilly line from Heathrow) and the British Museum. It is a large hotel which seems to cater primarily for the tourist market - a lot of tour parties seem to use it, and the hop-on hop-off buses stop just outside.

You might like to look at some of the reviews on Tripadvisor which generally confirm that it is an OK place to stay.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186338-d218407-Reviews-Royal_National_Hotel-London_England.html

Hi Jacky
you're staying in a great area of London that has a beautiful feel to it and is very historic. you are in walking distance of all that is great about london including transport, theatre, galleries and museums.
Drop a line on the forum and let me know your interests and i'll help you. I was a tour guide in london and would be happy to advise you of getting around london and enjoying your time.
kat

Hi, I have not stayed at the National though friends of mine have and say it is a huge hotel that takes lots of school trips so it is very rowdy and they would not stay again.
It is in a good location as we pass it on our way to Southampton row where we stay at the Park Inn Hotel though this is quite a bit more expensive than the National.
If I was you I would have a look at the Tavistock or the Imperial both near the National both budget hotels and better than the National. They are just a block away from the British Museum and Russel Square tube station. Hope this helps

Yes, the Tavistock is not far away, and is probably quieter, although it's probably a bit in need of updating. I haven't stayed there, though I do sometimes have lunch in its 'wine bar'.

We use it to accommodate visiting academics, and they don't complain.

Another hotel in the same area and part of the same chain is the Bedford. A friend who stays regularly at the National, Tavistock and Bedford reckons the last is the best of the three. Do ask for a romm at the back if you're a light sleeper as the main road is noisy.

There are lots of reasonable restaurants in the area and some good pubs. Just down a lane opposite is one of my favourite pubs, the Queen's Larder (review on my London page if you're interested). You'd be an easy walk from Russell Square station (Piccadilly line) and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central lines), and could also easily walk to Covent Garden and Leicester Square for the nightlife.