Park Inn Hyde Park

Great staff! Great location! Not so great room!

I have been staying at the Park Inn Hyde Park for 5 years now. The location is excellent and the staff are very friendly. That said, I always stay in the same room and my most recent stay was disappointing as the room has significantly deteriorated. There was no hot water in the bathroom sink, the tub filled up seconds after getting in the shower (even with the drain open), there were problems with the heater and the room was missing lights making it very dark. I would probably stay here again as it has become a sort of home away from home when in London, but I would opt for another room and hope that it did not have the same problems that my usual room has incurred.

Satisfied

Park Inn had good service, a nice room, though small and good food in the dining room. We ate both breakfast and dinner some days during our stay. It was expensive compared to pub food. There are at least two pubs with good food within blocks of the hotel. We were able to check in immediately, though we arrived in mid-morning. We were allowed to store our bags at checkout through we didn't leave London until 5 pm. Service was excellent.

Neighbourhood recommendations: London is a great city. I especially recommend the Museum of London for the historically inclined; it is well organized and explains a lot. Many sites don't have great explanations; the stuff is just there. The first thing to do in London is to take a tour bus just to get an overview of everything available. Some of the tour speakers are very knowledgable. The British Museum, National Gallery and Victoria and Albert are overwhelming; be sure to give each at least three hours. It is worth it to go to the top of St. Paul's unless you are severely scared of heights. Winchester Cathedral is also valuable while the Tower may be overblown. The Sherlock Holmes stuff isn't that good, though the restaurant by that name is very good. Walk a lot---from site to site, but also be sure to spend time in Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, etc.

Events and Shows: Be sure to go to plays/musicals in London. We went to The 39 Steps and that aging classic The Mousetrap and almost to Billy Elliot. There are discount day of show tickets for sale in Leicester Square.