Christine R.
Yelp
I can't wait for a friend to go to London, just so I can jump up and down and recommend the Harlingford Hotel for them to stay at. I came across the hotel listing through Fodor's, and after looking at their website, thought that it would be a suitable pick for me, my mother, and cousin (a girls holiday, if you will).
I am always pretty nervous about accomodations, especially since in the US, me and the SO won't really go all out to stay anywhere very special. I haven't travelled internationally, unless it is to visit family in the Philippines, and hadn't been to Europe since high school, so I had my worries- especially since we were going to stay there fo 5 nights.
Location was really important, since we did not want o stay too far outside the city, nor right in the heart of it. The Bloomsbury neighborhood is absolutely perfect if you're looking for a lively scene, that is also quiet and peaceful. There are restaurants right across the street, as well as pubs, several convenience stores, and a large shopping center with restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores, drugstores, and a Waitrose supermarket. The hotel, which is on Cartwright Gardens, is also right between two stops on the Tube- Russell Square (which is smaller) and the huge Kings Cross Station/St. Pancras Station- we had originally planned to take two days in Paris, but decided not to, but this would have been perfect as the international trains leave from St. Pancras. From R. Square you can catch the useful PIccadilly line (stops at most important places in the city) and Kings Cross/St. Pancras, at least four lines plus the Piccadilly. This was really useful too, as on our departure, we had heavier (and more) luggage, and the lifts and layout at Kings Cross is a lot user-friendly compared to Russell Square. Along with its excellent location, you are up the block from University of London, The British Library St. Pancras Rennaissance Hotel ( a beautiful work of architecture) and the British Museum.
The hotel itself is like a small boutique/European style hotel. There are no lifts, so keep in mind if you're traveling with anyone who needs help going up the stairs. With my mom, we stayed on the first floor , and it was fine. There is a cozy common room with a fireplace, books, computer, and magazines. The breakfast room is airy and bright, and perfect to start your day- full breakfast is included in your stay and it is brilliant- buffet with yogurt, fruit, cereals, jams, breads, and juices, and the option to order three types of breakfast- full English, full English with scrambled eggs, and scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. All dishes were delicious, and the perfect amount of food to tie us over until mid afternoon. They also serve copious amounts of toast, tea, and coffee.
The staff at the hotel is made up of really friendly and accommodating people. The kitchen staff were made up of Filipinos, so we had a good time with them every morning, and my mom got to joke around with them in Tagalog and they offered us a lot of advice about the area and suggested things to see. Their hospitality was tremendous. The front desk ladies and gents were also wonderful- able to help us with a scale to weigh our luggage upon our departure, and they hold your luggage if you get in before check in and even after check out, the latter of which was very helpful as we had five hours until we had to leave for Heathrow and wanted to do the British Museum.
The rooms are cozy and comfortable. The bathrooms were in-room, and our triple had a full size bed, and a twin size. They use memory foam mattresses, and my back did not hurt at all the whole week! There is a spacious wardrobe, though no set of drawers, other than the one cupboard they had for storage under the small dresser. They give you a tea kettle in the room, tea bags, instant coffee, hair dryer, and a flat screen tv. The ceilings are high and the decor was lovely and French inspired- yellow and blue, fleur de lis and paintings on the walls. Lots of lighting, and large windows that opened onto the main street. Though we were not in the room a lot during the day, it was good to come home to such a lovely space.
Other amenities- free wifi, which was great for us, as we brought along an Ipad for our tech needs. They have lots of brochures and guides in the common room.
I would not hesitate to stay there again, if I find myself in London i the future. The rates were reasonable, and the only upcharge we had was for the one local phone call I made. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting - a couple or a three some like us. You will not be disappointed at all!!