Its a Travelodge; don't expect a Hilton (Travelodge London City Road)

Member Name: luke1081

Product:	Travelodge London City Road
Date:	07/01/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Close to the sights

Disadvantages: No views; can be noisy

I never expect much from a Travelodge, Premier Inn or any budget hotel frankly. If you wanted comfort and luxury, you would stay in a Hilton. For me, this was a base in which to sleep. That being said, you expect the basics from a budget hotel. Thankfully, the Travelodge London City Road fulfilled this.

The expected arrival time of 3pm was strictly adhered to and we were made to wait in the reception area until precisley 3pm, despite arriving at 2.50. This was odd, but I tried not to let this ruin my stay. The hotel was chosen, initially, because of its prime location. It is close to tube stations; Old Street being a little less than 500 metres away. This will take you into the heart of London within 10 minutes. Price-wise, the hotel cost less than £20, thanks to a special deal with Travelodge.

Rooms were basic with flat screen TV and little else in the way of creature comforts. There was a spacious bathroom as expected and a comfortable double bed. There walls were whitewashed and drowned me in....well, whiteness. Some pictures of Big Ben or London at night wouldn't have gone amiss in the room. I was pleasantly suprised by a remote control - a lot of budget hotels scrimp on cost by getting rid of this handy modcon!

The view from the hotel bedroom window was non-existant. There literally wasn't one. The window was opposite a white brick wall with an air conditioning unit attached to it. Oh well, though I never planned to admire views from a window on City Road. The air conditioning unit was noisy and it was only lucky we didnt need the window ajar in the night.

Restaurant facilities were formidable and the buffet breakfast (£7) was excellent. Staff were helpful and the hotel was spotless. All in all, if you're looking for a cheap base in which to explore London, this is it.

Summary: A great base to set out and explore