LONDON - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 186

3-minute walk from Paddington Station. It is a standout in a section of less desirable
hotels. Bedrooms are midsize, completely restored, and comfortably furnished, with
a choice of single, double (or twin), triple, and family rooms available. Rooms without
bathrooms have a washbasin, with facilities right outside the door. The hotel's main-
tenance and affordable price make this one a winner—that, plus helpful staff.
10-12 Norfolk Sq., London W2 1RS. www.tudorcourtpaddington.co.uk. & 020/7723-6553/5157. Fax
020/7723-0727. 38 units. £96 double w/bathroom. Rates include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V.
Limited street parking. Tube: Paddington. In room: TV, Wi-Fi (in rooms w/bathroom; free).
NOTTING HILL
Moderate
The Main House The term home-from-home is bandied around all too
frequently when hotels are discussed, but The Main House deserves the tag. Each
guest gets a high-ceilinged floor of this Notting Hill townhouse to themselves,
decorated in rare style from on-the-doorstep Portobello Road market—expect
gilded mirrors, watercolors of elegantly dressed 1930s' women, and similar
antiques. Some extra little touches make this place unique: A wonderfully cheap
deal on the chauffeur service, mobile phones to keep your call costs down, and
gleaming wood floors swathed in animal skins (reflecting owner Caroline Main's
time as an explorer).
6 Colville Rd., London W11 2BP. www.themainhouse.co.uk. & 020/7221-9691. 4 suites. £110-£140 suite.
MC, V. Parking £2.50 per hour. Tube: Notting Hill Gate. Amenities: Bikes; access to health club & spa;
Internet (free); room service. In room: TV, hair dryer.
Umi Hotel Location, location, location. This charming little hotel would be
a steal in most of London, but given its proximity to Hyde Park, Portobello Road, and
hip (and very pricey) Notting Hill's browsing and dining, it's a true find. Located in
side-by-side row houses on a quiet square, Umi offers a bit of character that is often
missing in budget hotels. Still, don't expect luxury—although the decor is modern and
inviting, it's pretty basic. But that's just fine, given that the basics are done so well.
Rooms are small (this is London after all) but spotless. Added bonus: The hotel offers
both single and family rooms that can sleep four. Ask for one of the rooms at the front,
as the view of the square's garden is gorgeous.
16 Leinster Sq., London W2 4PR. www.umihotellondon.co.uk. & 020/7221-9131. Fax [phone].
117 units. £150-£165 double. AE, DISC, MC, V. Tube: Bayswater or Queensway. Amenities: Restaurant;
cafe; bar; concierge. In room: TV, Wi-Fi (£3 per hour).
Inexpensive
Gate Hotel This antiques-hunters' favorite is the only hotel along the length of
Portobello Road—and because of rigid zoning restrictions, it will probably remain the
only one for many years to come. It has seven cramped but cozy bedrooms over its
three floors, and be prepared for some very steep stairs. Rooms are color coordinated,
with a hint of style, and have such extras as full-length mirrors and built-in wardrobes.
Especially intriguing are the wall paintings that show the original Portobello Market:
Every character looks plucked straight from a Dickens novel.
6 Portobello Rd., London W11 3DG. www.gatehotel.co.uk. & 020/7221-0707. Fax [phone]
units. £80-£100 double. Rates include continental breakfast (served in room). AE, MC, V. Tube: Notting
Hill Gate or Holland Park. Amenities: Room service. In room: TV, minibar, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (£5 per day).

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