Thanet Hotel

We stayed at this hotel in one of their quad rooms, It was right at the top of the hotel so consequently a bit of walk with cases, however once there we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the room which was more than adequate for a family of four. The en suite bathroom was very clean as was the bedroom itself. Towels and shower freebies were changed or renewed daily. As was the tea/coffee/hot chocolate making facilities (we used our bottled water in the kettle for ease). The beds were very comfortable and sheets immaculate.

The breakfast is excellent. To start there is a buffet table of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, tinned fruit, pastries etc followed by a full english breakfast or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. The waitress serves as much toast and tea and coffee that you want. It must be the best breakfast in the whole of London. The staff are friendly and helpful, they let us leave our luggage free of charge on the last day so we could spend all day in London before having to catch our evening train.

We would not hesitate to recommend this hotel to any family, it is very central in what appears to be a safe environment, there are plenty of buses and Russell Square Tube Station really is only a short walk.

The Thanet is a great little hotel, located on Bedford Place in the heart of Bloomsbury. A great location, it is close to two tube stations (Russell Square & Holborn), practically next door to the British Museum. Theatres, clubs & restaurants are all within walking distance. The owners, Richard & Lynwen Orchard, are extremely friendly & helpful, as is their staff. The rooms are reasonably priced, with a full English breakfast included. I have stayed here numerous times, beginning in 1987, and would not think of staying elsewhere during my trips to London. Even as a paying guest, I always feel like a member of their family while there. The rooms are very clean & provide all the modern conveniences: bathrooms with private showers, telephone, television, hair-dryer, coffee/tea maker, snacks, etc.. I highly recommend this hotel, simply the best of British. I rate the Thanet Hotel four out of four stars.

My room at the Thanet had obviously been a large closet at some time in the past. The room number, 5a, should have been a give-away. The room was tiny, the bathroom was tinier, and the closet tinier still. The "desk" was a shelf covered with vinyl. I paid 78 pounds per night.

Perhaps the double rooms were better, but this little room was a hovel.