Travelodge London Park Royal

For those looking for a swanky city centre hotel with all the trimmings for a romantic break, look away, this isn't what Travelodges are about! However, for those wanting an inexpensive base to explore London, there is nothing much wrong with this hotel. I paid £29, which for a double room plus sofa bed for upto 3 people in one of the worlds most expensive cities is outstanding value. My room was clean, big enough, with a working shower, kettle, tv, and a decent bed. For those wanting a bargain, what more do you need for a short break? The staff were fine, but don't expect conseirge service.

The location is probably the only drawback. You might be under the impression this isn't far from the centre of London... however, it's at least 35-40 minutes on the tube to Covert Garden, although the fares are very cheap off peak, £6.30 will get a full day pass valid to Park Royal and and anywhere in zones 1-4, which covers nearly all of London's popular attractions. However, expect to pay around £30 ish for a taxi from central London after hours which if you're planning on a night out should be factored in as it maybe cheaper in the long run to get a city centre hotel.

The hotel is only 5 minutes walk from Park Royal tube station but is located on the other side of a 6 lane road where the only means of crossing is via a long, narrow subway. Even if you enjoy dicing with death there is a fence which prevents crossing elsewhere. I felt reasonably safe during the day, but wouldn't have relished it late at night and lone females should take note. The only other option would be to walk to Hanger Lane tube station but I would expect this to be at least a 20-25 minute walk which could be equally as dangerous. The hotel has excellent road links however for those taking a car.

There are a variety of fast food and chain restaurants directly opposite the hotel, but this requires walking up to the subway and back down so takes 10-15 minutes. There is also a cinema. A petrol station is located next door to the hotel.

After reading so many bad reviews we were surprised to find very good service and spotlessly clean room and reception at this travelodge,easy walk to tube for city and sights access, helpful staff, minimal noise from trains and road, food and drink at petrol station next door. Thank you travelodge park royal we will stay with you again.

This is a pretty standard Travelodge in a location that's easy to get to by car, but a bit of a pain to reach by public transport.

We paid just £19 a night for a long term advance booking which is pretty decent, but on top of that you've got to pay £5 a day for car parking (make sure you have some change: it's cash only, in coins), and £5 an hour for wi-fi internet. There is no free carparking anywhere nearby.

The rooms are just very standard travelodge rooms. If you get a family room, you also get a sofa that converts into a bed, plus the usual double bed. There is a kettle (but no fridge), tea & coffee, there are no phones in the rooms, and a TV with the 5 domestic TV channels, plus the BBC News Channel, Film Four, BBC3 and CBeebies, plus the BBC Radios 1, 2, 5 and London. The bathroom is equaly basic, with a rather annoying flapping shower curtain.

There is a vending machine in the lobby (it has soap and shampoo in - there is none in the room), and a petrol station right by the gate with a cashpoint and a pretty comprehensive shop. The lift is the most annoying slow one in the world - and there is only one! Take the stairs.

Noise is a major problem, oddly at the back of the hotel (due to the Central line) however at the front the triple glazing does a much better job of keeping the hum of the A40 down.

Compared to the one around the corner, in Wembley, the rooms are smaller, it lacks a bar and a restaurant, but benefits from lots of chain restaurants over the road. Although you may have to drive to get over the road, as the nearest underpass is at Park Royal tube station. Of the restaurants there is a Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King, Nandos, a mexican (expensive) and a Chinese Buffet (£12 for all you can eat, and pretty good), plus a cinema.

If you come by Underground, the nearest Tube is Hanger Lane (about 45 minutes walk) or Park Royal (30 minutes): a bit of a pain on a cold wet night.

All in all though, a good basic cheap hotel.