Tavistock Hotel

Part of the huge Imperial London Hotels chain, the Tavistock Hotel offers 395 rooms at rates on the higher end of the cheapo spectrum. All six Imperial hotels are located around the British Museum, but we prefer the Tavistock, one block north of Russell Square and overlooking lovely Tavistock Square. It seems large enough to offer a wide range of services, yet small enough to seem personal.

Rooms are simply furnished with a few boutique touches and baths are basic. On the non-smoking floors (5-8), rooms have been freshened up with new furnishings, carpets, wallpaper and bedspreads. The Tavistock Hotel’s smoking floors (1-4) look like they fell asleep in 1972 and never woke up—we're talking about unintentional retro here.

All rooms are equipped with a TV and phone. Since rooms can get some noise from the street, we would definitely recommend a room on a higher floor overlooking the quiet park.

The Tavistock often welcomes back an eclectic mix of regulars, and we understand why—it's unassuming, kind of retro, pretty cheap and quite convenient. Its large lobby and reception area dons a bit of retro charm, mixing deco elements with hints of the '70s.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the hotel.