Columbia Hotel, London

I was looking for a more authentic type of accommodations, (Something with some history, feeling of England.), not the typical sterile-box hotel, something with charm and character, and I certainly got that here. The joining of 5 former residences makes for some interesting (and narrow) hallways. (I can imagine it would not have been easy to convert.) And there were a few squeaky boards, but for the most part very quiet. As for the updating I have read other people post, it could use some fabric whitening on the drapes/comforter would help, but, it is in keeping with it's charm, and modern updating may seem out of place for the building. (And it protects one of the best (snow white) duvet's I have ever slept under-not too hot or cold, as well as nice sheets, not the usual cheap one I have seen all the years I worked for different hotels.) The room I had as a single person, although long and narrow-the type of room the original residents would have had back in the day..., was acutally quite spaciopus, (with alot more room then the next hotel in Bath, new 4 star, actually a bit bigger room but seemed smaller with the chunky furniture.) The 2nd best part,-location. Everything I wanted to see was in different parts of London, and this was central to them all. Very convenient to the tube-1 1/2 blocks, don't need a cab to the hotel-even with luggage. (The tube is the best/fastest/cheapest, way too get around) . There are great views from the hotel, over looking Hyde Park,-right across the street. (ask when booking for avail room.) but, the best part for me was the staff, very helpful and friendly. With everything from directions/broken luggage problems- no matter what the time of day/night, to reservations at my next stop. (Front desk helped save me $54.00 pounds over the best deal I could get myself, for an even better room. -for a 2 night stay) The food was great, (had to try England's Orig. fish and chips...very good), and the breakfast staff very warm and friendly-great to be greeted by them first thing in the morning. So, Especially if you are on a budget, or want a homey/more "London" experience, (and lets face it London is expensive,) this is a great place to stay.

I had to stay one night at this hotel over my long stay in London for work experience! My story is that I was literally kick out from the Hotel from the night shift receptionist!!! He had a very rude attitude from early night so in the morning when I checked out I just said to him politely that he is not supposed to be that rude cause guests really need to have a nice staying at your hotel cause it is a part of their holidays, and then I was kicked out!! He walked me to the exit opened me the door showed me the way out and told me "Out"! Anyway, I don't really mind cause I respect his age and the fact that he was up all night and probably was frustrated by something else earlier. Apart from that everything was great the young receptionist even prepared me a breakfast basket cause I had to leave really early in the morning and did everything to reset internet connection cause I had to work from the hotel. It wasn;t fixed but that also didn't matter cause there was an internet cafe in Queensway!

we have just returned from a week long stay in the columbia hotel. We found it very reasonably priced and in a good location. Lancaster Gate Tube took us into London and we could walk to nearby Queensway where there was several places to eat. The decor in the hotel was very dated but we were grateful for clean sheets and towels.Breakfast was very nice and plenty of it.The staff on reception were friendly and helpful except the male receptionist who was on duty the tuesday night we were there (18th august) he was very rude and could do with some training in customer relations. we would definitely return to this hotel and it was very busy when we stayed there.

Having read some of the negative comments about the Columbia I was extremely worried about what we would find. Our room was huge, extremely clean and with a great view of Hyde Park. The bedroom had tea making facilities, a television with what seemed like a choice of hundreds of free channels, and no problem with hot water as has been previously reported. The location is wonderful and the reception staff are very friendly and did all they could to help us. The room was cleaned every day and the towels changed. English Breakfast was included in our rate and served in the large restaurant on the ground floor - you could eat your way through the menu at no extra cost : fruit, cereal, eggs and bacon etc. Certainly no need for lunch! The hotel is definitely dated, and possibly a bit shabby, but it’s very clean and great value for money. We were at the Columbia for four days and will certainly return - I have recommended it to many friends for an inexpensive stay in Central London..

We were told the hotel was like a three star hotel in the US. Not true. This is very much like a $39.00 a night hotel in the US. The decor would not qualify as antique or even retro...it was just old and dingy. There are two elevators. One didn't work the first day we were there. The other fit one person at a time which made for a difficult arrival to our rooms. Some of our rooms were tiny and some of the rooms were okay. The bathrooms were very clean, but they only supply one towel per person (no washcloths). There is no air conditioning in the hotel so we left our windows open for circulation. Pigeon flew in during my shower..nice. There is no hot water in the bathroom either. The beds were very dorm like, basic sheet, lumpy uncomfortable mattress, and dingy flat pillows. We were often so exhausted from our sightseeing that it almost didn't matter. The free breakfast is a basket of bread and coffee. If you can afford to, stay somewhere else. If you can't, pretend that you are back at church camp or the dorms and you'll be fine.

Good location, pleasant staff, absolutely no amenities in room except for tea/coffee pot. One towel per person, tiny soap, nothing else whatsoever. Rather grim room.

We were very disappointed with our stay at the hotel. Bed sheets were in an apalling state! and there was no hot water! I would not recommend this hotel in total honesty!

Don't go in the summer. It's way too hot with no air conditioning. The rooms are old and worn. The staff are friendly and helpful, and it's cheap for it's location. Not bad. But not good.

Pros - Cheap Good Location Cons - Very unfriendly staff. 'Show me your keys!' as we walked in.Hellos from reception ever! Awful decor. Awful breakfast, free continental breakfast was toast and jam!!!

We stayed at the Columbia for two weeks in May 2005. Although the room was small, it was clean and overlooked Hyde Park. Located near Lancaster Gate on the Under Ground we had easy access to the public transpertation system. The English Breakfast that came with the room was very good. I would recommend the Columbia and would stay there again.