The Columbia

“Old but charming”

Two night stay The Columbia Have you ever wondered what it was like in the 70's? Well now's you're chance to experience them years. A creative house hosting London’s emerging artists and city explorers since 1975. A family-run business – no corporate blueprint or outside investors. In the 1980s i… more

Two night stay The Columbia Have you ever wondered what it was like in the 70's? Well now's you're chance to experience them years. A creative house hosting London’s emerging artists and city explorers since 1975. A family-run business – no corporate blueprint or outside investors. In the 1980s it was popular with bands like The Teardrop Explodes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Simple Minds, The Eurythmics and more. Noel Gallagher’s first track written for Oasis was named Columbia, after the good times he remembered there – although Oasis was ultimately banned, apparently for throwing furniture from the bar and trashing a Mercedes parked in the hotel’s car park. We chose this hotel for a number of reasons, the location as it overlooks the beautiful Kensington gardens. The double room rate was £165 a night. Which for central London is extremely resonable. It's dog friendly with no extra charge for them. Plus free parking,yes that's right. It's also out of the London congestion charge zone. . It's not perfect though. If you are looking for luxury,this ain't. There's no mod cons here. Two lifts,one was out of action. The lift only fits two people and moves as fast as an old biddy searching for her purse at a supermarket checkout. Our bedroom smelt like an ashtray as the previous occupant must of been Bob Marley. They did offer to move us but the other rooms were smaller,so decided to start smoking again. Not really. The bathroom is the highlight. When was the last time you saw an avocado suite? For the youngsters that's when you could get different colours other than white. Don't know why we are telling everyone, as it's a great find. If you want somewhere in central London that's reasonably priced,dog friendly,free parking in a beautiful location then here is our suggestion. To be honest when visiting the capital,you're not coming to spend all the time in a hotel room. Would we stay here again? Of course we would but maybe ask for a room that The Chain Smokers haven't stayed in.

less

“Dated but Charming”

The hotel was definitely dated, however it was charming. We stayed in a room with two twin beds and let me tell you I had the best sleep in that bed! Incredibly comfortable. The breakfast for ￡10 was alright. Being Canadian I felt it was strange that there were no face cloths and the shower was inc… more

The hotel was definitely dated, however it was charming. We stayed in a room with two twin beds and let me tell you I had the best sleep in that bed! Incredibly comfortable. The breakfast for ￡10 was alright. Being Canadian I felt it was strange that there were no face cloths and the shower was incredibly hot and cold but otherwise no complaints. The hotel is in close proximity to the tube, regular bus stations, hyde park and for tourist interest a hop on hop off bus stop!

less

“Great family stay”

Stayed in the quad room (family) , very spacious, comfy beds and crisp clean bedding. Continental breakfast was excellent with a large variety. Tube station 3 mins walk away, gate to Hyde Park across the road. Staff super helpful, would stay again.