The George Hotel

Set on an elegant Victorian crescent, this small budget hotel was originally built in 1809 as three separate townhouses. Some of the original features -- like open fireplaces and exposed brick hallways -- have been retained and add a nice dash of historic character to the property. Due to the building’s historic nature, it is now a Grade II Listed property, and due to those restrictions, the owners have not been permitted to install an elevator. Well-kept common areas have a classic style that's typical of these small townhouse hotels (think: red carpets, gilded frames, and homey overstuffed furniture). However, the reception area is due to be renovated in 2016 and will match the contemporary style of most of the hotel's guest rooms. This property attracts all manner of tourists and business travelers on a tight budget who want to sleep in central London and wake up near great transport links. 

The hotel is on a quiet side street that's dotted with plenty of other small hotels just off of busy Euston Road. Euston Station, with rail and underground links, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, as is St. Pancras International, making it a convenient spot for those arriving via the underground, overground train lines, or the Eurostar. There are lots of dining options within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, from typical fast food to the elegant Gilbert Scott or trendy Plum and Spilt Milk. There are plenty of watering holes within a five-minute walk as well, including traditional English pubs along Euston Road, plus a great cocktail menu at The Booking Office. The impressive British Library is just a five-minute walk away as well. Heathrow Airport takes around 50 minutes to reach by public transport, or 40 minutes by car, though this varies depending on traffic. Gatwick Airport is 50 minutes away by tube and train.

By any standards, rooms at The George Hotel -- available in Single, Twin, Double, or Triple categories -- are bright, contemporary, and cheerful. Like many budget hotels in London, nearly every category of room here is snug, but Single Rooms are particularly tiny, with space for little beyond a twin bed, desk, and wardrobe. The style in the majority of rooms is simple and contemporary, with sharp wood laminate floors, all-over tulip-pattern accent walls, and light wooden furniture. Aside from the accent walls, there's not much in the way of color or art aside from purple pillows and bed runners. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a work desk, and hairdryer. Rooms are not soundproofed but there is minimal traffic on the crescent, so noise is not generally a problem. Some rooms share bathrooms, while others have an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and wall-mounted sink. The rooms do not have air-conditioning, but fans are provided.

Guests at The George Hotel have an unlimited full English breakfast included in their daily room rate. Breakfast is served in the spacious dining room and offers a good choice of cereals, fruit juice, tea and coffee, toast, jams, eggs cooked to order, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and baked beans. A guest lounge is available where there is a computer with free internet access. Guests can also access the private gardens in front of the hotel as well as the tennis courts for a small charge. The hotel is happy to provide tennis rackets and balls. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property, although some guests have found it spotty at times.