69TheGrove

Besides an inconspicuous gray plaque on its gray brick facade, there's nothing that hints that this charming, Victorian terrace property houses a bed-and-breakfast hotel. Inside, the building is similarly indistinguishable from a typical London home, with no real lobby area or any of the normal tourist paraphernalia usually present. The front lounge -- where reception takes place -- is bright and cozy with stuffed bookshelves, comfy leather seating, a large flat-screen TV, and the feel of your average middle-class family sitting room. Wooden floors lead into a breakfast room overlooking a small courtyard, while down a couple of steps are a dining room -- with a simple wooden table, plush brown chairs, and colorful modern artwork on the walls --- and domestic kitchen with white tile floors and chrome chairs. A warm welcome is provided by hosts, Kanley and David, who are also always available to help with guests' queries and settling into this most homey of London B&Bs. 

The B&B is located on a quiet and quaint residential street in London's Vauxhall district on the south side of the River Thames. There's not a great deal in the immediate area, however about five minutes' walk away is Vauxhall Tube station (on the Zone 1/2 border) that connects to Victoria Station in two stops and central London (Oxford Circus station) in four. Those who enjoy a stroll can walk across Vauxhall Bridge (overlooked by the iconic M16 building) and along the river to the Tate Britain art gallery in about 15 minutes. From there, it's about a mile walk up the river to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. 

There are just four rooms available, each of which has been individually decorated, though all with modern yet homey styling. Rooms are fresh and welcoming due to blond wood floors and cream-colored walls, accented with clean-lined furnishings and colorful artwork or fresh flowers. In-room amenities are excellent, providing free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars (not free), and iPod docks. Unusually for a B&B, there are plenty of free toiletries including toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as free tea and coffee and snacks. Due to the nature of the property, room size varies a lot, and not all rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

As this is a bed-and-breakfast, there's not a huge amount in the way of facilities, though a free, cooked English breakfast is served every morning from Monday to Saturday, while a continental-style breakfast is offered on Sundays. Fresh fruit is also served at breakfast, and guests can also request variations on the English breakfast or eggs cooked-to-order, except on Sundays. There is a small outdoor terrace where breakfast can be enjoyed during warmer months, and Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the property.