The Dover Hotel

The Dover Hotel is a simple affair spread across five floors in a Victorian townhouse. Decor is largely dated, aside from some contemporary bathrooms and the lobby, which has sleek neutral-tone wood and tile, plus a pretty, large, and colorful photograph behind the white reception desk. Typical of small bed-and-breakfast properties, the only other public space is the small breakfast room with black chairs topped by worn red cushions. Many areas are in need of a full refurbishment, but its stellar location and affordable rates make it an appealing option for budget seekers. There are a ton of similar hotels nearby, and it's worth paying slightly more for a room at the stylish Georgian House Hotel. 

The Dover Hotel's central location is fantastic for tourists visiting the city, as it sits nestled between two garden squares and is surrounded by beautiful Victorian houses. Just a four-minute walk from Victoria Station, it makes a great starting point for navigating a city as large as London. It's two stops on the tube to Oxford Street and just one to Pimlico (taking you right to the river and nearby Tate Britain). There's also plenty within walking distance: Crossing Green Park, Buckingham Palace is an 18-minute walk and both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament can be reached in 20 minutes. Swanky Knightsbridge -- with the world-famous Harrods -- is 14 minutes by tube or just over half-an-hour's walk, while the Apollo Victoria Theatre is a quick seven-minute walk. For a taste of London's more culturally diverse neighborhoods, up-and-coming Brixton is four stops on the tube. The Gatwick Express runs direct to Victoria Station in 35 minutes or it's 45 minutes by taxi. Heathrow Airport is 50 minutes away both by car and public transport.

Rooms are uniformly decorated in a low-frills but comfortable design that provides the essentials. Colorful checked or patterned bedspreads and mismatched curtains are old-fashioned, and wooden furniture is limited to a tiny desk, metal stool, and open shelf with hanging rack. Rooms range from Singles up to five-person units. Beds are topped with folded towels and a single bar of soap. All rooms come with a satellite flat-screen TV, phone, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi for up to four devices. A kettle alongside tea and coffee is provided, as well as a full-length mirror. A small wall-mounted fan tackles the lack of air-conditioning. Although some floors share toilets, all rooms have modern showers en-suite, but don't expect shampoo or conditioner. Some guests have complained of noise, both from adjacent rooms and guests walking on the stairs.

The Dover Hotel doesn't have much in the way of features. All rates do include a free continental breakfast, though it's limited to a choice of cereal, yogurt, toast, and juice, plus tea and coffee. Rooms lack safes, but they're available at reception. Wi-Fi is free throughout and it's reliable.