BEST WESTERN CORONA HOTEL, London

The hotel sits on a quiet residential street yet is within a 3-minute walk of Pimlico Underground Station and about 10 minutes on foot from Victoria Station, making Gatwick Express and mainline services easily accessible. Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Tate Britain are all within 2 km, and the bus stop directly opposite the hotel provides an alternative to the tube. The surrounding streets are lined with restaurants, pubs and small supermarkets, offering plenty of options for meals and essentials. Victoria Coach Station is also within comfortable walking distance on level ground, which is useful for coach travellers.

The hotel offers single, double and family rooms, all of which are described as small and basic. Standard doubles can feel cramped for two people, and family rooms likewise leave limited floor space once luggage is placed. Some rooms on the lower ground floor or facing Belgrave Road receive street noise, and single-glazed windows mean sound and light can penetrate from outside. There is no air conditioning, and in warm weather the rooms can become hot; a standing fan is supplied. The furniture is older but functional, with a desk, wardrobe and tea/coffee making facilities. Bathrooms are compact, with a shower (rain shower in some rooms), hairdryer and basic toiletries. The windows can only be opened partially for safety, but staff can assist if needed.

Breakfast is available daily for an additional fee and includes a buffet selection of hot items such as sausages, bacon and scrambled eggs, along with cereals, bread, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, tea and coffee. Gluten-free options can be provided on request. The breakfast room can feel cramped during peak times, and the hot choices are limited compared to larger chain hotels. For those who prefer a lighter or more flexible start to the day, numerous cafés and bakeries are within a 2-minute walk on the surrounding streets. Lunch and dinner are not served on site, but the area offers a wide range of pubs, Italian, Middle Eastern and other cuisines within a short walk.

Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building, with wired internet in rooms and a guest computer in the lobby. The 24-hour front desk can process check-ins at any hour and also offers free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. Daily housekeeping is included without extra charge, while laundry and dry cleaning are available for an additional fee. A safety deposit box can be provided at reception upon request. Basic business services such as fax and photocopying are offered at an extra cost. The lift serves all floors, though it has experienced intermittent faults. Baby cots are available by prior arrangement.