**London Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at the Best Western Northfields!**
**London Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at the Best Western Northfields!**
London Getaway: A Best Western Northfields Adventure (Spoiler Alert: It Wasn't All Sunshine & Roses, But Still…)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (slightly lukewarm) tea on my recent London "getaway" at the Best Western Northfields. Let's be honest, "getaway" is a strong word. More like a brief escape from the realities of… well, everything. And hey, the deals promised seemed unbelievable. So, I dove in. Here's the gloriously messy truth, with all the warts and (occasionally) sparkling bits.
SEO & Metadata (Let's Get This Over With, Then We Can Get Cozy):
- Title: London Getaway Review: Best Western Northfields - Deals, Disappointments & Delight?
- Keywords: Best Western Northfields, London hotels, budget travel London, Northfields Hotel review, accessibility London, spa London, free wifi London, family-friendly hotel, airport transfer, London deals, hotel review, accessible hotel, on-site restaurant, Northfields review, Best Western review, family hotel London
- Meta Description: My honest, sometimes brutal, review of the Best Western Northfields in London. From 'unbelievable' deals to questionable coffee, I dish the dirt (and the good stuff!) on accessibility, amenities, dining, and more. Is it worth it? Read on!
The Arrival & Vague Promise of Accessibility:
First off, "accessibility." That's a biggie, right? The website implied good things. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Allegedly. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always keep an eye out for this stuff (moral of the story: there's always someone who needs this information more). From what I could glean, it seemed mostly okay, but I wouldn't bank my entire vacation on it. There were elevators, so that's a HUGE plus (because stairs in a hotel are not the vibe).
On-Site Grub & The Quest for Sustenance:
Right, food. Crucial. On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Yes, there were, plural! Which is good, because after a long flight, the last thing you want is to wander aimlessly looking for a place to shove calories.
- Restaurants: More like… a restaurant, if I’m being brutally honest. Serving Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, I guess. I opted for the Western, figuring that was the “safer” bet, but the buffet felt… tired. The eggs were, let's just say, not exactly Michelin-star worthy (more like… "meh, I guess I'll eat it"). Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes! And the coffee tasted suspiciously like… regret.
- Coffee Shop: Exist? Yes. Live up to any hype? Hard no. The coffee was worse, I kid you not.
- Poolside bar?: None! Which is a serious misstep in my book, especially when the sun decides to grace us with its presence.
- Other Dining: They had a snack bar and room service [24-hour], which was a godsend (especially when the aforementioned coffee situation hit me and I needed a emergency dose of caffeine) and I’m pretty sure I ordered a pizza at 3 AM.
The "Relaxation" Section (Spa & Other Attempts at Zen):
Okay, the website advertised a spa. Sold! A pool with a view? Double sold! I envisioned myself, lounging poolside, sipping a cocktail, staring out at… what, exactly? The Northfields?
- Spa/sauna, Steamroom: The spa was… small. Think less "luxury oasis," more "tiny room with a few massage tables." The sauna was functional, but the steam room was out of order. The pool with view? Okay, the view was over the road, but the pool was nice.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Foot bath: These were all on the menu, which is promising. I didn’t actually use any of these, but I like that they’re offering them, because sometimes a little spa time is exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Fitness center: I attempted the gym. Think small, with a very limited selection of equipment. Okay for a light workout, but don’t expect to get ripped.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: They had the pool, yes. Which was much better than the view.
Cleanliness & Safety (The New Normal, Sadly):
This is where the Best Western Northfields actually shines(or…glimmers?). In our post-pandemic world, hygiene is king (and queen, and every other royalty). They took it seriously.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely noticed. Everything seemed clean and well-maintained, which is a massive comfort.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Appears so.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed genuinely vigilant.
- Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Individually-wrapped food options, Hand sanitizer: Those things made me happy and safe in a world that is scary sometimes, so, thank you, Best Western.
The Room: My Personal Fortress of Solitude (with a Few Hiccups):
My room. Oh, my room. First, the good bits:
- Free Wi-Fi: HALLELUJAH!
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Saved me from early morning sun.
- Coffee/tea maker: (Thank God. After those coffee shop attempts, I needed a backup!)
- Desk, Seating area, Sofa: Made it feel a bit more roomy.
- Bathrobes and slippers: Luxury!
- Safe box: Essential for a paranoid person like myself, who keeps their money safely locked away.
- Soundproofing: Mostly effective - mostly okay!
Now, the imperfections (because no hotel room is perfect, is it?):
- The mattress: It was fine, nothing special.
- The window: It opened! But only barely.
- The water pressure in the shower: A bit weak, but functional.
- Bathroom: The bathroom was clean! (Which is a plus!) and had a separate shower/bathtub, so a plus!
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep. Essential.
- Elevator: Another essential since the hotel is more than 1 or 2 stories.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Convenient!
- Laundry service: Another must-have.
- Luggage storage: Perfect for before check-in or after check-out.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: They had all of that, but it didn’t really affect my stay, so I can’t rate it.
- Car park [free of charge]: A HUGE bonus in London.
- Taxi service: Available, of course
- Doorman: Present to make the experience feel so much better.
"Things to Do" & Getting Around (Or, How to Escape the Hotel):
Okay, so you’re in London! Exciting! The hotel isn't in the center of the action, but the West End is easy enough.
- Airport Transfer: Yes! It worked! (Very convenient!)
- Taxi service was available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge plus for anyone driving.
- Getting around: (It’s London, duh!)
For the Kids (If You Have 'Em):
Family/child friendly seems like a reasonable description. Didn't see any screaming toddlers myself (thankfully!), but I saw some kid-friendly things on the menu, so it probably works.
The Verdict (The Honest Truth):
Look, the Best Western Northfields isn't a luxury experience. My coffee was consistently disappointing. The spa was a bit cramped. But… for the price and the location, it was pretty darn good. The cleanliness was top-notch, the staff was friendly, and the free Wi-Fi saved my sanity.
Would I recommend it?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, relatively clean, and conveniently located hotel in London, with decent safety protocols and accessibility, then yes. Honestly, it's worth it, but maybe bring your own coffee, and don't expect a Michelin star for breakfast. And make sure your expectations are realistic, that will make your stay a lot more enjoyable than mine.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Could be a lot worse. And hey, I survived. And that's what counts, right? Now, off to find some decent coffee…
Chennai's Hidden Gem: Grace Residency - Unbeatable Collection O 76917 Deal!
My London Diary: Or, How I Accidentally Became Best Friends with a Pigeon (and Other Tales) - Best Western Northfields Ealing
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your pristine, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the real deal, the messy, beautiful, sometimes-smelly reality of a solo trip to London, based out of the lovely, and increasingly familiar, Best Western Northfields Ealing. Let’s go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Tube
- Morning (ish): Landed at Heathrow. Seriously, the queue at customs was longer than the line for the Ladies at a Taylor Swift concert. Seriously, I'm pretty sure someone died of boredom in front of me. Finally made it through, grabbed my (overpriced) Oyster card, and faced the Tube. Oh, the Tube. It's a beast. A claustrophobic, slightly-sweaty, perpetually-delayed beast. Found my seat. Found my phone. Found… existential dread. The sheer volume of humanity, the rumbling of the trains, the incessant announcements… it was overwhelming. My emotional reaction was a mix of: "Wow, this is incredible," and "Dear God, please let me get off at the right stop."
- Afternoon: Arrived at the Northfields Hotel. First impressions? Clean, comfortable, and hey, they had tea! Thank the heavens. The room was standard, nothing fancy, but the hot water in the shower was a miracle after the Tube. Unpacked, took a deep breath of… well, London air (which, admittedly, may have also included a hint of exhaust fumes), and decided to brave Ealing Broadway. Wander. Get my bearings. Locate a pub. The most important mission.
- Evening: Found a pub. The Drayton Court Hotel. It was a beautiful building. Had a pint of something dark and delicious (forgot what, because… London). And ate a rather sad, but ultimately satisfying, plate of fish and chips. I think I may have stared a little too long at the menu, trying to decide. They can tell. Definitely was singled out as a tourist. Back at the hotel, watched some telly (discovered Taskmaster - pure genius!) and crashed. Jet lag hit me like a brick wall.
Day 2: Museums, Mayhem, and a Pigeon Named Percy
- Morning: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This was supposed to be serene. Beautiful. Peaceful. And it was, mostly. Until I got photobombed by a gaggle of… aggressively friendly pigeons. One, in particular, a plump, slightly-feathery chap, took a shine to me. He landed on my shoulder. He pecked at my shoelace. He essentially declared himself my new best friend. I named him Percy. Spent way too much time chatting with Percy (to the amusement of some, the bewilderment of others). Honestly, the guy was a real charmer. Made the whole experience so much better.
- Afternoon: More museums! V&A. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming, so much to see, so little time. Spent ages in the fashion section - I have always loved clothes. Then, suddenly, found myself wandering the ceramics section. And I'm not usually a ceramics person. But the craftsmanship! The history! The… fragility! Briefly contemplated a life of pottery. Then reality checked back in. London is a confusing, wonderful place.
- Evening: Dinner at a little Italian place I found by accident. Ordered the pasta carbonara. Almost set fire to my mouth because I couldn't wait to eat it. Very. Very. Hot. (Take note: Don't over-eat the pepper). Anyway, it was so delicious. Wandered back to the hotel along the leafy streets of Ealing, feeling pleasantly full and slightly dazed by the day. Sent a picture of Percy to my best friend. Got a text back: "You're officially weird."
Day 3: The City, the Streets, and the (Unexpected) Power of a Scone
- Morning: The City of London. Headed into the heart of London. The architecture is mind-blowing. Tall buildings, then old buildings. It really messes with the head. Wandered around St. Paul’s Cathedral. Felt a little small, but also filled with a profound sense of history. That place is huge!
- Afternoon: Explored Borough Market. The smells! The sights! The sheer vibrancy! Got completely swept away by a wave of deliciousness. Sampled cheeses. Bought some ridiculously expensive olives. Then, suddenly, succumbed to the siren song of a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam. Oh, the scones! That perfect balance of crumbly and soft, the sweet tang of the jam, the… ugh, just thinking about it makes me weak at the knees. It was an experience. A moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, exhausted but happy. Feeling a little bit homesick, but also filled with a strange sense of contentment. Ordered room service (a burger, because sometimes you just need a burger). Watched Fleabag - again. Cried a little bit. Laughed a lot. Realized that London, for all its chaos, is also incredibly… human.
- Late Night: Realized I hadn't packed extra socks. Panic sets in, imagine trying to wear socks again. I really should have packed extra socks.
Day 4: The Unexpected Return of Percy and Farewell
- Morning: A little more sleep in. Got a late start (who am I kidding? I'm on holiday!). Headed back to Kew Gardens, to visit Percy. He was there! (Or, at least, he looked remarkably like Percy). Spent another glorious hour chatting with my feathered companion. I think he might have been judging my choice of outfit.
- Afternoon: A final stroll through Ealing. Picked up a few souvenirs – mostly mugs, which, let's be honest, is all I ever buy. Said a tearful goodbye to the Northfields Hotel. It was my base. It was my sanctuary. Okay, it was a perfectly decent hotel. But it was mine.
- Evening: Back on the Tube. Back to Heathrow. Back to the dreaded queue. Back to reality. This time, the Tube didn’t feel quite so overwhelming. Maybe I was used to it. Maybe, just maybe, I had finally found my London stride. Or maybe, it was just Percy’s influence.
- Emotional Breakdown & Final Thoughts: Found the flight home was delayed three hours. Sat in the airport, feeling a strange cocktail of exhaustion, joy, and the vague emptiness of post-travel blues. I’ll miss the chaos of London. The friendly pigeons. The scones. And the quiet comfort of my room at the Best Western Northfields Ealing. It wasn’t perfect, but it was my London. And honestly? That's all that matters. Next time: extra socks. And perhaps, a pigeon-shaped backpack for Percy. He'd love that.
London Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at the Best Western Northfields! - You've Got Questions, I've Got...Answers (Maybe)
Is this deal *really* as good as it sounds? I'm a bit skeptical, you know?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Unbelievable" is a strong word, isn't it? Look, I'm naturally suspicious, a real cynic at heart. But I actually booked this. And let me tell you... It depends. For the price? Yeah, it's a steal. I spent a fortune on a dodgy hostel when I was younger, and the thought of *that* versus a proper hotel room in London? Sign me up.
My expectations weren't sky-high, mind you. I imagined something... functional. Clean, hopefully. Adequate. And it was! The room was smaller than my living room, but hey, this IS London. And for what I paid? I was ecstatic. Think of it as a perfectly decent basecamp for your London adventures, NOT a luxurious palace. Unless your idea of luxury involves a decent shower and a bed you don't share with six other people then, yeah, luxurious.
How's the location? I need to be near the action!
Okay, action... let's define that. You're not *smack-bang* in the middle of Leicester Square, swamped in street performers and overpriced cocktails. The Best Western Northfields is in...well, Northfields. It's Zone 3. Which, for those of you not fluent in London geography, means it's a bit further out.
Tube access is brilliant though! The Piccadilly Line is your friend. Literally a short walk. I mean, I *walked* it, and I'm not exactly known for my athletic prowess (pasta is my preferred form of exercise). You can be in central London in about 30-40 minutes. It's manageable. Really. Don't roll your eyes! Think of it as a chance to decompress and get away from the chaos. I had a great book, and I was loving the ride even if it felt like an eternity.
Plus, the area itself is pretty pleasant. You've got shops, restaurants, a park. It's not buzzing, but it's safe and convenient. Plus, if you're a serial shopper like me, the proximity to Westfield (a monstrous mall) is a blessing and a curse for my bank account. And you can find nice little local pubs. Oh, and the chip shop down the road? A lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing. It was fantastic!
What about the breakfast? Included, right? Is it any good? Because I need my coffee!
Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day. Usually included, yes! Now, listen. It's a buffet. Buffets are a minefield, right? You're never quite sure what you're gonna get. But honestly? It was fine. Really. I'm not expecting Michelin-star quality scrambled eggs in a hotel buffet, okay?
They had the staples. Cereal, toast, the usual. The coffee was... drinkable. Definitely not the best coffee in London, but it did the job. The bacon was a bit chewy, but hey, you can't win them all! The croissants were perfectly acceptable. And I think they had baked bean. I am a huge fan. I ate my fill, and I fueled my day. Don't expect a gourmet experience, but you won't starve. And it's FREE. Think of the money you're saving! I used the money for all the shopping!
Are there any hidden fees or sneaky add-ons I should watch out for?
I'm a hawk when it comes to hidden fees. I HATE them. I'm always scanning those terms and conditions! From what I saw, though, the advertised price was pretty much what I paid. Double-check, obviously. Make sure you know if breakfast is included (it usually is, but verify!).
Parking, if you're driving, could potentially be an extra cost. I was on a very tight budget, so I used public transport. Keep an eye on that. Beyond that... mostly just the usual hotel stuff. You might need to pay extra for premium wifi (I didn't, the free one worked fine for checking emails and stuff). So yeah, read the fine print, but I didn't experience any major surprises. The biggest "surprise" was how cheap the deal *actually* was. Almost felt like I was ripping them off. Almost.
The description says "recently refurbished." Is that just marketing fluff? What's it *really* like?
"Recently refurbished..." Ah, the age-old hotel phrase. Look, I'm not going to claim it's brand-new shiny and perfect. I'm no interiors expert. But my rooms were definitely... refreshed. The carpets were clean. The bathroom was modern-ish. No obvious signs of peeling paint or horrors.
It's not the Ritz, okay? But it was perfectly acceptable. They'd clearly put some effort in, and I appreciated it. The room was cozy but a good size for the price and in good condition. I was expecting worse, honestly. The walls weren't paper-thin, which is a massive plus. I could actually get a decent night’s sleep. Plus, the decor was safe and it was really clean. I'm a bit germaphobe, so it was really important.
Anything *specifically* that was a win or a letdown about the hotel?
Okay, let me get specific. A WIN: The staff! Honestly, they were lovely. Really friendly and helpful. That makes a massive difference. They answered any question quickly and efficiently.
A LETDOWN? The elevators could be a bit slow, especially during breakfast rush. Sometimes I had to queue for a while. Not the end of the world, but annoying when you're hangry. I was late one morning for breakfast, and I didn't love it. I am not a morning person. I wanted to sleep more! Maybe a slight moan. Mostly good though.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay, here's the deal. If you're on a budget, and you want to visit London, and you don't need a five-star experience... then YES. Absolutely, yes. It's a solid, affordable option. It does the job, allows you to sleep there and be in London. It's not luxurious, but it's good. And it’s amazing. Don’t expect perfection, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Would I recommend it to my parents? Maybe not. They like their creature comforts. But would I recommend it to a friend? Absolutely. Especially if they're looking for a decent base, and want to explore London without breaking the bank. I would stay again. I loved it! I'm already planning my next trip.
Post a Comment for "**London Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at the Best Western Northfields!**"