I stayed at the Royal Gardens last time I was in London and it’s a fine Hotel. I had a sunken livingroom with a view of the park and it was very pleasant, great service and everything was quality.
I like to go strolling around by myself though and found the area not so fun other than the park. If you like department stores, there are a bunch of those around.
The more I travel, the more I gravitate towards smaller places with a personal touch. No matter how well trained the staff at the big 5star places, the service in a quality, small place is faster, more personal and better. There also tend to be more direct, personal contact with local people, which I like.
Unfortunately I don’t know London well enough to pick the best smaller place, but I am going to give it a shot anyway.
Probably being bored with the big hotel life plays a part too, I want a bit more adventure.
On that note, I would prefer the Royal Gardens to the Hilton, it’s less cookie cutter.
At the end of the day, one doesn’t spend all that much time in the Hotel anyway, unless the conference is located right there (that’s still usually my first choice because of the convenience.)
The Holland Court is a hop and a jump from ICEI and CAP and has a nice, small wet bar and restaurant one can reserve, and I am thinking of a small webmaster only get together there… Gimme a shout if you are interested.