Rob's Guide to Railroad Hotels and Bed-and-Breakfast Inns

Properties marked "historic" are historically significant to the railroads because they were either built by or for the railroads, or they occupy what was originally a railroad building.

Properties marked "nearby" are located in, adjacent to, or within a few blocks of an active train station, or they offer free transportation to the train station.  A few properties are both "historic" and "nearby."

Properties marked "nostalgic" have a railroad theme and/or railroad artifacts on display.

These are my personal favorites.  I have personally stayed at them and can recommend them highly.  I have not visited most of the properties on this list and therefore cannot rate them.  Thus the absence of the "Rob's Choice" award does not imply that the property is substandard.  It may just mean that I haven't been there.  If you are concerned about quality ratings, please consult a travel guidebook.

Most of this information was obtained from the hotels. I have not included any prices, since they change so frequently. I've made every effort to keep this list up-to-date, but please confirm all details before your trip, as anything could change, even the location of the train station!   This list continues to grow, so please send me additional hotels not listed as well as any corrections or comments. The latest version of this list can always be found at http://railroadrob.net.

If you are traveling on the Texas Eagle, use their superb website (www.texaseagle.com) to help plan your trip.  They provide listings with hyperlinks for hotels, rental car companies and more for every city along the route, along with the distance from the station, shuttle information, and more.  This is a great web site!

There are dozens more hotels with trackside views which offer great train-watching, but are not included on this list. That is because those hotels are not historically related to railroads nor close to passenger stations. Many of these are newer hotels belonging to national chains, and some even accept requests for rooms with the best track views. An excellent list of trackside hotels is maintained by Chris Hash at: www.goeaston.com/~cahash/

Arizona

  El Tovar Hotel: P.O. Box 699, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023. (303) 297-2757 www.thecanyon.comwww.nps.gov

Description: Elegant hotel built by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1905. It sits on the edge of the South Rim. Architect Charles F. Whittlesey combined elements of Swiss chateaus and Rhine castles using native stone and logs. The result is a beautiful mixture of rustic and elegant.
Amenities: Lounge, dining room, gift shop. 78 rooms.

Description: Built by the Fred Harvey Company in 1968 and 1971 with all of the historic charm typical of that era (i.e., none).

Description: Built in the 1920s by the Union Pacific Railroad. The main lodge building contains the reception area and dining room, with all of the guest rooms in smaller buildings and cabins around the complex.
Trains for all of the above: Hop on a Thruway bus to the Grand Canyon from the Southwest Chief at Flagstaff, AZ.

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California

Dunsmuir

  Featherbed Railroad Co. Bed & Breakfast Resort:  P.O. Box 4016, 2870 Lakeshore Blvd., Nice, CA 95464.  (800) 966-6322  (707) 274-8378. www.featherbedrailroad.com

Description: Nine cabooses in a garden setting under massive oaks.
Amenities: Pool, jacuzzis, located on a lake, boat and jet ski rentals.

San Diego

  Best Western Bayside Inn: 555 West Ash Street, San Diego, CA 92101. (619) 233-7500; Central reservations (800) 341-1818.

Description: Five blocks from train station and trolley, 3 blocks from San Diego Bay and waterfront, close to San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
Amenities: Heated pool and spa, free parking, restaurant. 122 rooms.

Amenities: Gift shop, activity desk, heated outdoor pool, secured parking, 3 restaurants, room service, in-room coffeemakers, all rooms with furnished balconies, hotel overlooks bay. 600 rooms.

San Francisco

  The Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental San Francisco: Number One Nob Hill, 999 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108. (415) 392-3434. san-francisco.interconti.com
[email protected]

Description: Prominent 19-story landmark perched atop Nob Hill.  Built in 1926 with a combination of French Chateau and Spanish Renaissance styles.  Named after transcontinental railroad bigwig Mark Hopkins.
Amenities: 3 restaurants, bar, lounge, gift shop, business center, meeting rooms, fitness room, 349 rooms and 39 suites; all rooms and suites renovated in 2000.

  Best Western Carriage Inn: 140 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. (415) 552-8600; Central reservations (800) 444-5817.

 
Description: Quaint Victorian-style hotel. Some rooms have fireplaces, brass beds and bay windows.
One-half block to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stop. Three blocks from Cable Cars.
Amenities: Free shuttle to Amtrak Station, Union Square, and Moscone Convention Center, free continental breakfast and newspaper delivered to room, covered parking, spa, robes, local tour pick-ups at hotel, Nintendo.

 
Description: Mediterranean-style hotel. 1/2 block from BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stop, three blocks from Cable Cars.
Amenities: Free shuttle to Amtrak Station and Union Square, restaurant, lounge, heated pool, saunas, exercise room, free parking, guest laundry, local tour pick-ups at hotel, coffeemakers, Nintendo, room service. 143 rooms.

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Florida

Clearwater

Description: Lavish Victorian resort built in 1897 by Henry B. Plant for railroad passengers.
Amenities: Unknown
Trains: Information not available.

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Idaho

Sun Valley/Ketchum

More information is available from the Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 2420, Sun Valley, Idaho 83353. (800) 634-3347 (208) 726-3423 www.visitsunvalley.com

Description: Legendary Union Pacific chairman Averill Harriman sent Austrian Count Felix Schaffgotsch to locate the ideal site for a luxurious ski resort. The Count chose a 4300-acre site nestled in the mountains near Ketchum, Idaho, and in 1936 UP built the first lodge building, an elegant hotel which is still in use today. The resort and surrounding area has developed into an extensive, year-round leisure complex. Downhill skiing remains the main attraction, with 78 ski runs, but many other winter and summer sports are available as well. UP sold the property in 1965.
Amenities:  Everything imaginable.
Trains: Not even close. The nearest stop is Spokane, Washington (The Empire Builder), from which one would take an 11-hour Thruway Bus trip to Boise, then another seven-hour private bus trip from Boise to Sun Valley. Coming from the west coast, one could take the Coast Starlight to Portland, Oregon, then a 10-hour Thruway Bus trip from Portland to Boise, followed by the seven-hour private bus.

Illinois

Chicago

  Since this is a Texas Eagle city, I will refer you to the excellent Texas Eagle website for detailed hotel information.  Just click on "cities" and "Chicago."  Surprisingly, Chicago does not have any operating hotels of historic significance to the railroads, as far as I know.

  Windy City Urban Inn:  607 W. Deming Place, Chicago, IL.  (773) 248-7091.  (877) 897-7091.  www.chicago-inn.com[email protected]

Description:  Beautiful renovated row house in elegant Victorian neighborhood.  Elegant rooms with spacious common areas and quaint inner-courtyard garden.  Very friendly innkeepers.  Convenient location close to everything.  Not really close to the station, but a city bus will pick you up at the doorstep of Union Station and take you there with no transfers, or it's a short taxi ride.
Amenities:  Rooms and suites; some with whirlpool baths; free breakfast; garden.
Trains:  Dozens of Amtrak and commuter trains around town.

Description:  Only 2 blocks from Union Station!  Modern-style hotel.
Amenities:  145 rooms, 27 suites, restaurant, lounge, laundry, gift shop.
Trains:  Dozens of Amtrak and commuter trains daily.

Description: The only listing on this page that is not an active hotel or inn.  The Hotel Florence, named after George Pullman's daughter, was the hotel for Pullman's attempt at a utopian company town adjacent to the Pullman Palace Car Company complex.  The city of Pullman was later absorbed by Chicago, but neighborhood groups are working to preserve the history of the area, now known as the Pullman Historic District (www.pullmanil.org).  The hotel is closed for renovation.

Knoxville (Illinois, not Tennessee!)

Description: Cozy bed and breakfast in contemporary house built on site of old Santa Fe agent's house. Decorated with original railroad art by Ron Hatch.  This property was for sale and their web page no longer exists - is it gone?
Amenities: Great view of double-track BNSF main line. Bring your camera! Outdoor hot tub.
Trains: 60-75 trains daily on a double mainline with a double cross-over just west of the bed and breakfast, or rather, the "bed and rails." Over 20 different paint schemes zoom by at 65 mph. Amtrak uses a different line and stops at nearby Galesburg.

Louisiana

New Orleans

Trains: Thanks to Arlo Guthrie, everyone knows which train stops here: the City of New Orleans. But the Sunset Limited also passes through.

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Maine

Portland

        Description:  Elegant hotel built in 1897 by railroad tycoon John Deering to accomodate passengers at nearby Union Station.
        Amenities:  Complimentary continental breakfast, local calls, parking and refreshments..
        Trains: The Downeaster takes you right to Portland.

Minnesota

New York Mills

        Description:  Beautiful 1903 home on 1 acre of land.
        Amenities:  In-room coffee and tea, full breakfast, railroad memorabilia and caboose.
        Trains:  Inn is 30 miles southeast of Detroit Lakes, MN, served by the Empire Builder.

Missouri

St. Louis

Trains: Amtrak's Texas Eagle, Ann Rutledge (connection to Southwest Chief in Kansas City), and Kansas City Mule serve St. Louis.

Drury Inn at Union Station: (800) DRURY INN; www.drury-inn.com.
 

Description: Located across the street from the historic St. Louis Union Station, the hotel occupies the 1907 YMCA building. Passing railroad workers often bunked here, although never as comfortably as today! Call and ask for the "Sightseer" coupon book with good discounts.

Description: Modern hotel located just down the street from the historic St. Louis Union Station. Appears to be one of the more reasonably priced hotels in the area.
Amenities: indoor pool and whirlpool, free parking, free breakfast.

Description: You can't beat the location of this hotel right inside the historic Union Station, which now serves as a major shopping and entertainment complex. The lobby is in the majestic Great Hall of the old train station; rooms are in a new building constructed under the enormous train shed. Rooms overlook the inside of the mall or a lagoon inside the train shed. (Note that Amtrak stops at a grungy "temporary" station about a mile away.)
Amenities: outdoor pool, fitness room, covered parking, gift shop, room service, 2 restaurants, lounge; dozens of shops and restaurants in mall. 538 rooms.

Montana

Bozeman

Description: National Register-listed historic hotel built by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad along a spur line to Yellowstone Park.
Amenities: Free breakfast, outdoor pool & jacuzzi, pond, mountain bike rentals, 2 restaurants, close to park. 35 rooms and suites.
Trains: It's not easy. You could take the California Zephyr to Salt Lake City, then take a Thruway Bus to Idaho Falls, Idaho. From there, you're on your own.

Essex

 
Description: This quaint mountain lodge sits on the edge of Glacier National Park. Built in 1939 for Great Northern Railway crews, it retains its rustic feel. The cozy lobby has a fireplace; the original dining room serves gourmet meals on Great Northern china. Extensive railroad-themed decor is found throughout. Guests can also stay in cabooses with kitchenettes and baths. Extensive winter sports are available; spring and summer activities include hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Amenities: 14 cross-country ski trails, equipment rentals, lessons, escorted ski and snowshoe tours, free transfers from train station, restaurant, bar, video library, gift shop. 33 rooms and four cabooses.
Trains: Still on an active rail line, the inn is easily visible from the Empire Builder. This historic train still runs today under Amtrak, and still stops in Essex.

Glacier Park

Description: Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1913 to entice wealthy passengers from Minnesota, the lodge has been home to presidents and royalty. Massive timbers up to 42 inches in diameter support the soaring lobby.
Amenities: Heated pool, golf course, restaurant, lounge, gift shop.
Trains: The Empire Builder. Use the Glacier Park stop.

West Yellowstone

Nevada

   Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino: 2800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015  (702) 294-5000; (800) 654-0877. www.railroadpass.com

Description: A modern hotel and casino complex, but with an unmistakably railroad theme.
Amenities: Restaurants:  Box Car Buffet, Conductor's Room and Iron Rail Cafe (open 24 hours).  Casino, gift shop, outdoor pool. 120 rooms and suites.

New Mexico

Santa Fe

 
Description: This distinctive Spanish pueblo-style hotel was built in 1922 at the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail. Hand-carved wood furniture, exposed wooden beams and triangular corbel arches exemplify the classic southwestern style for which both Santa Fe the city and Santa Fe the railroad became famous. The Santa Fe Railway acquired the hotel in 1925 and leased it to Fred Harvey. It remained a Harvey House until 1968, when it was bought by a local group.
Amenities: Restaurant, 2 lounges, heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, suites, some rooms with balconies and/or fireplaces, rooftop terrace; hair dryer, iron and ironing board in each room. 167 rooms.
Trains: Amtrak serves Santa Fe via a Thruway bus connection from the Southwest Chief at Lamy, NM.

New York

Ithaca

Description: Old Lehigh Valley Railroad Station now serves as railroad-themed restaurant with lodging available in completely refurbished passenger cars.
Amenities: Restaurant, in-room fireplaces and coffeemakers, cars are air conditioned.

New York City

Description: Modern 28-story hotel directly connected to New York's venerable Grand Central Terminal.
Amenities: 3 restaurants, various shops, 24-hour room service. 1347 rooms.
Trains: Grand Central...need I say more?

Description: Large hotel built in 1919 by the legendary Pennsylvania Railroad, the "Standard Railroad of the World," directly across from Penn Station. Neo-Renaissance building designed by well-known architects McKim, Mead and White. Its Cafe Rouge Ballroom hosted many Big Band era greats, including the Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra - who immortalized the hotel and it's phone number in the 1938 hit PEnnsylvania 6-5000.
Amenities: 4 restaurants, shops, health club (extra charge; has indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna), theatre and transportation desk in lobby, soundproofed rooms. 1705 rooms.
Trains: The adjacent Penn Station is headquarters for all Amtrak trains in the Big Apple. Only commuter and transit lines use Grand Central.

Pennsylvania

Cresson

Description: Railroad hotel built in 1866. Each room themed with a different railroad. Railroad books and memorabilia throughout.
Amenities: Great train-watching from front porch. Yard Office Saloon serves meals and drinks. Close to other Pennsylvania railroad attractions.
Trains: Faces Norfolk Southern (ex-Conrail, ex-Pennsy) main line, 9 miles from Horshoe Curve. Over 60 trains daily including merchandise trains, auto racks, coal and ore trains, double-stacks and Amtrak.

Fallston

Description: Former railroad employee home facing CSX and NS main lines. CSX trains illuminated at night. A small inn - only one guest room!
Amenities: Trains, trains and more trains.
Trains: As above.

Scranton

Description: This exuberant 1908 neoclassical depot-turned-hotel boasts a barrel-vaulted Tiffany glass ceiling, intricate mosaic tile floors, and rare Siena marble. Within walking distance of the massive Steamtown, USA historical site, guests can watch the iron horses from the trackside restaurant.
Amenities: 2 restaurants, lounge. 146 rooms.
Trains: Steamtown's excursion trains pass right next to the hotel, but the nearest rail connection to the outside world is at Harrisburg, Penn. A Trailways bus will pick you up at the Amtrak station there and take you to Scranton.

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Tennessee

Chattanooga

 
Description: Taking its name from the classic Glenn Miller song, this 1909 Southern Railway station has been converted to a comfortable, family-friendly hotel and a veritable Disneyland for railfans while maintaining its original elegance. The waiting room is now the hotel lobby and coffee shop, while restaurants, shops and a huge model railroad layout are tucked into other parts of the station. Passengers--I mean, hotel guests--may choose to stay in one of 24 converted vintage passenger cars. These offer spacious and elegant guest rooms--they're not sections of a sleeper car. Additional standard hotel rooms are located in several unobtrusive new buildings at the end of the platforms. Dining-car restaurants offer light, casual dining, or elegant gourmet meals. A working trolley offers short rides; in the summer, the Tennesse Valley Railroad runs a tourist train from the complex. All in all, this is a spectacular treat for train buffs.
Amenities: 5 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools with hot tubs and waterslide, indoor pool with waterslide, tennis courts, fitness center, free parking, 10 retail shops. 360 rooms.
Trains: Sadly, no real intercity passenger trains depart from Track 29. The nearest Amtrak service is in Memphis.

Nashville

Description: Nashville's beautiful Romaneque station, built in 1900, has been painstakingly converted into a lavish hotel. The elegant main hall is a breathtaking tribute to the golden age of railroading. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is trimmed with stained glass and gold leaf. Massive fireplaces with lavish stonework stand at each end of the room. The main concourse now serves as the lobby and a restaurant; other restaurants and bars are located elsewhere in the hotel. The hotel rooms have been fitted into the upper floors. Some of the rooms have panoramic views of downtown Nashville, while others have windows looking into the station's sunny atrium. Any railroad tycoon would feel comfortable foregoing his private rail car for a night at this hotel. If you can't afford to stay here, at least visit.
Amenities: valet parking, complimentary limo service, 2 restaurants, bar, no pool. 124 rooms.
Trains: The only thing missing from this palatial train station is...a train. The nearest Amtrak station is in Memphis.

Watertown

Description: Historic railroad hotel built in 1898, now restored as a bed and breakfast. 4 rooms and 1 suite; full breakfast included. 40 miles east of Nashville.
Trains: Occasional Nashville-Watertown excursion trains.

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Texas

Cleburne

Description: Formerly the Hotel Santa Fe, used by railroad passengers and workers during Cleburne's boom days.  Decorated with railroad memorabilia.
Amenities: 4 rooms, 2 private baths, 1 shared bath, full breakfast.

Dallas

Description: Modern high-rise hotel connected by tunnel to the restored Dallas Union Station, which now serves as an elegant banquet/convention hall for the hotel as well as a train station. Historical note:  The hotel was depicted as the office building of J.R. Ewing on the TV series "Dallas."
Amenities: 4 restaurants, including one revolving restaurant. Outdoor pool and whirlpool, gift shop. 940 rooms.
Trains: Amtrak's Texas Eagle and Dallas' light rail system stop at Union Station, providing travelers with easy connections to major attractions and the airport.

Kingsland (approximately 60 miles from Austin)

Description: Historic hotel built in 1900 to serve adjacent railroad depot. The depot is gone but the tracks are still in use. Three cabooses available with living/dining areas, kitchenette, queen bed, bunks, full bath and outdoor grill. Many different accomodations available in original hotel building and various cabins and cottages on property.
Amenities: 15 acres of woodlands with nature trails, fruit orchard, waterfront on Lake LBJ, boating, fishing, cabooses.
Trains: Trackside views. Nearest Amtrak stop is in Austin, 60 miles away.

Llano (75 miles from Austin)

Description: Built in 1907 to serve rail travelers. Favorite of Bonnie and Clyde.
Amenities: Close to Enchanted Rock, river cruises, Longhorn Caverns, wineries.
Trains: Nearest stop is Austin via the Texas Eagle.

Mineola (between Longview and Dallas)

Description: Built in 1927 to house railroad employees and passengers; restored 1993-95. This classic hotel is adjacent to a nicely restored town square bustling with shops and restaurants. Trains pass right in front of hotel. Mineola was a classic "railroad" town, with the town square built parallel along the tracks, and the town's pride in its heritage is clearly reflected in the railroad theme which is evident all over the city center.
Amenities: Restaurant, art gallery, antique shop, frequent live music concerts.
Trains: Amtrak's Texas Eagle still uses the historic train station across from the hotel; Union Pacific freights roar down the line constantly. Historically, the town was served by Northern Pacific, Texas Pacific and Missouri-Kansas-Texas ("Katy").

Description: Very nice bed and breakfast in elegantly furnished 1913 Greek Revival mansion. Many choices of rooms, including rooms with whirlpool baths, huge balconies and private gardens. Highly recommended by the author.
Amenities: Landscaped grounds, sweeping veranda, many living areas and parlors for use of guests, piano and organ, off-street parking, fully cooked gourmet breakfast, in-room coffeemakers. Two blocks from historic railroad-themed main street with many shops and restaurants; many rooms have special amenities.
Trains: The Texas Eagle stops about 5 blocks away, with free transfers to/from bed and breakfast. Rail line is extensively used by UP for hotshot freights.

Vermont

Description: 1920's railroad hotel, named for John Coolidge, father of President Calvin. 30 hotel rooms as well as a 21-bed hostel. A National Register Historic Site. Close to Dartmouth College.
Trains: Logically, the Vermonter stops in White River, Vermont.

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Washington

Description: Bunk house built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.  Collection of railroad photos and artifacts on display.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Amenities:  9 rooms plus 2 cabooses, elegant furnishings with antiques, outdoor hot tub.
Trains:

Washington, D.C.

Trains: Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor trains share the platforms with local transit systems, making the terminal a vibrant hub of railroad activity.

Phoenix Park Hotel: 520 North Capitol St. NW, 20001. (202) 638-6900; (800) 824-6419.  European-style hotel one block from Union Station. 87 rooms.

The Bellevue Hotel: 15 E Street NW, 20001 (202) 638-0900; (800) 327-6667. "Old World" style hotel one block from Union Station. 136 rooms.

Washington Court Hotel: 525 New Jersey Ave., NW 20001 (202) 628-2100; (800) 321-3010.Luxury hotel 2 blocks from Union Station. 264 rooms.

Holiday Inn on the Hill: 415 New Jersey Ave., NW 20001 (202) 638-1616; (800) 638-1116; Central reservations (800) HOLIDAY.  Two blocks from Union Station. Restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness spa with sauna, room service. 341 rooms.

Hyatt Regency Washington: 400 New Jersey Ave., NW 20001 (202) 737-1234; (800) 233-1234.  Two blocks from Union Station.  Two restaurants, 2 lounges, pool.  834 rooms. 

Wisconsin

Description: Collection of 43 cabooses fully remodeled and equipped as rooms or suites..
Amenities:  Outdoor heated pool, some kitchenettes, lobby with railroad memorabilia and railroad library.
Trains:

Canada

Banff

Description: The castle-like hotel, in the style of a French chateau, is an incarnation of the "if you build it, they will come" philosophy. Officials of the Canadian Pacific Railroad realized that the scenery along its lines was (and is) some of the most spectacular in the world, and they built a world-class hotel at one of the nicest spots they could find, in what is now a national park, in the hope it would create more passenger business. The formula worked, at least for a while. Today, the hotel retains its past splendor.  Until 2001, it was one of the few railroad hotels still in the hands of a railroad.
Amenities: Hair dryer, iron, ironing board, minibar, coffee/tea maker, radio/alarm clock in all rooms; 17 food/beverage outlets, spa, golf course. 770 rooms.
Trains: Until recently, Via Rail Canada served the hotel at its original elegant depot. Sadly, the train service has been discontinued.

Lake Louise

Description: Cousin to the Banff Springs Hotel, this distinguished French Chateau style hotel was built to draw passengers to the striking emerald-green lake surrounded by a wall of mountains. The hotel retains its grace and elegance, but the trains have vanished.
Amenities: Six restaurants, 3 lounges, room service, exercise room, indoor pool, steam room, whirlpool; each room has hair dryer, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker, fan. Note: no air conditioning (not that you'd need it). 497 rooms.
Trains: Until recently, Via Rail Canada served the hotel at its elegant 1909 depot.

Lake Louise

Description: Nova Scotia's oldest railway station, built in 1887 by the Intercolonial Railway, was saved from demolition when an 18-year-old man bought it; it opened as an inn in 1989 and features several fully renovated caboose rooms.
Amenities: 3 rooms, 7 cabooses.  Air conditioning, TV, kitchenettes and/or fireplaces in some rooms.
Update:  I can't find this on the web anymore.  Not sure if it still exists.

Toronto, Ontario

Description: This enormous hotel was built in 1929 by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to serve its passengers. Directly connected to the station, it remains an elegant and convenient stop for visitors, and still belonged to the Canadian Pacific until 2001. The station is also a hub for Toronto's extensive public transportation system of subways, buses and trolleys.
Amenities: Six restaurants, 4 bars/lounges, health club, gift shops. 1365 rooms.
Trains: Via Rail Canada and commuter transit trains serve the station.

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England

London

  Grosvenor Thistle Hotel: Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London SW1 OSJ, UK 0171-706-3344.  www.thistlehotels.com

Description: Historic railroad hotel located at Victoria Station; newly renovated.
Amenities: All rooms have bathrooms (this is a luxury in England), TV, phones, coffee/tea makers, elevator, restaurant; family bedrooms and rooms with four-poster beds available.
Trains: Endless possibilities at the bustling Victoria Station.

Description: This really has nothing to do with trains, but it's an absolutely delightful London hotel. It's an easy two-block walk from Paddington Station, which serves both British Rail intercity trains and the London Underground. Originally an elegant Hyde Park townhouse, the hotel is is small, elegant and cozy (the hotel's bar, done in a jazz theme, has only three small tables). The service is impeccably courteous and the free breakfast is excellent. The rooms are "petite" by American standards, but they are spotless and nicely furnished with all the amenities one would expect from a fancy hotel. The rooms open onto a quiet courtyard rather than the noisy street--a very important feature in London.  All this at a very reasonable price by London standards.
Amenities: In-room coffee/tea makers; in-room bathrooms (again, a luxury by London standards); restaurant, bar.
Trains: Paddington Station is your gateway to the city, the country, the world.  Don't forget to buy a Paddington Bear. 

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Last update: January 2005