Arrived lunchtime Saturday, 8th. April 1995, British Airways BA 154 from Cairo.

The lovely facade made me think of movies I have seen. We had a nice fully furnished apartment, with a bathroom more compact than any I had ever been in. Exploring the building comprised of eight Victorian town houses, seeing where alterations had been made and rooms divided, was fascinating.

Yes, I was one of those people to see Agatha Christie's 'The Mouse Trap' that night and actually fell asleep for a second or two.

Walking distance to Hyde Park, Paddington Station - and as we had a four-day Transit Pass, we walked, bussed and used the Underground everywhere.

Shopping at Harrods - what a delight ! And Camden Market, when I returned via tourist water-barge to wherever it was to catch a train, while Charlene hunted for music, and made her own way back.

Piccadilly Circus, Rock Circus, Royal Albert China, EMI Records, MotherCare, Buckingham Palace, Marks & Spencers, Selfridges and Carnaby Street. Morning tea, red double-decker busses, cabs, Gin & Tonic.

We also walked around the back of Gloucester Terrace to a small English-looking Pub, the White Hart, to find it full of Aussies - being greeted like long-lost friends by a Yorkshireman we had spoken to when we first arrived. Pointless having asked us for directions - the sky was always overcast and we needed our map.

This was a great stay, and everyone was friendly. Have already recommended it to others.

Departed Thursday afternoon, 13th. April, British Airways BA 8086 from Gatwick to Dublin.

How far is it ? - 291 miles (469 km)

Revisited Thursday, 31st. December, 1997.

Travelling over Christmas, 1997, I stayed this time in the nearby Blakemore Hotel, and took the time to visit and say hello to Tina. I also asked permission to scan additional pictures from their brochure for this page, and seems someone else has already done it.

Dropped in again Friday, 23rd. October 1998, while staying nearby. Duty manager Rachid was rather busy with a Russian guest, so it was only a quick hello and I never did ring him back next morning, either.

Please say hello if you stay here, or perhaps leave me a message !