Portobello Gold

What is there to say about the Portobello Gold? It's weird. It's realllll weird. There's no lobby, just the pub downstairs where you check in at the bar. The man that checked us in was French by way of Mexico, the US, and the Carribbean, looked like Santa Claus in black and a straw cowboy hat, and used to play in a band with David Craig. He was also our waiter at the restaurant. The stairway to the rooms upstairs kinda smelled like pee, the carpet was musty, and you couldn't stand up in the shower because the ceiling was too low. But somehow, it was great. There was a big fishtank in our room and a putting green on our balcony (we had the "penthouse" apartment.) I'd only recommend staying here if you are looking for a good price, and a very unusual experience. This place is a pub and restaurant first, and hotel second, and it shows, but we met some great people and really enjoyed the area. Our apartment slept six, and cost less than 300USD in peak season, which was the best rate I could find in any respectable location, and I was looking at least three months in advance. So if you're travelling with a group, consider it, but only if you're in for one unique ride.

Unique Quality: EVERYTHING! For better or worse.

Directions: Underground Station Notting Hill Gate, on Portobello Road

Cool 'hotel' above the Portobello Gold Pub in the cool Notting Hill area. Wake up on the weekends in the heart of the Portobello Market. Hang out in the evenings at the cool pub downstairs. Loft like beds, in suite facilities - comfy, homey, hip, and cool... would stay there again in a heartbeat

Unique Quality: "Backpacker" rooms (about US $40) to an apartment for 4 (aoubt US $250) includes a nice basic breakfast (with great tea!)