It’s easy to have a soft spot for this place near the British Library. This author even stayed here often when he was just out of college (in room no. 3, a cozy single on the rear landing—still there, still snug). Back then, the Beynon family had a young son, Glyn. Today, Glyn is a grown family man, and he’s in charge—and he’s doing a proud job of updating the family B&B in a 1780s townhouse (ask him about its history) far beyond the expectations of its tariff range. He installed new bathrooms with all-new piping, accounting for the larger-than-average showers; he soundproofed the front windows to keep out the roar of Gower Street’s traffic. He also converted the former parlor, with its antique (nonworking) fireplace, into room no. 2, a spacious double. The Jesmond is a classic (four units share bathrooms), and in fact, has been a Frommer’s selection ever since Europe on $5 a Day (when a room cost $3.20). Don’t confuse this place with the Jesmond Dene, a B&B on Argyle Square—it’s very good, too, but not as central.
London
Travel Guide
London› Hotel
Jesmond Hotel
63 Gower St., WC1
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Bloomsbury
Transportation
Tube: Goodge Street
Phone
020/7636-3199
Prices
£95–£230 single, £125–£300 double, £220–£300 triple, £210–£380 quad, £550 quint; discounts for advance reservations and Jan/Feb; often a 2- or 3-night minimum. Rates include full breakfast
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi
Units
15
Web site
Jesmond Hotel
Map
63 Gower St., WC1 LondonNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.