We departed York by train – a first experience for Jackie. It was a day of first’s for Jackie – a train, a black cab, and the reason she said “yes” to this trip – visiting London. Of course the train got delayed for more than hour in route… so we got a chance to stare at the same stretch of building for a while while the trespasser was removed in front of us. But overall it was still a very enjoyable experience.
Once we finally got to the train station in London, we were able to check another item off both of our bucket lists – to ride in the classic black cab. Most of the fleet is now electric, and we loved them! We took them a number of times during our visit. They are so incredibly roomy – your luggage stays in the car with you instead a trunk. Our cab driver to our chosen hotel was so nice, we got his card and would call him to drive us around a number of times including our ride to the airport to go home!
When looking for a place to make our home base while in London, we leaned heavily on Saint Rick (Rick Steves). We settled on the South Kensington area. As Rick describes the area – “to stay on a quiet street so classy it doesn’t allow hotel signs, make South Kensington your London home. The area is very upscale – it has great restaurants just a block away… is close to the Victoria & Albert and Natural History museums… and is an easy walk to Harrods (which Jackie loved) and the designer shops of King’s Road and Chelsea. Most importantly.. the tube is only about 2 blocks away and gives you access to both the Piccadilly and Circle/District Lines.
After reading about the candidates, we took Rick’s advice and chose his “home in London” – the Aster House. Somehow I didn’t get a picture of the outside, but it is tastefully marked on the right side of the street about 3/4 of the way down the block once you turn left from the tube station.
The Aster House, in a lovely Victorian town house, is run with care by friendly Simon and Leonie Tan. Leonie is ever present – she welcomed us upon our arrival and we talked to her at least a couple of times each day. Very engaging, sweet and attentive. We stayed in the Poster Suite.
It’s a stately and sedate place, with 13 comfy rooms. Our suite was at the bottom of a small flight of stairs, but was very nice, with a nice sitting area, a desk to work at, as well as a fireplace that we welcomed during the evenings.
The bathroom was comfortable – especially for English standards. 🙂 By now we’ve become comfortable with it and move easily around the smaller space… and I will get myself some towel warmers at home!
Each morning, we would climb upstairs to the wonderful solarium for breakfast. This glass-covered… almost green-house space is a wonderful spot for a simple breakfast, and also serves as a nice late-afternoon place to relax and read.
We can easily see why Rick Steves calls the Aster House “his home in London”. Nice without being snobbish… we would happily stay here during our next extended stay in London. Highly recommended.