Fodor's Expert Review Crowne Plaza London—The City

Editor's Note: This location is reported to be under new ownership and therefore this review may contain inaccuracies.

Don't let the hotel's all-business appearance put you off: it's a polished operation, with stylish minimalist rooms, just steps from the Blackfriars Tube and train station in one direction and bustling Fleet Street in the other. The hotel occupies the shell of an old stationery warehouse, on the former site of Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace, and rooms, in cool shades of gray and cream, have soundproof windows to block out city noise. There are two restaurants: Diciannove serves high-quality rustic Italian cuisine, and the fabulously named Chinese Cricket Club specializes in modern Sichuan cooking. The Blackfriar pub, across the street from the hotel next to Blackfriars Station, is one of London's true hidden gems—check out its stunning art deco back room.