London's The Celtic Hotel

For those who were saddened by the closure of St. Margaret’s Hotel in Bloomsbury, London, in the spring of 2007, be of good cheer. The Marazzi family, who owned St. Margaret’s for almost 60 years (for those who haven’t heard, the property was sold and is being converted to an “upscale boutique hotel”), owns another London property.

The Celtic Hotel (62 Guilford St., Russell Square, London WC1 N10, U.K.; phone [0] 20-7837-9258 or 6737 or e-mail reservations@st margaretshotel.co.uk) is also in Bloomsbury, and the Marazzis once again are attracting travelers who prefer to spend their pounds on something other than lodging.

The price is great! My single room was quite small, but it was clean and cost only £40.50 (about $84), including a FULL English breakfast. I believe double rooms are about £60 ($125), with breakfast.

The Celtic is smaller and more “basic” than St. Margaret’s (translation — the bathrooms are ALL down the hall!), but the two lounges and breakfast room are spacious and comfortable and the ambience and hospitality are the same. The Marazzis are a very nice family whose personal touch makes guests feel welcome.

I spent a week at the Celtic in early December ’07 after several telephone calls and e-mails to find out what had happened to St. Margaret’s. Especially considering I was in central London, literally steps from the Russell Square tube station, I considered it a bargain!

DEE POUJADE

Portland, OR