From Minnesota - We chose the Strand Palace after mapping out activities we planned to do around London and it seemed a good central location with decent reviews. My one worry was it would be noisy and difficult to sleep based on other reviews. However, we had a room in the back corner of the building that is the farthest away from the Strand traffic, so the noise was minimal. The rooms were soundproof as well, sometimes heard people in the hallway but never in their rooms even when we had neighbors on both sides. We checked in at 8 AM and our room was not ready (obviously), so we dropped off our luggage and wandered around the city for a bit. We checked in again at 1 PM and our room was ready, however for other folks they still had to wait till later. The room itself (twin superior) is quite accurate to what is pictured. My one complaint is that the pillows have no support and wish I brought my own (I know they are cheap pillows like any other hotel and this one review won't change that). We opted out of the continental breakfast before our stay; ended up adding it to the room charge for 2 days, in which case it was more expensive. Besides that, it was a perfect place to stay for our trip. FYI, like other reviews state, they do not provide wash cloths as part of the towels, so be sure to bring your own or buy once there.