TAKING THE TUBE
I got off at Tottenham Hale. From there I jumped on the tube (also called the underground -- their subway), a short walk away. I traveled to Victoria Station, and transferred one stop to the Circle/District line. I went westbound one stop to Sloane Square and walked three blocks to my hotel. It would have been easier to take a taxi, but the 'blackies' aren't cheap and traffic in London is horrendous. For info and tips on using the tube, check out this page.

ELEVEN CADOGAN GARDENS
I checked into the 60-room, 4- star Number Eleven Cadogan Gardens Hotel. It's located in the heart of Chelsea, smack between Buckingham Palace and Harrods (just a 10 minute walk to the latter). Number Eleven is set on a beautiful garden square in a Victorian townhouse built by Lord Chelsea over 100 years ago on his former cricket ground. This brick mansion used to be the home of famous brewer Sir Benjamin Guinness, but after World War II it was turned into a hotel. The hotel is privately owned, family run, and has plenty of both English charm and history. Because it's in a residential neighborhood, it's very peaceful and quiet.

MY ROOM
When I first arrived I felt as if I were walking into someone's home. My room wasn't quite ready, so I flipped open my computer and downloaded emails using their free wireless internet. I was offered tea, and escorted to my room. Most of the employees were from Poland. When I stepped into my room I was shocked at how large and elegant it was, with primarily traditional furniture. The bed had crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets, and was so comfortable I fell asleep watching the morning news on the flat screen TV. The bathroom was wall to wall marble, with a powerful shower, separate tub, heated towel racks and Molton Brown toiletries. Breakfast is included in the daily rate, which ranges from L145 ($271) to L500 ($936). There is a gymnasium and sauna, but I didn't have time to use either because the following morning I had to be on a plane to�? Eleven Cadogan Gardens, 11 Cadogan Gardens, Sloane Square, London; tel.: 44(0)20-7730-7000. For more click HERE.