I am a regular visitor to London and I always stay at the Columbia Hotel. Wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. If you are looking for a modern, stylish, sterile, and possibly very expensive place to stay, go someplace else. But if you want to feel 'at home' while you're away, this old but warm and charming family-run hotel should be your choice.
Rooms are good size, clean and you'll find everything you could possibly need and more (TV, coffee/tea,...). The bed is comfortable and the bathroom spacious. The breakfast offers something for everyone. Try the omelette, it's rather nice.
The hotel is perfectly located. There is a bus stop right in front of the building and tube stations within walking distance in both directions! Excellent! Also, the park is just across the street and there are numerous pubs, shops, and restaurants nearby.
The hotel staff is very nice. Although I used to be annoyed by the former unfriendly and slow night staff. But ever since they were 'replaced', I can honestly say that the staff now is the best! They are always there to help, extremely friendly and very attentive. The Columbia Hotel definitely is my number one choice. Try it and feel 'at home'.

As a previous reviewer has said it is a challenge to find a reasonably priced hotel in Central London and despite my poor review in May 2010 I have stayed at this hotel at least 3 times since then simply due to the excellent location. There is a tube (undergound/subway) station at Lancaster Gate which is 5 minutes walk away and allows you to reach all the important sights of London in a very short time. Additionally, there is a bus stop outside the hotel with buses running every few minutes. Of course no one should tolerate cracked tiles/mould in bathrooms but in my recent stays the bathrooms, whilst still old sixties style, were acceptable and clean. The public rooms are as good as any 4 star hotel but the corridors and rooms are indeed worn. However, I will stay here again because of the hotel's good location.

Finding a reasonably-priced hotel in a decent location in London is a challenge. A well-travelled friend recommended the Columbia to us. It is definitely "shades of former glory"--lovely chandeliers that are gradually losing their pendants, carpets that are getting worn, etc. We found that our bed was just too creaky, but when we politely explained our problem, the chap on the front desk suggested we try another room which was just fine. Free wi-fi in the public areas. Full English breakfast. The hotel is right on the edge of Kensington Park, which was great for us.

The outside of the hotel was under construction which was not a problem. However they should be refurbishing the inside ! Our room was tiny with broken furniture no lamp or clock. The bathroom had mold on the was and tub. Too bad because the location is great
. We would not go back