If you’re looking for someplace located in an ideal vantage point in which to explore and experience London, the London of the west side’s world famous humming marketplace on Portobello Road, this is it. Host James is wonderfully friendly and helpful; he provided timely advice while I was on the move on how best to negotiate a rail strike that was going on. His knowledge of history, politics, and art make the visit an armchair education in London’s centrality in all of those spheres. If you find contemporary hotels sterile, predictable options, treat yourself to James’s place, a real treat in the heart of this dynamic, always changing city.