thanks to both of you for such useful - and prompt - info: this website is brilliant, thankyou Madridman. The map link is great too. I have also used your metro link to print off a copy the system.

Will have to go back to the rest of my party to discuss whether the out of the way location is balanced by the feedback on how good the hotel is - which is what I have heard from other sources. Shame it isn't closer, maybe back to the drawing board - any other ideas? How about the Carlton? Cheaper, but scores well on hotelclub.net.