The Black Lion Inn

When I’m in the UK anywhere near London, I try and stay in St. Albans, Hertfordshire — a 20 minute express train ride from central London. I’ve probably stayed there 30 times over the past 20 years — usually for a week at a time. I’ve never had a bad experience during that time. There is a car park in the back.
It’s practically across the street from the St. Albans Cathedral in the middle of the historical center of St. Albans on Fishpool Street. It’s also about two easy walking blocks from the center of town where the merchants are — lots of them. There’s very little you can’t buy in town close by if you want to.
The Black Lion is exactly what a British Pub should be — clean, full of friendly nice people with large rooms w/​bath (ensuite is the way they say it there). There’s a restaurant in the Inn that serves breakfast and diner. Its pretty good overall — but pricey for dinner. There are lots of other restaurants in town you can chose from — so you’re unlikely to find it necessary to drive anywhere to eat a good meal.
The Pub is managed by a friendly Irishman who makes everyone welcome even an New Englander like myself.
There are rooms above the Pub and other rooms around the back — much newer and warmer. Being a Pub lover as I am, I typically take a room above the Pub. Things quiet down after 11PM no matter how loud a crowd might be there. Since the pub appeals to middle aged people like I am, there really isn’t too much noise. Directly across the street is another pub that appeals to the younger set.
I strongly recommend this Pub/​Inn as a great place to spend a night or a week.