Christmas in London & RS London tour hotel accommodations

I like the Lime Tree in the Belgravia area near Victoria station. This is where the RS week in London tour I was on stayed. Smallish rooms, but very comfortable and the food was excellent (at least when I was there). The price is moderate for London. Transportation is a short walk away and many restaurants as well.

Mark, do you mean the Lime Tree?

We have also used the Best Western in the same area. The annex rooms are quite nice with good restaurants in the area but don't know what is open on Christmas and Boxing days.

Can I blame it on autocorrect? I fixed it in my original post.

Our RS Best of London tour in 2017 stayed here https://www.washington-mayfair.co.uk/. The location cannot be beat. The hotel is older but the rooms were fine. Some have been recently renovated and are nicer. The breakfast was good, nearby restaurants very good.

My Best of London tour also stayed at the Washington Mayfair. I thought it was wonderful — large, comfortable rooms; abundant and delicious buffet breakfast, I especially remember the sausages; great neighborhood, a short walk to a tube station. However, I remember that when I inquired about staying an extra night there, their rates were way beyond my budget. RS must get a great rate there!

Christmas 2017 we stayed at Citidines Trafalgar Square, an apart-hotel with kitchen, frig, etc. and right in the heart of London and Trafalgar Square. We also have stayed at Club Quarters Trafalgar Square, a bit more expensive. Easy walking to Charing Cross Tube station, several bus lines, the National Gallery, Horse Guards Parade, Covent Garden, the London Eye,and many other sights including the huge Christmas market across the Thames at Southbank. We caught buses to the Royal Albert Christmas programs and to view the huge lighting displays. Worth a look.

I'll be honest. I really like Premier Inn in London. Many good locations and a reasonable price.

We will also be in London over Christmas and have been advised to get dinner reservations soon for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Apparently there isn’t any public transit, tube, buses, on 12/25.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt, 68-86 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington was where we stayed at the end of our Rick Steves Best of England in 14 Days tour.
It is a large hotel with a very good restaurant on the first floor. We had dinner there one night while staying at the hotel. I would assume their restaurant will be open for meals over the dates you have mentioned, but you should check. If they have a special Christmas lunch on Christmas Day, reservations are always needed for that sort of thing. You may want to explore the hotel's website for more info.

This is a very good location for walking north to Hyde Park. Or walk east on Cromwell Road from the hotel to see the excellent Victoria and Albert Museum.

I consider this hotel to be moderately priced; neither expensive, nor cheap.

There are many restaurants in S. Kensington, so you may find some open on the days you are there. Just around the corner from the Radisson is a very good Indian restaurant. They may be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt on Cromwell is our “go to” hotel in London. It isn’t central London but has easy access to three tube lines (district, circle, and Piccadilly), making it easy to get to anyplace in the city, including back to the airport on departure day. As already stated, there are plenty of restaurants in the area. Last December we walked from Piccadilly Circus to see the Christmas lights on Regent and Carnaby streets, then up to bond street. From there we just walked back to the hotel. Not a short walk, but was a nice way to walk around town.

Years ago I remember every European went to London Christmas.

I recently lost my husband after +50 years. We had done 6 R.S. tours. I am thinking of a Best of London Dec 15th. as a last trip. It is getting close to sign on. Thinking of my seniors years, this trip may be too much for another tour. I still get around good for my 80 years. I have been to London many times, so I'm familiar with how things are. Please help me decide, time to sign up is now.

Brojana,
I am sorry for your loss! I found that it is empowering to go ahead and do something like travel again after you lose your spouse. It can help show a person that life can go on, although it is a different life than you planned on/wanted.

I found that I wanted to avoid places that I had gone with my husband at first. It was too hard to think of going back without him. Gradually, I brought myself to the place where I could go those places again and just think of the happy memories I had there with him.

I think a city tour is a good place to start your solo travel experience. You would only have to unpack once and can use public transport/taxis if you find yourself tiring. I would definitely sign up for the single supplement. Also, remember, that if you get tired or just want to do something else one day, you can opt out of the group activity. It is very enjoyable to have a group to eat some meals with and share experiences with.

On the other hand, December weather may be a bit more challenging in terms of hours of darkness and rain/slippery sidewalks.

Only you can decide what works for you. I wish the very best for you.