We want to bring the kids to the UK in May 2015--they will be 12 and 14 then. Hotel prices really stretch our budget, so we've been looking for alternates. I've never stayed in a hostel, but we have considered Pax Lodge (Girl Guide House) in Hampstead, which would be about #120/nt for the four of us, with shared bath. I wouldn't mind the shared bath so much at Guide House, because, well, they're mostly Girl Guides or their chaperones! I'm not comfortable having the kids in a separate room (unless it's something like a suite or a flat), and we'd need 3 beds (a double and 2 twins).
Are we likely to find anything else in or near that price range that would be clean/family friendly and fairly well located? A friend recommended Premier Inns, which look like good value. It would be great to have access to a kitchen, though, or at the least a small fridge and microwave, so we have the option to picnic or buy ready-meals. I looked a little at flats, but most of the ones that sleep four have two double beds. We'd be looking at 3 or 4 nights.
My husband and I have visited the UK twice, but not in about 15 years (funny how that coincides with the birth of our eldest...). In London, we previously stayed in Bloomsbury.
As to location, our list is fairly standard...the Tower, British Museum, Shakespeare's Globe...so as long as it's fairly close to efficient transport, I am open to most things as our home base.
First post, been lurking for a while...thank you for some great information and a friendly environment.
JoAnne