We have reservations 8/21-8/25/19. It's a houseboat which I've always wanted to stay on one and it's on the Thames River. The idea started in Amsterdam as a way to give back to the community. BUT now that it's just a wk away I'm starting to think the area might not be as safe as we would like. I'm 71 & disabled and can't walk very fast or far - 1/4 mile max. and are traveling on a budget.
Posted by
Land of La
8741 posts
It’s not unsafe ( modern looking buildings ) and a bit far away from the usual sights of interest for visitors
( Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, etc.)
There’s an Overground train ( Royal Victoria) close by
But if you wanted to go to the Westminster station and thus Parliament Square ( Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms) according to the tfl.gov.uk website it would take nearly 30 minutes and it would take you to Waterloo station meaning you’d have to walk from there over Westminster Bridge to get to Parliament Square.
If you took the London Underground from the Canning Town Station ( 15 minute walk from the Good Hotel) according to the useful tfl.gov.uk website it’s only at 15 minutes ride to Westminster Station.
Is this you first visit to London? Have you considered the Premiere Inns. Clean, safe, comfortable, and a good price for the expensive reality of London.
Highly recommended, well place through out London. Most likely too late for the popular County Hall Premiere Inn which is by the London Eye. Check availability at the Premiere Inn Kings Cross or Premiere Inn London Victoria.
Great city. Enjoy.
Posted by
Washington DC
27253 posts
I am not familiar with that part of London.
1/4 mile is not far at all--about 3 city blocks. I'm currently staying at the often-recommended Premier Inn County Hall, and I think it's ar least 1/4 mile to the nearest Underground station entrance, followed by (sometimes, depending on which line you are taking) considerable extra walking to get to the platform. Changing trains also sometimes requires walking quote a distance, plus there can be stairs. If you need to avoid stairs, you are likely to have to walk farther in some stations to find an elevator (and I'm not sure all stations have them).
I'm fortunate to have no mobility challenges and have enjoyed the County Hall location, but in your case I'd be looking for a hotel sitting practically on top of an Underground station serving multiple lines (meaning less need for transfers). Where that ideal hotel would be located would depend on what specific sights you hope to see in London. You may find you need to use taxis fairly often, and being closer to the places you want to see will keep taxi costs down.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2523 posts
Central London Premier Inns become increasingly expensive as your dates draw near.
Your "houseboat" is a long way down the river.
Posted by
Freedonia
15321 posts
I'm going to agree with Emma....not the best location for a first time visitor.
It's not really a houseboat. More like a floating warehouse converted into a hotel. The rooms are tiny (13sq M=140 sq. ft), it's not an easy trip into the main part of town, not sure what is available food wise when you get back to the hotel.
The rates are low but you are paying little because of the location.
I would also suggest looking at someplace closer into the center of London. Premier Inns are good. Travelodge is another budget option.
Staying closer in also means that if you get tired and don't feel like walking, you can always take a cab back to your hotel. It would be very expensive to take a taxi from central London to the Good Hotel.