Hotel area suggestions

On Our first London trip, back in 1999, British Airways flew from Denver to Gatwick. The Gatwick Express was a surprisingly easy, cheap, fast way to get to Victoria Station. The hotel we’d booked before leaving (a Rick Steves recommendation) was a close walk from that station, and also to much of the sights you mention, like Buckingham Palace and the Westminster Houses of Parliament/Big Ben/Abbey. Great dining options abounded in that neighborhood near Victoria Station, but the hotel was, frankly, a dump. Times have changed, BA now flies Denver to Heathrow instead, but checking just a couple weeks ago for our upcoming trip in the fall, the hotel is still there, but isn’t in Ricks recommendations anymore. We wound up moving back then into a slightly less-dumpy place down the block the next day, but it would’ve been impossible to exit its patchwork of hallways had here been a fire in the middle of the night and luckily there wasn’t a fire in that firetrap hotel. So the Victoria Station neighborhood is perfectly situated for tourists, but, at least back then, affordable lodging in the area was grim. If you book a hotel there, make sure you’re getting the level of comfort and cleanliness you expect for the price.

And of the sights you mention, the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London are much farther east than the rest, but everything’s really just a ride away on The Tube, so you’re never that far from major sights, although some hotels may be closer than others. Although some of my personal recollections may be from a long time ago, and on several trips back to London since, we’ve not stayed in that Victoria Station area again, but if you get the right hotel, that might be the area for you. Otherwise, stick to your current reservations for all the reasons you’ve mentioned, and expect to possibly spend a few more minutes (or make more connections between Underground lines) to get to/from your sightseeing destinations.

As for moving for just one night so you’d be closer to Gatwick for your departure, I wouldn’t pack up and spend part of your last day just to do that, unless it was really important to be really close to the airport, for a leisurely breakfast or other reasons. If those are prime considerations for you, get a room in, or near, Gatwick airport itself, rather than a place still in downtown London that just happens to be a tiny bit closer to your departure gate.

A thought on your trip back to Gatwick...instead of a taxi for the 4 of you, it could be cheaper to use one of the airport specialist companies. I’ve used Blackberry Cars for years, and highly recommend. Very clean, newish vehicles, responsive customer service, and the price they quote is the price you pay. Free cancellation.

I used the Jesmond Dene address, and the price was £56-71, depending on the size of the car you need (you can always email them to discuss the size).

There are other companies out there, but I’ve had great service with Blackberry. Link below.

BlackberryCars

Ricks book on London says that if there is a group of 4 or 5, take a taxi everywhere (cost 8-10 pounds average for most trips). Otherwise he suggests loading the Oyster card with 20-25 pounds for 3 days.

For that short of time, I wouldn’t bother with an apartment. For an 1120 AM departure, I also wouldn’t change hotels, you’ll lose too much precious time and Gatwick isn’t close to London anyway. I wouldn’t sweat too much over any location in central London, the sights are spread out. I’d use the Tube and get Oyster cards, London traffic is horrible and those cab rides can add up quickly.

Get Oyster Cards - the price of taxis has increased since the book was written.

I wouldn’t want the hassle of switching for your last night - just get up earlier and get to Gatwick for 8.20 and spend your last night in London rather than in a dreary airport location.

Stay wherever as long as its close to "the Tube".

For the Crown Jewels, arrive 1/2 hr before closing. Earlier is mobbed with bus tour visits. Last time I did this, there were 8 people in the room