Hello!
We found a gorgeous spacious flat on AirBnb in Pimlico (about. 3 min walk from the tube) but my husband is worried the location isn’t ideal and we will spend all our time on transit getting to and from the main attractions in central London. There’s no question that the accommodations are lovely- I am wondering whether we should stay (probably in a hotel) closer to the tourist stuff.
Thoughts on Pimlico as a home base for the trip?
Depending on the exact location of the flat, that's not a ridiculous location for sightseeing. I've stayed in the Luna Simone Hotel on Belgrave Road, which is about 5 minutes' walk from the Pimlico Underground Station (I assume that's the tube station you meant).
That hotel is also located at a stop on the Number 24 bus route, which goes right to some of the places you'd want to see. If you're not far off Belgrave Road (for buses) and it's really a short walk from the flat to the underground, you're probably OK for sightseeing. But, yes, once you're back at the flat you're not just a few steps away from all the tourist action like you'd be if you were down near, say, Covent Garden, so that's something to consider. There's something to be said for having a nice quiet place to spend the night after a day out in London, which can be incredibly crowded and bustling.
I have stayed near Victoria Station, which according to google maps is in/near the Pimlico area. If you are near the Pimlico Tube station you don't have to worry. Walking to Westminster only takes about 10 minutes or so. It is a nice walk especially on the far side of the bank because you get a good view.
Where are you wanting to go that your husband is worried about?
You can do a search on the Transport for London website (tfl.gov.uk) that will tell you how long it will take to travel via tube (or bus or walking) from Pimlico tube station to other tube stations or major destinations.
Also, you might want to check out what restaurants, pubs, grocery, etc., are near the flat.
Have a great trip!
We have stayed at Luna and Simone and also across the street (and twice more a few blocks away). We think area is perfect for access to everything London has. Pimlico is a much smaller sized tube station, therefore we feel much more manageable, altho less trains pass through it, and you will have to make transfers. Bus is excellent, as stated. A good spot to come back to and unwind, after the business everywhere else, in fact, we are back in October, right across the street from L and S.
We have also stayed at the Luna Simone twice! The first time in 2005 when it was still kind of unknown! It is a great neighborhood. You can use the Pimlico or Victoria stations. Lots of good restaurants, the Constitution Pub is our favorite place to hang with locals and for pub food. There is also a launderette nearby.
