Location in London - New Years Eve

The Park Plazas and Premier Inns clustered around Waterloo on the South side of Westminster Bridge are all good hotels and very handy for fireworks. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and County Hall are better & more centrally located than the Park Plaza Riverside or Park Plaza On The River, which are a bit further south towards Lambeth.

BUT you will probably struggle on price around New Year's Eve, I suspect. Prices tend to soar that night because of the fireworks and your budget isn't huge.

Are you aware that you need to book tickets in advance for the NY fireworks? There's an awful lot of standing around involved, in an enclosed area that gets super-crowded. Do try to make sure that your tickets are for the same side of the river as your hotel, as the crowds leaving the area can be horrendous.

Personally I avoid the fireworks like the plague because I hate standing around for four hours in a massive crowd and would get panicky in the crush of people leaving after the fireworks - but if you think you would enjoy that, make sure you book early!

Staying along the Thames for NYE sounds amazing, but it would be way too busy for me. We lived in Vauxhall (30 minute walk west along the Thames from Houses of Parliament) and even there, it was busy on NYE. We did go to Vauxhall Bridge one year for the fireworks, but it was cold, damp, busy and a firm 'never again' from us. We did it because it must be done once, but I'd suggest you prepare to keep yourself warm and dry if you're outside to watch the fireworks. Don't underestimate just how busy it is.

As Jane said, you need to buy tickets to be in the best viewing areas and it's a great idea to get tickets for the same side of the river as your hotel.

For the NYE 2016 fireworks, tickets were on sale from 21 October to 2 December and cost £10 each.

Info on the 2016 fireworks (I can't find anything about 2017 yet): https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/new-years-eve-fireworks-in-london-how-to-get-tickets

If you'll be traveling with kids, keep in mind that it is busy in the centre (to put it mildly) and people can be no where near sober. That includes the Tube and buses. We usually go to my husband's family's house on the outskirts of London to celebrate birthdays on NYE and we are always sure to come back early. Even leaving at 7-8pm meant we'd hit the NYE crowd with many people already getting the party started. It can be crazy fun... or just crazy.

We always tried to avoid fireworks in London, but if you really want to see them, it will surely be a memorable night!

Hi Amy and Jane,
Thank you so much for the feedback! I am on the fence about the fireworks, not big on huge crowds or standing in the cold for hours! I'm open to advice on areas for hotels regardless of the fireworks, since it will be home for 10 days and nye is only one night.

I visited London in 2001 for 3 days (not close to long enough!) and stayed near the Kensington tube stop. It was good location but just wondering about other areas.

We'd like comfortable and clean, good location, places for coffee or dinner close by.

Oh, we're early 40's, no kids. My husband is a history professor and I'm a history buff.

Thanks again! London has so many different areas that I'm having trouble narrowing it down.

Last time my parents came to visit, they stayed in Bermondsey. It was quieter than the centre of London, but still easy to walk to places.

I'd say a good place to start looking would be anywhere around Waterloo, Southwark, Borough Market, Tower Bridge or Bermondsey. I can't recommend specific hotels and I've got no idea if the area is in your budget or if the hotels fit your requirements, but I find that area central, but not too busy. Plus, a walk somewhere might be along the Thames which isn't a bad walk at all. ;-) Borough Market is a mice place to be near, too, if you like food!

I think you'll find places for coffee and dinner anywhere in London.

Hampstead is also a cool area, but a bit further away from the action. Might be better for a warm-weather trip since Hampstead Heath (giant park with views of London) is nice to explore.

Parliament Hill Fields near Hampstead is a traditional spot to see the fireworks for people who don't want to pay for a Thames-side ticket. It tends to fill up quickly on the evening of the 31st.

Bayswater/NottingHill/Holland Park are my preferred neighborhoods. All adjacent to one another.

Close to Paddington Station and for me after a red eye from LAX I don't wish to dawdle,. I want to get into London so I take the Heathrow Express ( buy ticket in advance to save$'s) for the 15 minute ride to Paddington. Depending on where I've booked it's either another short tube ride, or a few block stroll to the accommodation.

I love the ease of transport in these neighborhoods, buses and underground stations, the numerous cafes, shops, pubs and the fact the Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Portobello Road are close by. Walkable neighborhoods as well.

Enjoy your return. Dress warmly.

Thank you for the information, I'll do some research!