Lodging for quick London visit

Do you have a budget? London hotels are expensive, and they've definitely risen quite a bit since 1984. Are you looking for something really nice and upscale? Or would you rather have something a bit more reasonably priced?

That said, I usually recommend Premier Inns, which is a chain throughout the UK. The good thing about Premier Inns is that they are located in just about every neighborhood in London, including the city center, and they are affordably priced. The hotel rooms themselves are consistently clean and comfortable (the beds are VERY comfortable), and are good hotels for those on a budget.

Premier Inn County Hall is very close to Westminster. You just turn out of the hotel, walk a block, then cross the Westminster Bridge and you're there. Near there are the Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. The London Eye is actually just a few steps away on the Thames. So for most of your sights, that would be convenient. I stayed there in 2024 for 5 nights and found it to be a very good hotel that was reasonably priced.

There is another PI just up the street (Premier Inn Waterloo) so you might want to check prices for both. Other Premier Inns that are convenient to the various sites include the Premier Inn Victoria (near Victoria Station) and Premier Inn Leicester, near Trafalgar Square.

All PIs provide breakfast at an additional (reasonable) cost. And keep in mind that PIs offer a variety of pricing options: Non-refundable (the cheapest), a hybrid price that is payable in advance but you can cancel up to 25 days ahead, and completely refundable. Generally the earlier you book, the cheaper the price.

Thank you! I will check out PIs.

Premier Inns are popular here. Not everyone cares for them, and I'm Exhibit 1 for the prosecution.

I recommend also looking into the Locke hotels. Locke at Broken Wharf and Bermonds Locke are two I've stayed in; they're reasonably priced, rooms are extremely roomy, and they're also well located. The Broken Wharf location is especially convenient to all the attractions.

Cool, thanks. I'll look into them!

OP I’m going to suggest a place I often stay at during London sojourns.

63 Bayswater. 1/2 a block to the Lancaster Gate Underground station.

10 minute stroll from Paddington station, across the road from the Lancaster Gate entrance into Hyde park at the Serpentine. 5 minute stroll to the relaxing Mitre pub.
https://www.themitrehydepark.com/food-drink

10-15 minute stroll to the Victoria Paddington
https://www.victoriapaddington.co.uk/

Both pubs serve tasty meals.

Lastly stellar Malaysian food at Tudkin.

Otherwise the suggestion of a Premier Inn stay is
great. I’ve stayed in more than one with no complaints.

Great city, never disappoints!

If you're planning to use public transit to get from your hotel to Heathrow, The Bailey's Hotel is a great choice. The classic double will be a bit cozy for 2 people, so try to book a deluxe or higher category. Great room amenities and perfect location across the street from the Gloucester Road Underground Station on the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow (40 minutes) and the District and Circle lines. You can be anywhere in London in a few minutes. And you're within walking distance to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and Kensington Gardens.

My daughter and I recently stayed at the Citidines on High Holborn and felt it was in a good area. There is a well connected tube stop right across the street. It also had a kitchenette which was a plus.

We've also stayed at the Premier Inn County Hall which is a very good location and near several tube stops, while also being within walking distance of a lot of things.

Have fun!

Suggest prioritizing staying in close proximity to a major transportation hub (bus, underground, train). Victoria Station fits the need with pleasant walks to a selection of major sites, west end theaters at your fingertips and a solid selection of eateries.

Recently stayed at the Travelodge Marylebone, which was right next to the Marylebone train station and Tube on the Bakerloo line. One stop to Paddington Station, convenient to lots of places, maybe with a train transfer. Also 5 minute walk to a Circle and Hammersmith line, which goes nearly everywhere a tourist would want to go.

These are all wonderful recommendations and have set me on the right track to find the perfect place for us. Thank you all for your insights!