My partner and I are travelling to London in the spring. Budget is important so we don’t want to exceed $200/day for lodging. For instance, we have stayed comfortably in Ibis / Allcor properties in other countries. We don’t want or need fancy since for us a hotel is simply a place to sleep. There appear to be reasonable lodging options in the Marylebone, Kensington, South Kensington, Clerkenwell areas. Are there any concerns for security and tourist safety in these areas?
Posted by
London
590 posts
All are safe, somewhat upmarket areas. Clerkenwell is sort of the odd one out as it's not as popular as an area to stay for visitors. It's still very characterful and a quick Google search would yield more information than I can possibly impart here.
London is very safe overall. There's lots of tips for travelling safely on this site and those general rules apply in London. Don't worry about it overly.
Posted by
11169 posts
The first three are on your list are upscale, very nice areas.
Posted by
London
590 posts
Clerkenwell is good if you're interested in The City of London (the ancient heart of London and its business district) or Shoreditch (hip, fun times), without actually being in the heart of either.
It's quite a business focussed district, known for being the design hub of London. If you want to order some bespoke modern office furniture, Clerkenwell's the place. Lots of graphic designers and internet types.
It can be quieter at night, especially away from Clerkenwell Green and the surrounds. May be quiet at weekends, with the exception of Fabric, a large, fairly credible night club.
Lots of interesting history and things to see though. Probably best sticking to the other options unless you get a great deal or want something a bit different.
Posted by
199 posts
Places that are not overrun with tourists are my preferences. The closer to the centre of West London (Kensington, Westminster et al), the more other tourists there will be. I know when I go, I am myself a tourist, but that doesn't mean I want to be surrounded by my own kind all the time! Now, as for hotels, a place to sleep might be setting the bar too low. Some places are literally miniscule, and you can't even walk from one end of the room to the other without going sideways, so be careful with that.
Posted by
OP
Northern VA
34 posts
Thank you all for your very helpful replies. Great information and equally great perspectives! We can’t wait to visit.
John P.
Posted by
OP
Northern VA
34 posts
OP here. Sorry, I also meant to include Bloomsbury in the areas I asked about. I suspect from above responses Bloomsbury is also quite nice, but I would welcome opinions, experiences there regarding lodging.
Posted by
London
590 posts
Bloomsbury's a good spot for the visitor. Lots of reasonably priced hotels. Plenty within walking distance to see, including the British Museum. Very central for the west end theatres and shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Not very residential, lots of faculty buildings for the University of London in that general area.
Some quite attractive squares with central gardens to hang out in.