London Christmas lights. Where to stay?

I suggest you look at Aparthotels ( serviced apartments in a hotel-like building).. Wilde Apartments in Covent Garden offers a Superior Studio that sleeps 3. Looks to be $400 a night (USD) in December if you join their loyalty program ( free).

https://www.wilde.com/london/covent-garden

While we don’t stay by Covent Garden or Regent street, we spent just under $2,500 last December for 7 nights and that included buffet breakfast for two each morning. We stay by the Gloucester Rd. tube stop and there are less expensive hotels than the one we stay at. From our hotel we just took the tube to see the lights.

Remember that you will be charged in British Pounds by the hotel so the currency exchange rate will affect the overall price of your stay.

Have spent a number Christmases in London.

Well known light displays are on Regent and Oxford streets.

4 or 5 years ago discovered ( when it was free entry, now there’s an admission charge) the lights of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.

As new development has been built new areas of lights have been generated. So research Time Out London before you leave.

On a Recent trip found St Gee’s Place…simplicity in lights that made me smile. We’d been to Lamb and Flag for Sunday Roast

It is unfortunately going to be expensive because you want 2 rooms right in the heart of tourist London. You’re right that the area you’ve pinpointed is the best place to stay to see the lights without having to travel far. You can see it all on foot. That’s great, but if you didn’t mind a short Tube ride you would find a serviced apartment or aparthotel at a lower price in a slightly further out location.

Your location isn't super critical, it's easy to get around London and you'll be doing it all day.

You might google up some Youtube videos of last year's Xmas decorations in various places to see if you like them. For instance, try Hannah Ricketts.

do look at serviced apartments, as Sasha suggested. There are a number of “brands” in addition to the Wilde Apartments she mentioned—-Native, Citadines, Marlin, StayCity, Cheval, and others.

I checked Marlin Apartments Queen Street, which is right near St. Paul’s Cathedral on a quiet street. Easy access to Covent Garden and the Regent Stret area with the No. 15 bus that runs east-west between Trafalgar Square and the Tower of London. They are offering one-bedroom apartments with sofa bed in the living room and fully equipped kitchen for £277 a night in December (member rate) or £292 without joining their loyalty program. Both rates are refundable—-free cancellation up to 1 day ahead. £277 is $349 in USD at today’s exchange rate.

https://www.marlin.com/locations/London-City-Queen-Street

They have other locations, but I like that one best of the Marlin options.

I really appreciate the helpful input. I decided you're right, I don't need to be right in the thick of the lights. There will no doubt be lights all over the place if I get an urge to take a walk after I've returned to the apartment for the night, maybe not spectacular, but lovely nonetheless. So with that in mind, the prices did indeed drop. I'm still paying more than I normally would for an Airbnb, but 1) I need to assure the family that's joining me feels safe and at ease so overall surroundings really matter, 2) I ended up getting what seems to be a lovely home in a nice area with lots of space to spread out, and 3) I knew London was going to be more expensive, and it is! I'm happy with where we'll be staying. Now on to more planning/researching!

Thank you again!

You will not regret a serviced apartment! (Also, AirBnb seems to have many last-minute dropped bookings in London, so I would avoid).

I had an amazing family trip to London this past December and posted a very detailed trip report. I would recommend you take a look!