Hello,
I will be spending five days in London in the end of Sept. with my college-age daughter.
I'm wondering what neighborhood/areas you would recommend? We don't need to do all the tourist sites, although we'll most likely do a few, but generally looking for a fun, good shopping and eating area.
Someone on this forum mentioned the Kensington Gardens Hotel. Their rate is 110 pounds, including breakfast. I'm leaning toward staying there, but wondered what you think of that area for my purposes, or if elsewhere would be better.
Thank you!
Eileen
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
We liked Luna and Simone Hotel. It was clean, comfortable and within walking distance of Victoria Station. This worked well for our departure as we could walk to Victoria Station and take the Underground to the airport. There are some good pubs in the neighborhood and easy access to public transportation and/or within walking distance of major sights.
The Kensington Gardens Hotel rate is a good one for London and the reviews look good. They mention that there isn't an elevator in this hotel though this may not be an issue for you.
Enjoy London!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6552 posts
We love the Kensington Gardens. We've stayed there four times (over two years, bracketing RS tours.) The neighborhood is very quiet, but just a few minutes walk from bustling Queensway. There are 2 tube stations covering several lines within easy walking distance. And the breakfast is very good, as well.
If climbing stairs is a problem for you, you can request a room on a lower floor. They even have a couple of rooms with a/c, should that be a factor in your decision. The first two times we were there, we were on the top floor with a great view of a small park. This year, we were put in a lower room with no view, because Rowshanak, the manager, thought we would want the a/c. Even though we told her we didn't use it, she put us back in the same room after our tour. Next trip I'm going to request the room we had the first time.
The rooms are fine - small, as are most European hotel rooms, and spotlessly clean. The public areas are squeaky clean, as well.
Posted by
California USA
4116 posts
We like the Bloomsbury/Russell Square area for it's access to the West End theatres, restaurants, Covent Garden shopping and museums. Many hotels within easy walking distance to a Tube stop with direct connection via the Central Line to LHR and Kings Cross/St Pancras.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Lots of facilities and good transport connections if you look for a location close to Circle (yellow) Line tube stations ...
South Kensington - High St Ken - Notting Hill Gate - Bayswater - Paddington
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I like the Vancouver Studios hotel in Bayswater. The rooms have kitchenettes so you can buy food at the grocery store, and the neighborhood has lots of shops, restaurants, and a grocery store. The hotel is within walking distance of 3 Tube lines: District & Circle, and Central. Sometimes Tube stations and entire lines are shut down for maintenance, so access to more than one line is important to me. It's a good idea to check the Transport for London website every morning before you leave the hotel, to make sure there aren't any closures on routes you plan to take.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thank you all for the information and suggestions. Very helpful! Looking forward to the trip!