Hello,
My family of 4 (2 adults and 2 elementary-aged kids) will be in London mid to late February. I am trying to narrow down what neighborhoods would be great to stay in. We value close proximity to transportation, restaurants, grocery stores and tourist sites. Some of the neighborhoods I am considering include Paddington, Marylebone and Bloomsbury. Does anyone have any insight on those areas, or could suggest other great areas to consider? Thank you!
Marylebone and Bloomsbury are both lovely. Bloomsbury has a student vibe due to the presence of UCL, so plenty of cheaper restaurants student housing etc. Also the British Museim of course. Marylebone is a more upmarket residential - it is a big area though. I like the bit near Regents Park. Paddington is ok, but not as convenient.and not as smart as fhe other two - the area near the station has a lot of budget hotels; the Little Venice area is nice though.
Obviously nowhere will be convenient for all tourists sites. Of the three you've mentioned, I'd eliminate Paddington unless budget demands it. I'd probably go for Bloomsbury for convenience. You might also want to look at Covent Garden and Mayfair. I stay in St James (near Mayfair) and that is walkable to many sites. But it is more expensive.
Don't overlook some good options further out. If you find something that is near a Circle Line station you can be anywhere in London in minutes.
I stay in Paddington for work and this weekend for leisure. It’s okay. Nothing more. I also stay in the East End in Shoreditch. A bit edgier and much cooler.
The Elizabeth Line opens up a lot of convenient places such as Ealing Broadway.
TBH transport links are great pretty much anywhere and nowhere a tourist is going is as bad as Fox News would have you believe (which is everywhere except Florida).
