London neighborhoods accommodations

We always stay near the Gloucester Rd. Tube stop. There are plenty of hotels and what you mentioned in the area. Near it is also the Earl’s Court tube stop. Between the two tube stops there is a Premier Inn; a budget friendly hotel chain.

You may wish to share your budget (range) for better recommendations. 'Good walking neighbourhood' with groceries, restaurants etc covers pretty much everywhere in London and a modest budget will mean different things to different people.

Budget will be the main issue. Without knowing an exact budget, I'd suggest taking a look at some of the budget hotels around Kings Cross and St Pancras stations. Bloomsbury is also a nice area but a bit pricey. Paddington/Bayswater has lots of budget hotels as well - it's not as central and fair to say some people don't like it that much, but it's close to Hyde Park, which is lovely, and it would be remiss of me not to mention it. But there are so many London neighbourhoods that I wouldn't have space to list them all - perhaps start with a Google Maps search of hotels in your budget range, then take a look at where they are.

It's also worth looking at the Premier Inn chain, which is a budget chain with hotels around London.

If you're looking for a hostel with private rooms too, there's Pax Lodge in Hampstead, it's in between 2 tube stations, and down the hill there's an overground train station. Bus stops on the corner, goes to Camden and Trafalgar Square. Also there's a Premier Inn nearby there too.
I've stayed at the Comfort Hill in Edgeware Rd in Paddington a few years back, really big room and good breakfasts, walkable.
There are some very nice boutique hotels (I stayed at one of them) down the hill from Paddington Station, easy for the Heathrow Express. That area's got more shops and restaurants than the other 2. But I'd chose a newer hotel because the older buildings were drafty and you're going in January. :)
Hope you have a great trip!
-Alison

Open https://www.booking.com/ and enter your budget and other criteria, then look at the map to get an overview of your options. I would be surprised if you cannot find anything that suits you.

Piggybacking on this question --

Does anyone have any experience/thoughts on the Fitzrovia neighborhood close-ish to the British Museum? Travel with two teens (13) and my husband and high.

Thanks!

Does anyone have any experience/thoughts on the Fitzrovia neighborhood close-ish to the British Museum?

Yeah, Fitzrovia is very nice - sandwiched between Bloomsbury and Marylebone. Very convenient location, not very touristy. Lots of cafes and restaurants. A lot of media workers rather than tourists around - the BBC is nearby.

Great Portland Street, Great Titchfield, GoodgeStreet are all full of places to eat at all price points.

Also Charlotte Street and Warren Street!

Also Charlotte Street and Warren Street!

How could I forget Charlotte Street, one of the best restaurant streets in London. And yes, Warren Street has great places too.

I’ve mainly stayed in Fitzrovia for work with a fairly limited expense budget for evening meals (less than £20) and always found something different to eat.

Thanks! I'm also considering the South Kensington neighborhood. Would love your thoughts on S. Kens vs Fitzrovia/Charlotte Street.

. Would love your thoughts on S. Kens vs Fitzrovia/Charlotte Street.

Both are great. S Ken is a little bit further from the centre but has a lovely feel and is always very popular to stay.

Both are good options. Fitzrovia has more of the city centre bustle with (IMO) better and more interesting restaurants and cafes, good proximity to Regent’s Park. South Ken is more elegant with more of the genteel neighbourhood feel and a quieter atmosphere, good proximity to Hyde Park. Both are well-connected.

More questions! :)

1) What are ya'll's thoughts on staying in Covent Garden area

&

2) Has anyone stayed at a Firmdale hotel? Rick mentioned The Charlotte Street Hotel in Fitzrovia and also Number 16 in S. Kens (both Firmdale hotels). I noticed there's also a Firmdale in Covent Gardens and a Haymarket Hotel near Trafalgar Square.

3) Anyone stayed at The Langham in London?

Thanks!!

Regarding your first question, Covent Garden would not be my first choice of where to stay. It’s very busy and quite touristy; it has fewer local residents than a place like Fitzrovia or South Ken. However, a lot of people on this forum seem to like staying there and it is very central, so to each their own. If I were visiting London, my travel style would be to select somewhere with more of a local neighbourhood feel.

I can't comment on individual hotels, but I can on areas. It's true to say that Covent Garden is busy and touristy, but it's also convenient and central. You mention the Haymarket Hotel - I always stay in St James' (a few streets away) and really like the area. Piccadilly can be madness, but a couple of streets away it's pretty quiet. Convenience is a big factor - we walk to many places, and some trips barely catch the tube at all.

And the Langham is luxury:) in another class entirely...

I’m a bit worried this thread has got away from the OP, with their modest budget…

For WrenG, The Langham and the Firmdale hotels are all luxury hotels, although the Firmdale group have a quirkier informal feel and I would stay at one if I ever had the budget for it.

For the OP, MsGrB, South Kensington (around Gloucester Road & towards Earls Court) or Fitzrovia would suit you too and there are modestly budgeted options in both areas, although South Ken has a lot more choice as it’s a more traditional hotel area.

I’m a bit worried this thread has got away from the OP, with their modest budget…

I don't think the OP has responded at all since her initial request. Hopefully she'll be back.

@WrenG, it would be better if next time, you start your own thread with a request for information. :-) It's easier on those responding to keep track of the original request, and it's also easier for future travelers who are searching for information to find specific requests. Plus you will receive responses directly to your email. Right now, the original poster is getting all the responses that are meant for you, and I'm sure it's a little confusing for her.

I have been reading all your posts and have followed up on some of the advice. I found a lovely place in south Kensington but will certainly be trying out some of the areas mentioned by you all.
Thanks for your help, we’re looking forward to our stay. B

To the OP:
South Kensington is a good choice. Good tube service in from Heathrow. Lots of restaurants, pubs and grocery stores in that area.
Care to share which hotel you've found?