Marylebone vs Mayfair vs Belgravia

Posted by Pigletthepug on 07/21/24 03:41 AM

Mom and teenage son travelling this August to London.

We are not sure where to stay for our first 3 nights. Ideally in Marylebone but the hotel I am eyeing (Dorset Square) is full. Our last 2 nights, we decided to be in a different area and have booked at Henrietta Experimental in Covent Garden.

For the 3 first nights, I cannot decide whether Mayfair or Belgravia would be a better stay. Have found 2 hotels at similar price points (Mayfair Townhouse and The Hari). So it really is down to area. Is Mayfair more alive and pedestrian friendly (more interesting shops and restaurants) than Belgravia (I keep thinking this is more residential)?

Thank you for the help!

Posted by Claire

Vancouver, BC

07/21/24 03:54 AM

653 posts

We have stayed a few times at the Sloane Square Hotel which is about 3 blocks from The Hari. The side streets are quieter but Sloane Street is busy in both directions and King Street close by has lots of eating places etc. Knightsbridge to the north is lively with various stores although they are high end ones. We have enjoyed this area as there are great bus routes and it’s a lovely walking area.

Posted by Claudia

Land of La

07/21/24 04:13 AM

9079 posts

I’d go with Belgravia.

You are close to the Palace and trust me you’ll have more than enough noise by staying in Covent Garden.

The lovely and traditional Star Tavern is a great pub for a meal in the Belgravia neighborhood.

Easy 10-15 minute stroll into Hyde Park.

Mayfair is fine as well. Go with what’s best for your budget.

Posted by Sandra

Vancouver, BC

07/21/24 05:07 AM

286 posts

Having been on the go since June 26, currently awake early at Hadrian’s Wall, I would suggest staying somewhere central and quiet at night.

We have stayed in many places and my teenager and I dr died that the packing and unpacking gets old even when staying two nights.

For five nights, I wouldn’t bother changing hotels. You are wasting time packing, checkout is well before check in, depending on where you leave your luggage, that might entail an unnecessary extra trip to a hotel in the middle of the afternoon.

For such a short trip, unpack once.

You can easily go to any of these areas to restaurants or shops or just to walk in the evenings. They are close together.

Covent Garden does not strike me as a quiet and restful place. Maybe because I spent many a Friday and Saturday night partying there.

Posted by Helen

Bristol, UK

07/21/24 07:19 AM

1280 posts

I tend to agree that there is little point splitting a 5 night stay between 2 different central London hotels. If it was me I’d stay in Covent Garden the whole time. It can be busy but the hotel will have soundproofing and be quiet inside. In that location you have so much within walking distance and it’s especially convenient for the theatre if that’s something you plan to do. It’s such a treat to be able to simply walk back to your hotel after a show.