Paddington, Good Base for Exploring London and Easy Train to Heathrow?

It is as good as any. The key is being close to the Tube and you are. That areas is full of hotels and quieter than our preferred area that is around Victoria Station. It is slightly further from the city core but with the Tube that is not very important.

Short answer is yes. MStay 27 Paddington meets all your criteria.

You don't need to stay in Paddington for access to Heathrow. Anywhere central on the Picadilly Line would be better.

Hi,

What you want in "only necessities," you can find also in B&Bs in KIngs Cross. Aside from taking the Tube from Paddington to Kings Cross, there is also the Bus #205.

I stayed in Paddington the first time, when I was a newbie, thinking it was important to be close to Paddington Station where the Heathrow Express would drop me off.

Since, I have learned (a) Paddington is too far to walk anywhere interesting, except Hyde Park; and (b) Heathrow Express is overpriced and not that much faster.

Now I stay in Bloomsbury, adjacent to the British Museum, and a 15 minute walk to everything from the Tower to Westminster; and I take the Tube in from Heathrow direct to Russell Square Station.

I stayed in Paddington for a week last year because of the station. I had a couple of rail trips to make from there so the convenience helped. The tube connections were good and the neighborhood OK. There are lots of small hotels in Sussex Gardens and Norfolk Square. I had breakfasts and dinners at several restaurants and pubs there but never found one I'd recommend to others.

If I had it to do again I might consider a more central area like Bloomsbury, assuming that I could find a comparable room at a comparable price. Paddington was an easy walk to Hyde Park but not much else. I did walk back from the British Museum, and later to Trafalgar Square, but my feet didn't appreciate those trips.

The Heathrow Express is very fast and very expensive, but you can save lots of money by buying your ticket online well ahead (months) of time. You print out a ticket with a bar code for the day you'll be using the Express -- not a specific train. Since they run frequently (every 20-30 minutes I think) you can get one easily. You do have to know what day you'll be using it, but that's not hard because it's the day you fly (or the night before).

Paddington or the Lancaster Gate tube station neighborhood which is about an 8 minute walk from London Paddington station. It's nice being by Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. I like the Corus Hyde Park hotel.

I stayed in Paddington the first time, when I was a newbie, thinking it was important to be close to Paddington Station where the
Heathrow Express would drop me off.
Since, I have learned (a) Paddington is too far to walk anywhere interesting, except Hyde Park; and (b) Heathrow Express is overpriced
and not that much faster.
Now I stay in Bloomsbury, adjacent to the British Museum, and a 15 minute walk to everything from the Tower to Westminster; and I take
the Tube in from Heathrow direct to Russell Square Station.

I was just popping in to say much the same as this.

Paddington is not that central, feels a bit grubby and only seems convenient if you believe the hype that overpriced Heathrow Express is the only transport from Central London.

Your train from Leicester will arrive at St Pancras. You could stay in this area or nearby Bloomsbury, or catch the direct Piccadilly line tube, and stay somewhere properly central near Covent Garden, Holborn, Leicester Square. Then take the Piccadilly line all the way to Heathrow af the end - no changes needed.

if you believe the hype that overpriced Heathrow Express is the only
transport from Central London.

That's why I use Heathrow Connect to London Paddington and buy my tickets 90 days out if I'm staying near Lancaster Gate.

Thank you to everyone who responded. There is quite a bit to consider. I think we're going to check out Bloomsbury since, based on the feedback, 1) transportation back to Heathrow should be convenient from there and 2) the Bloomsbury neighborhood may be nicer than Paddington. I'm not too interested in "grubby" or "ok" as Paddington was described. I understand it may cost more elsewhere, but that's fine. Any suggestions on hotels are welcome. Again, not needing the amenities of a 4 or 5 star with spas, concierge service, meeting rooms, etc. Love historic buildings if there's a good boutique hotel option in a moderate price range. Chain hotels are fine. An ensuite with wifi are the amenities we are primarily looking for. Thanks again!

There are some nice little hotels in Cartwright Gardens near St Pancras, just into Bloomsbury. There’s one that’s called either Celtic or St Margaret’s (it changed its name but I think the website still has the old name so googling either will bring up details). The same street has Studios2Let.

Or go for good old favourite chain Premier Inn - reliable, clean and will have bigger rooms than the older hotels. St Pancras, Euston or Holborn would all suit.

"if you believe the hype that overpriced Heathrow Express is the only transport from Central London."

Yes, that seems to be the view of a lot of first time visitors to London.........I think it's the word "express" that does it.

Since you've decided to stay in Bloomsbury (great choice), I will second the recommendation for the Celtic Hotel (formerly St. Margaret's Hotel) (http://www.stmargaretshotel.co.uk/W_e_l_c_o_m_e.html).

This is a perfect location. Right kitty-corner to Russell Square Tube station, there is a great pub, the Friend at Hand, adjacent. Its a short walk across Russell Square to the British Museum, and even the City is less than 20 minutes walk away. Loads of buses run both ways from Russell Square to take you anywhere the Tube does not.

Its a family-run hotel and you get lots of personal touches that a chain won't give you. It feels very much like home to me. I think you will love it.

Great information. So helpful. Thanks so much to everyone!