We have been pouring over guide books trying to decide which area is best for us to stay in (there are 3 of us). We booked a hotel by Paddington Station because we thought it would be easy to get around. We are also considering the Victoria Station area. We will be on foot for three days so public transportation is key. The areas we want to cover seem to be the usual tourist destinations - Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar, Picadilly, shopping, the London Tower, etc.
Posted by
Texas, California
70 posts
You will have no problem getting around London at all, from nearly anywhere. Public transportation is everywhere.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Paddington is a nice area, but a bit removed from the areas you mention wanting to see. Victoria is lovely and we have stayed there many times, but other than Buckingham Palace, is also a tube ride away from most of what you mention. The sites of London are not centrally located- they are spread out a bit. I would encourage you to check out Victoria, and the Covent Garden and Trafalgar areas then compare with your choice in Paddington. Go with what best fits your budget and your tolerance for tube/bus rides.
Posted by
2081 posts
JR,
I can only speak for areas where i have stayed. Victoria and Kings X.
Victoria is a little more quite in my opinion but i say a couple blocks away from the station too.
The tube system is really nice and fast so getting around isnt an issue unless you have mobility issues and then youre stuck above ground.
happy trails.
Posted by
London, UK
181 posts
I would look for accommodations around Earls Court tube station. Transport from there into central London is great.
Posted by
Lee, NH, United States
33 posts
I have a question about the Heathrow train. I am staying in Earl's court. Can I take the Heathrow express and get off at pearls court or do I take the Piccadilly tube. Thanks.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5868 posts
Janet, if you are staying near Earl's Court it is easier and faster just to take the tube (Piccadilly line) from Heathrow.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
The last time I was in London I stayed in the Paddington Station area. It was a business trip and I needed to travel to Oxford so it worked out well. But I also liked the area. It was quiet and as someone who now lives in the city that never sleeps I can really appreciate that. But there were lovely restaurants near by and the tube was very convenient for the touring that I did do on the weekend.
Pam
Posted by
OP
Gulf Coast, usa
1191 posts
After another week of trying to decide, we are still undecided! We will be arriving from Paris around noon on a Tuesday, so we will be coming in at St. Pancreas. We are considering the Darlington Hyde Park in Paddington area, or the Luna Simone in Victoria, but now wonder if we should consider Kings Cross. We will have Tues. afternoon, all day Wed. and Thurs. before heading out to Heathrow late Thurs. evening. Suggestions? Does anyone know of these two hotels? We just want to be somewhere convenient that will easily get us to the usual sights for such a short stay. Thanks!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Luna and Simone is very nice, but since you're coming at St Pancras have you looked at the Hotel Jesmond Dene?
http://www.jesmonddenehotel.co.uk/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186338-d254570-Reviews-Jesmond_Dene_Hotel-London_England.html
I'm staying there in June, and so far they've been a pleasure to deal with. They're also located just across the street from St Pancras and Kings Cross station which makes you Tube connections very easy. Free bfast is included if you book directly with them.
We've also stayed at the Premier Travel Inn County Hall just across the bridge from Westminster tube station - nice location with the London Eye just next door and Houses of Parliament just across the Thames.