Recommendations for lodging London

Does it have to be Paddington, discounting 99% of the city?

Do you have a budget (in GBP)?

We are open to location but would like to be walkable to a tube station.our upper price range would be around 185 -200 pounds per night. We haven't spent much time in London and are open to neighborhoods as part of a recommendation. Thanks for any suggestions!

63 Bayswater ( been staying here for years. Last stay 2024)

Used to cook breakfasts for you but Covid ended that. There’s still a breakfast room where you can get cereals, juices, bagels and fruits. You can make toast as well. Coffee and hot coca machine.

Or do like I do after walking about in Hyde Park which is across the road from 63 and head over to Sheila’s Cafe for full English Breakfast.

I wouldn’t stay by Paddington Station. It’s just not centrally located. I’d stay near Trafalgar Square so you can walk everywhere. Last year, in two weeks, I only used the bus or Tube three times, and that was because of rain. Look at the Premier Inn Covent Garden.

What do you recommend near Trafalgar Square? I'd like to be close to the National Portrait Museum and other museums. But if it's close enough via Tube - I would like more budget friendly

There are 272 tube stations in London, you’re unlikely to be far from one. From the middle of Trafalgar Square you are minutes from Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus tube stations.

What do you recommend near Trafalgar Square? I'd like to be close to the National Portrait Museum and other museums. But if it's close enough via Tube - I would like more budget friendly

The hotel I mentioned, Premier Inn Covent Garden, is just one minute from the National Portrait Gallery, three minutes from the National Gallery, and five minutes from a tube station. It’s also budget-friendly by London standards. The rooms are small but surprisingly comfortable.

To answer your actual question, The Darlington Hyde Park or one of its neighbors in Sussex Gardens. Here is the review I posted just the other day. A commenter mentions another nearby hotel.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england-reviews/paddington-hotel-recommendation

If you are willing to stray one neighborhood over to Bayswater, look into Vancouver Studios. Very high on charm, but this also means no elevator and no AC. Price range is within the budget you mention for a double which includes a kitchenette. I love this location and the price, and most of all the super-helpful, friendly 24-hr front desk staff. Laundry on premises.

For years Vancouver Studios was my go to place.

Learned about from a flight attendant.

Liked the vibrant neighborhood. Also appreciated both Bayswater and Queensway tube stations and a launderette were close. The room I liked and requested at Vancouver studios overlooked the wee garden out back.

Then I discovered 63 Bayswater across the road from Hyde Park. Liked it even better as it was a 10 minute stroll from Paddington Station.

Things change as you age. Such as your willingness to climb flights of stairs, noise tolerance, and how much you are willing to pay for comfort.

Last visit, ( 2024 ) coughed up money to stay at the Club Quarters at Lincoln Fields. Perfectly fine accommodation.

If there’s another London sojourn I’m thinking possibly a Residence Inn by Tower Bridge, another Premier Inn locale or a room with a view of the Thames at Canary Wharf.

Pleased to be able to afford choices and exploring different London neighborhoods.

Claudia, I think I learned about Vancouver Studios from you! I'm going back there again this fall and although it will be a short stay, I am looking forward to it. I believe VS has also had a facelift since I was there last, so it will be interesting to see what has changed.