Recommendations for where to stay in London

I have stayed in the Belgravia/Pimlico area near Victoria Station a few times and found it to be convenient. Twice on short stay overs after business trips, and once with my wife on vacation. There are a lot of fairly reasonable B&Bs in that area.

We have used Go Native Monument as it is an apartment/hotel so you have options of making you own food or going out. It is on a little walk way near the London fire Monument and Monument tube station and there are a few small grocery stores to get supplies. We liked the area as there are shops and restaurants but it is not a real touristy area of the city but very close to London Bridge and walking distance to the Tower of London.

I wouldn't stay too close to either Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square - noisy/touristy to the max.

Our favorite place to stay is near Covent Garden - the Club Quarters Hotel at Lincoln's Inn Fields (I am not a paid spox - I just frikken love the place and the location). It's 2 blocks from the Holborn tube stop, a 7 minute walk from Covent Garden, a 10 minute walk to the British Museum, super close to the West End, and pretty much just close close close to all the major sights. Behind the hotel is a small park that's delightful for a morning stroll. At the risk of seeming like a paid shill (disclaimer above) here's the link to their website. https://clubquartershotels.com/locations/club-quarters-hotel-lincolns-inn-fields-london

Check them out on their map. The location is amazing. The hotel is CLEAN, friendly, very comfy, and has a gentlemen's club feel - in the GOOD way. And they have these awesome tables in the rooms that have adapters built right into them. Which is SO. COOL!

You've got a really good budget... you shoud not have a problem finding a nice place to stay.

With that being said, here's my take on the areas I've stayed
London Eye. Pro: Quiet, easy access to the tube.
Russell Square. Close to the museums, also quiet, close to the tube, but not the nightlife.
Marble Arch. Very close to all the shopping, not far from Covent Garden, but busy area. A bit noisy unless you get a room away from street.
Soho: Close to the theater, shops, and restaurant. Rooms were pricier it seems, and neighborhood congested.

If you are not sure about the location, check on a map or even tripadvisor to see the feedback on the place. London is accessible pretty much from everywhere, and from one end of the city to the other is about 45 minutes by ways of the crow. Use the Oyster Card and travel by tube for fast access, and the bus for the birds eye view. I would not recommend Canary Wharf, as you'll be too far from the touristy spots.

Not sure if you are familiar with AirBnB, Mary?

It's a website via which you meet-- and see pictures of-- people's apartments for short-term rent. The prices tend to be 15% to 20% less than most hotels. You can rent a full apartment, partial apartment, or room. Some places are very lavish, centrally located, with grand views.

My boyfriend and I prefer the experience of staying in / interacting with "real" locals, as opposed to staying in a hotel. Our hosts have been lovely (we've done this 5 times now), accommodating, and no one knows the area like they do. The apartments/homes have a very personal feel, rather than the "sterile" feel of a standard hotel room.

In addition, we really enjoy having a full kitchen first thing in the morning (making coffee, having breakfast together, etc.)

Every "host" and apartment on www.AirBnB.com has a list of folks who've stayed there previously. Those reviews will also shed light on the neighborhood, whether a car is/isn't necessary, etc.

I liked the Victoria/Pimlico area. It was convenient to central London by underground and bus, but quiet in the evenings and felt safe. There are restaurants in walking distance and a bunch of hotels, but it didn't feel touristy.

Pimlico station is a quieter station. We used this one the most since it was a bit easier to navigate and was closer to the hotel we chose. Victoria station is a large station and more difficult to navigate, but not terrible.

We also like the Victoria Pimlico area and have stayed there twice. We have also stayed at the Club Quarters Trafalgar, which we thought was wonderful for convenience and access, and had no noise or crowd issues. It was also where we had one of our best worst experiences. When we arrived around 10 pm, we were told that our room wasn't available as a guest had extended his stay. Before I hit the floor, he pulled out a wad of bank notes...that got my attention and I recovered enough to hear..." I have reserved a room for you at a nearby hotel for tonight. It costs more than our room, so here is the difference, pay the clerk, he knows all about it. I have called a cab to take you there, it is waiting outside, here's the cash to pay for the fare. Here's the cash to taxi back to us in the morning, and here's cash for your inconvenience." It was a bunch of money. When we returned early the next morning, we were promptly checked into an upgraded room. High marks in my book.