Rethinking my hotel choice

Bonnie,

if there arent any penalties for canceling and you can find something closer to where you think you want to be go for it.

My first time in London was near the Victoria station. Originally i thought the same as you but once i was able to use the tube, that distance didnt make that much difference. In my opinion, the tube is so nice to use, i dont really care where i stay now. But i have been trying different areas when i can. Also, after walking from Westminster Abbey to the hotel i realized how close i was.

also, i chose Victoria station since i had an early flight out.

happy trails.

Unless you don't like the actually hotel, I wouldn't worry. Central London has really good public transport links. It's a personal choice, but if it's a hassle I'd stay where you are but there again if you see the perfect hotel, it may be worth it. It doesn't sound like much advice but I hope it helps.

Stay where you are. As noted public transport via the London Underground can get you to the must see sights in minutes.
You can also walk. London is a very walkable city. From where you are staying you'll be able to walk to the Palace in no time. You could then walk down The Mall or through St. James Park along Birdcage walk over to Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square, then across the bridge to Eye. Or walk up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, visiting the Horse Guards in route. Honestly, you'll be surprised how easy it is to see "the" sites in London. Make certain you each grab the free Tube Map brochure that you'll find at every ticket counter. Easy to carry and an excellent way to plot your routes. The London Underground is very easy to navigate. Great city. Have a wonderful visit.

Thanks everyone! It's hard to tell by looking at the map what sites are within walking distance. I didn't even think that Westminster Abbey and the London Eye were in walking distance and I'm sure we'll be using the tube a lot! Thanks so much!

"Bensons MapGuides" publishes a London visitors' map that's full of good info, including tube and bus routes, hours of major sights, indexes to sights, hotels, tube stations, and more. Easily fits in a pocket.

I think the trip to Gatwick would be easier from Victoria, for what that's worth.

I have stayed at a lot of premier inns and will be doing so again this fall on an extended road trip in England and Scotland . I have always found them to be predictably clean and comfortable , not to mention convenient and accessible . I don't think the one you have chosen has any particular downside . Given the information you already have , walking in the central part of town is very easy , and the tube takes care of the rest . One other tool you can use : Google maps has a component called " streetview " , you blow the map in area to larger size , and then drag and drop the little orange man in the upper left corner on to a street . By left clicking your mouse on the photo , he will "walk " along that street . Takes a bit of practice , but you will get the hang of it pretty fast . Try , for instance , " walking " from Westminster Bridge along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square , you will be able to gauge things with better clarity . Also , look at the scale in the left lower corner of the map to gauge distance . A half mile is only about a ten minute walk .

bonnie,

"Thanks everyone! It's hard to tell by looking at the map what sites are within walking distance. I didn't even think that Westminster Abbey and the London Eye were in walking distance and I'm sure we'll be using the tube a lot! Thanks so much!"

If youre not sure where things are try learning to use "my places" in google.

you can use the search function to find things and then put makers down on that map you create. You can also put a marker down for where you are staying. you can also print out the map with all of the makers/address and such.

Or you can go old school and buy a map. I bought a Bosch map. It laminated so i can use colored markers to note where things are including where i was staying so i could get an idea where i had to travel. it also shows the tube stops too boot.

the above is probably only a few methods to find out where youre going. You can also pickup a copy of Ricks London book since it has most of the touristy thing mapped and also some hotels.

you have ALOT of tools at your fingertips, if youre going to travel more try learning how to use some. Its not that difficult and make my travels easier.

happy trails.

I second the suggestion of getting Rick's London book, it was a great help to me when trying to plan each day efficiently so I could see as much as possible and not back-track. This was my first trip abroad and I was alone and not once did I get lost--the Tube is an absolute marvel. If you think you're lost, just go down in the Tube station and you'll quickly get to where you want to be. It also took me easily to and from Heathrow, my hotel was across the street from the Glouchester Rd station.

We have stayed at the Crowne Plaza, South Kensington, a number of times. It is part of the IHG Hotel Group (such as Holiday Inn, InterContinental, etc.). You earn hotel points for future visits at any of the hotels in their group. Our hotel was also across the street from the Gloucester Tube station. The hotel offers two free computers, off their lobby. The hotel is extremely clean and air-conditioned. It is located in a beautiful area in London. You can walk to Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. It is one Tube stop away from Knightsbridge, where "Harrods" is located.