Westminster Borough?

Westminster Borough is a huge area (8 square miles). Either give us the names of the hotels or the area--Pimlico, Soho, Paddington, Victoria, etc. Those are all neighborhoods in Westminster Borough.

Where are you looking at hotels that are giving you the borough?

Thanks Frank II , didn't know that. Just looking at Booking.com for 2 adults and 2 kids, some rooms available in :
The May Fair Hotel
Arbor Hyde Park
Sofitel London St.James.......some are already are charging as much at $1,200/night .....oh dears

Thank you for the quick response!

What do you mean by "best of England's style"? Interior fashions change constantly just like everywhere else, what was stylish in 1976 would certainly not be considered stylish now although some B&B's would argue otherwise.

Most of the larger hotels opt for a more modern look with some classical touches. Some are sympathetic to the buildings they occupy, others less so.

Thanks JC, looking for more uniquely designed interiors..... 4 poster beds? Not modern.

The reason that the hotels are so expensive is that you have picked Mayfair, for centuries one of the most expensive parts of London, and then you have gone for some of the most expensive hotels there.

These are hotels not country estates. If you want 4 poster beds you will have to pay for them (they are rare).

If the cost is important to you - it seems like it is - there are many other choices.

Go with ratings, use neighborhood names not entire boroughs.

Thank you , Nigel. I think another reason is because it's Wimbledon championship during our stay. I thought $500 a night was a good budget for a nice hotel.....I appreciate your guidance! Take care.

Not sure about four poster beds, don't see many of them around much. I've stayed at Marriott's Grosvenor Square in Mayfair which was quite classical albeit with a few modern touches however it's not cheap.

You may have more luck with a boutique hotel although you'll struggle finding one that meets your requirements in Mayfair and one that will accommodate a family without having two separate rooms.

Restaurant's aren't going to be cheap either although heading into Oxford Street will lead you to more affordable options and chain restaurants.

My opinion? You're only in London for a couple of days, you're not going to be spending much time in your hotel room so I would focus on location, suitability and affordability rather than interior. When my wife and I visit London we like to splurge on nice hotels but that's because we spend more time in them rather than sightseeing, often we're just there for a meal or to visit friends or family.

Even if you are only going for 2 days then buying and reading the RS London guidebook is an absolute must for first timers. Provides invaluable and practical information and would have the answers to many of your questions.

If you want England's style and history then virtually any B and B in a renovated Victorian home would work. You would need to understand there would be no elevator, rooms would be small and stairs would be steep. Stairs are very much a part of English style and history. The are found everywhere in London.

The reason you are seeing high prices isn't because of Wimbeldon,. No it's because you are visiting London in the height of tourist season.

You've also selected one of the more expensive neighborhoods to stay in. Is that what you truly want?
If it's posh you want then continue to look at those pricey hotels. Even then no guarantee you'll get a space large enough for 4.

Lastly, to get a perspective of what is where in London use Google Maps on your computer. Type in Big Ben London and click on the satellite view option. You will see that Westminster Abbey, Parliament, the London Eye, Churchill War Rooms and Horseguards are close to one another. Just a bit further are Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. For me who loves to walk ALL an enjoyable jaunt on foot.

Get the guide book. You'll be VERY happy you did.

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post and for the great advice! It is really helpful and the kids (7 and 8 yrs old) are very very excited for their first visit!! Blessings.

You have two other threads (posted on 6/04) in which you get numerous suggestions for hotels, all less expensive than those in the area you are now talking about.
Your other threads:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/mayfair-or-countyhall-area
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/help-pls-celebrating-our-anniversary

You are obviously looking for something special, I now realize, so here goes.

I recommend The Landmark, a 5-star hotel not terribly far from Paddington Station.
www.landmarklondon.co.uk
It is expensive, but I think you will find it to be perhaps what you are looking for.
Its neighborhood is Marylebone.

Another classic London hotel is The Savoy:
www.savoystrand.com
Old money luxury and as you said "a decor which reflects the best of England's style and history."

Another classic hotel is the famous Claridge's, back in Mayfair.
www.claridges.co.uk
You will love this place! Favorite London hotel of movie stars Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.

Thank you, Rebecca! I was pretty unsure what to book because it is our anniversary and also first time in London so I wanted it to be a nice hotel but at the same time close to sightseeing. I think my final budget for the hotel is between $500- $1000. I was trying to see first what the total costs will be for the tours, transfers , dinner plans etc. We are also going to Russia for 2 days after , and 7 more countries.........I do appreciate all your advice and input. Thanks so much!!

You are very welcome!!
I think you will be pleased with The Landmark Hotel.
They are known for their very elegant afternoon tea served in the atrium.

Likewise, the Savoy or Claridge's will not disappoint you, I guarantee!
The Savoy has the most classical old English decor of the three.
Rooms can vary at Claridge's with each one done by a different interior designer.
So if you don't like one's decor, look at a different room.

Enjoy London!!

Great suggestions, Rebecca. You are awesome! Can't wait to check them out. I'm so appreciative of the time the people on this board spend helping others:) We are very much looking forward to our trip!

I have another suggestion for you to take a look at: The Royal Park Hotel, 3 Westbourne Terrace. It's an easy walk from the Paddington Station/tube. Check the reviews as I haven't stayed there in 5 years and I don't know how they accommodate families, but it might be worth a look.

Thank you, Patty!