Which London neighborhood to stay in?

Because of your $250 a night budget and the size of your group in addition to the responses you get on this forum please search Airbnb where you are more likely to find lodging in London not far from the center at your price range;

The average Londoner lives in the suburbs, as we can't afford the high property prices of central London!

Have a look at Airbnb. I was considering a few nights in London in November/December and most of the Airbnbs are already booked. This is likely to be even more of an issue in the summer. Europeans tend to book holidays much further in advance than Americans (assuming that's where you are from).

I like Highbury, Islington, Chiswick, Turnham Green and Shoreditch. Wherever you stay, the chances are that you will need to get on the tube to go anywhere.

With the kids you might like to be near Kensington Gardens. If you stay near the South Kensington tube stop, you're very near the museums (Natural History/Science/V&A.)

If you stay near Bayswater or Notting Hill, you're not too far from the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, which would be super for your kids to enjoy running around. My niece and nephew love it, and especially like the fact no adults are allowed in without a child!

Thanks, I've already done extensive checks on airbnb, vrbo & homeaway, and was hoping for some "color commentary" on neighborhoods, so I can choose from the approximately 70+ apartments that are available during our stay. I haven't found this in the recent archives, so I will look further. But would love if people could say why they like some neighborhoods (which a couple of you have - thanks!).

I think the Bayswater/Notting Hill area would have a lot of what you're looking for. It's fairly residential, but there are a lot of interesting local shops and restaurants on Queensway, Westbourne Grove, and Portobello Road (including the Portobello Road market). There are a lot of tube stations in the area on several different lines.

I know nothing about this place, but it came up while looking at the area in Google Maps: http://www.grand-plaza.co.uk/ It looks like their best rates for a 4-person apartment in July are just a little above your budget, so maybe there is something similar nearby that works for you.

Thank you so much! I was just looking at an apartment right in Notting Hill, but wasn't sure if that would be better than another in Pimlico or Shoreditch. I think I'll book it today just to be safe. :)

I think that's a good choice, although I'm admittedly partial to West London, and I'm sure Pimlico and Shoreditch have their champions too. But at some point you need to overcome the paralysis of too many options and just pick one. Have a great trip!

Agree with Notting Hill or South Kensington, especially for first-time or family visits. They're both very convenient areas, with lots to do nearby, and fairly easy commutes to tourist areas.

Here's one take on London neighborhoods: http://www.eurocheapo.com/london/hoods/

And here's another: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g186338-s204/London:United-Kingdom:Neighborhoods.html