Hello, I am going to travel to London with my 16 year old niece (her first trip abroad) and I want to make the trip memorable, but not TOO memorable by picking an area of town we won't enjoy staying in :) We will be renting an apartment and I would like it to be: -Near a tube station (or good transportation) -Near shops, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. -in a SAFE area -Near Hyde Park, ideally I have ruled out a few areas: Knightsbridge, Piccadilly Circus, Soho as being too busy, tacky, sketchy, etc. for staying overnight, but not off limits for seeing during the day to explore. I am interested in the areas of Kensington / South Kensington to the West / South West of Hyde Park. One of my friends stayed in the Paddington area, but that seems like it would be too out of the way or boring for us. Does anyone have any strong preference for very specific areas in the city (even names of streets) or the names of reputable rental agencies they would recommend? Have you been to a part of London that is as I described above? Thank you for any/all of your help!
Crystal
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Land of La
9205 posts
As you weren't specific on price, The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London. These stellar apartments are located near both Green Park and Hyde Park and close to Buckingham Palace. Very posh and safe neighborhood. By the way, the Paddington neighborhood is never boring. It's diverse, loads of shops, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and excellent transportation access. Very popular with travelers looking for convenient accommodation after arriving from Heathrow on the Express. Knightsbridge is considered one of the best neighborhoods of London. I'd stay there anytime . Anyway, the Collingham Serviced apartments nearly fit your criteria. Area is safe, you are located between two tube stops, Earl's Court and Gloucester Road, (each about three long blocks from the apartment building ) Apartments are in S. Ken, with restaurants, shops and pubs along Earl's Court. Residential neighborhood so quiet and safe. Personally, I'd consider staying at the Vancouver Studio Apartments in Bayswater because they are affordable, easy access to the tube and buses, loads of shops, good choice of restaurants, pubs, etc., Did I mention the indoor mall? All just around the corner. Not a true apartment with lots of room but each room has a fully equipped kitchenette and small seating area. Bayswater is a vibrant and busy neighborhood that I'd think the 16 year old would enjoy. From Bayswater a nice walk into Nottinghill and the Portobello Market. Or a quick a bus or tube ride. Very easy stroll over to Hyde Park for tea at the Orangery Restaurant. Don't miss the Portobello and Camden Markets. This VRBO property look nice. Great reviews in the neighborhood you desire http://www.vrbo.com/22387