London Trip

Might you define what everything means to you? Public transportation is excellent and easy to use AND London is a very walkable city with some sites very close to one another. Do you have a budget you'd like to stay within because London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. What are you interests? If you were to buy Rick's book and do some research you'd see how navigable the city is. He also talks about the neighborhoods which might help you decide where to stay. Personally I stay outside of the more touristy areas but that's because I've visited London often. Still no farther than a 20 minute tube ride into "town."

what is your budget?...

Sue, You will get more responses if you post your question under "To the North: Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia". The areas of (City of) Westminster and South Bank are both good locations from which to begin sightseeing. The following two hotels are right next to the Thames and give you a short walk to many attractions. London Marriott County Hall is a good choice if you are not on a budget. It's located right behind the London Eye, and it is walking distance to Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Globe Theatre and Waterloo Station. It is luxury price range. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonch-london-marriott-hotel-county-hall/ If you are on a budget, you may prefer the Premier Inn London County Hall, at the same location, for about half the price: http://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/LONCOU/london-county-hall There are many other good locations for your stay in London, but it all depends on which sight or museum you want to be near. Have a great trip!

Hello Sue. What is your plan for travelling from London, when you depart from London ? For example, if a traveler will fly from the London Heathrow Airport, I would recommend having overnight accomodation at a hotel that is located near a London Underground train station that is located not far from Paddington railroad station. Because, riding in a train from Paddington station to Heathrow airport is a 25 Minute ride in the Heathrow Connect train, or a 15 Minute ride in the Heathrow Express train. I like being at a hotel located in the Kensington area in London, for that purpose. Decent hotels that have lower prices are located within walking distance of Paddington railroad station. (But I would not wish to walk between Paddington station and one of those hotels at night).

This may be a slightly unpopular opinion, but London is the one place where I stay in a chain hotel. The reason: location. The Premier Inn at County Hall is right next to the Thames and the London Eye. I admittedly didn't have a good view from the room, but it was great stepping out of the hotel and walking 60 seconds to the Thames. It's also about 5 minutes' walk (or less) from Waterloo Station. Edit: I should mention my stays there have been for three nights on two trips. I paid £113/night in 2009, and £92/night in 2006.

We have been to London three times in the past three years. We have always stayed at the Crowne Plaza Kensington (100 Cromwell). It is part of the Holiday Inn chain of hotels. You earn Priority Club points towards your next visit at any of their hotels worldwide. This hotel is in the South Kensington area of London. It is a very desirable area. It is directly across the street from the Gloucester tube station. It is walking distance to Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. It is one tube stop from Harrod's dept. store. Harrod's is a great place to eat in the food court or upstairs. This hotel was very convenient for getting our Gray Line day tours also. It is a lovely hotel and very convenient to getting anywhere in London by tube or taxi.