Aldgate East Concerns

We stayed at the Ibis Hotel there back in March.
Had no problems at all.Use same precautions as at home,you'll be fine.

That area has always been a bit rough around the edges, it is very working class and commercial. Do as prior poster suggested.

As people suggested, it isn't upscale but take ordinary precautions and you'll be fine. Mix of mostly Muslim South Asians, hipsters, and the odd trad working-class Londoner.

Agree that its not a smart area but OK and better than it was. Its on the edges of the City of London. On the positive side - depending on what your plans are - it is within walking distance to the Tower of London. Its also very close to Commercial Road which has lots of terrific Indian/Pakistani etc restaurants along and on side streets - the Lahore Kebab House is my favourite.

Thank you all. Indian food is amazing! I'm excited about that and you've put my mind to rest. Usually I travel solo and don't worry too much about stuff like that, but I'll have a friend with me. Thanks again!
Kristie

One more question:
We'll be going to the Ceremony of the Keys - do you think it will be better to take a taxi back or will it be safe enough to just grab the tube and walk to our hotel from Aldgate East?

Why take the tube? Its all of one stop, 3 minutes. It will take you that long to get into the station and back up again. It isn't far and the Ceremony of the Keys doesn't last long nor go go late. If 't'were me I'd walk I think. Just keep my wits about me. EDIT: by 3 minutes I mean Underground travel time between stops. I'd figure 10 or so walking on the surface.

Not the best bit of London. DON'T do a Rick Steves and chat to/smile at everyone .... Just be a little assertive. You'll be fine. Expect it to be a bit grubby. If you're carrying a handbag do what the locals do -put it over your shoulder to the other side and UNDER your coat (get a smallish bag) - very important. I moved to Whitechapel in hospital accommodation (10 yrs ago) for a couple of years - I'm a doctor. Worked 10 years in East End and Camberwell - both "not greatest" BUT much LESS spooky than some of the very wealthy areas (which I find more threatening). It's a pretty cosmopolitan area.
Just treat it like any big city. Just sidestep trouble. (It's obvious).

Thanks Nigel and Susan - Nigel, I mapped out the walking bit earlier today - it's about 10:30-45 when the ceremony is finished, so you think it'll be fine to walk? that's what I thought too. When I mapped it out today - it's actually equal distance from the Tower to our hotel as it is from the tube stop to our hotel.

Yes - there should be lots people around - you'll see loads restaurants open. Probably would take the tube. Tower is much more quiet area. I wouldn't worry!
S

I belive Jack the Ripper is no longer in the area

Good to know John. Good to know...I was sure he was lurking at every corner.

If you have your doubts about your hotel location, look at some of the hotels on the South Bank, just across Tower Bridge. The Premier Inn London Tower Bridge is nice. Read the reviews on TripAdvisor.com. It is more convenient to many sites than your present hotel, and all you have to do to get to it after the Ceremony of the Keys is walk across Tower Bridge (great views at night!). It is a safe area, convenient to Borough Market, The Globe, and Tate Modern.

We stayed in the Travelodge near Aldgate East, walked to the Ceremony of the Keys and back on a rainy night, and generally walked to many places including Borough Market for the cheese sandwiches for breakfast. There are many people about after dark and you will be quite safe.