Hello, Our family of four will spend 4 nights in London this July. We are two adults and two kids, ages 8 and 12. I am seeking accommodations with separate bedrooms and kitchen facilities, which will accept a short stay. We have narrowed our options down to B&B Belgravia, near Victoria Station, and Vancouver Studios, in Bayswater area. Anyone have any feedback on merits and/or drawbacks of the suitability of either neighborhood for children? Have you stayed at either of these apartment/hotels? Both have fairly positive reviews on tripadvisor. Prices are comparable. We have stayed before in Kensington area and enjoyed being close to the park. We are not as familiar with the Belgravia area, but it seems convenient to the major attractions. Thanks for your input!
Posted by
Land of La
8667 posts
Belgravia is one of the richest of London's neighborhood. Easy walk from there to Buckingham Palace. Quiet with a number of embassies located there. Have stayed at the Vancouver Studios Apartments 3 times. Never displeased. Love the small kitchenette. To be honest never knew they had family rooms. No elevator so pack as lightly as you can. Have seen others with large suit cases struggling up and down the stairs. I like the vibrant Bayswater neighborhood. Two tube stops to choose from, 3 if you walk a little farther to the Notting hill. Easy access to Hyde Park. Plenty of cafes, restaurants even a shopping mall (Whiteley's) a Pret A manger, a Costa Coffee (good for free wifi) and a Tesco Market. If you haven't you might also review the airbnb.com website. Simply remember to stay within zones Travel Zones 1 & 2.
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
I've never stayed in either place, but I do know that having a kitchenette and fridge is (to me) a great benefit and can save a lot of money. Even if you just use it for cold drinks and snacks, and make your own breakfasts, it's a nice thing to have. Both areas are interesting. I'd probably go for Bayswater over Victoria, but that's just a personal opinion. PS I know Claudia and if she says it's OK, it is- she knows what she's about!
Posted by
Malaga, Malaga, Spain
410 posts
I stayed at Vancouver Studios for 5 nights last year, in a single room. For me, it was brilliantly located close to all facilities and tube stations. Without knowing Belgravia well, I think it may have less facilities. Vancouver Studios are very well equipped, very clean and the staff friendly and helpful. The stairs can be a pain with lots of luggage.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
40 posts
Thanks everyone for your input. We have reserved the 3-bedroom apartment at Vancouver Studios. The rate is very reasonable for London; comparable to what we would pay for a hotel room, but with more space and conveniences. FYI, they now also have three 1-bedroom apartments with sofa bed in the living room. The staff have been very helpful in answering my questions, sending additional photos, etc. We look forward to staying there!