Hotel in London,, budget to moderate, which area for Museums

You might also check out the Darlington (www.darlingtonhotel.co.uk). It's in the same general area as the Ashley (in Sussex Gardens); the prices are higher but still under one hundred pounds for a single. I haven't stayed there but am booked for a few days in May. It gets good reviews on Trip Advisor, and someone on the Helpline also recommended it.

Hi, Pat. I've stayed twice at the Ashley Hotel in Norfolk Square near Paddington. Front door is always locked, a single room is reaaaally small, and the breakfast is hearty. Close enough to Paddington that you can walk there in three minutes, but far enough away that you won't hear noise from the station. Also an easy walk to Hyde Park ... walk across the park to get to the V&A and Natural History Museum. My room was, as I said, very small, but there was a TV and an en suite bathroom (also incredibly small), and the place was clean. Not at all fancy, but the price is right. www.ashleyhotellondon.com

Thanks,, so many great suggestions!! I will be busy looking up and comparing them.. ( which I actually think is fun)

I would also suggest checking out betterbidding.com
They provide excellent tips on how to use hotwire and priceline "name your own price", including giving you a very good idea of which hotels you are likely to get.
We used it last month, under 100GBP for 4* Marriott Maida Vale (probably not the location you would prefer because it isn't near the sites, but is 3 blocks from tube station - bakerloo line and 1/2 block from bus stop)
Some have been lucky to get 5* in the Mayfair area for $130 at times.
Usually they can tell you which 4* or 5* Hotwire is offering to you as well.

Ok,, I have booked two hotels. Booked the John Howard,, 110 GBPs night, then saw the Base2Stay Kensington, for 99 GBPs.

I looked on TA,, and noticed that Base2Stay was listed as #14,, but John Howard was in the 200's. They do both look fine to me really,, but I ended up thinking I would enjoy the location of Base2Stay a bit more. So, I guess I will cancel the JH.

Anyone think I have made a big mistake?? I evidently have two birds in hand,, LOL< must dump one( they both have good cancellation policies. )

Pat, I don't know about the other place you're considering, but I stayed 10 nights at base2stay last year and thought it was a great choice.

I was traveling alone, and was already somewhat familiar with that area (had stayed on prior trips at the Holiday Inn Forum near the Gloucester Rd station). I often walked back to base2stay from the Earl's Court tube station in the evening, and a few times rather late at night, but never felt unsafe.

The amenities at base2stay are really good, and I like that although my single room was definitely small, the bathroom was a good size and not at all cramped. The shower was darn near luxurious! I could go on, but I'll spare you the rest. Just will add that the base2stay staff were outstandingly courteous and helpful. Five star service attitude, and I really appreciated it.

Sounds like you can't really go wrong either way. Have a good trip!

Thanks for post Suz,, I too was drawn to area since I have stayed with friends near the Gloucester Tube Station,, so feel comfortable there.
The Base2stay sounds great,, and small is fine, I don't do much in my room but sleep, shower and dress.