London-Easter and Docklands area

"Docklands" you pretty much have to go street by street, everything from yuppie hutches with heavy security to quite nasty housing projects. Google Streetview might be worth checking up. At Easter shops will definitely be closed on Easter Day, and all but the largest, or "open all hours" neighbourhood shops, will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday. Tourist attractions might possibly close on Easter Day, I'm not sure. You should be able to find restaurants open then. The main problem with staying anywhere not in the centre on a holiday weekend, though, is that the tube and Docklands Light Railway tend to close sections for engineering work then, and if you're unlucky you may be reduced to taking much slower buses into the centre.

Is there any particular reason you are choosing the Docklands? I wouldn't choose it as a first-time visitor. It's a bit too far off the beaten path for my tastes. What are you looking for? Central location? Residential neighborhood but convenient to most tourist attractions? Budget prices? Unless you are limited to the Docklands for personal reasons, a bit more info will generate recommendations for other areas you might like better.

Thanks to both of you for the response. I was not stuck on staying in Docklands other than some of the rentals seemed cheaper. Our family is trying to economize as much as possible. We want a 2 bedroom flat if possible.

You may want to consider Earl's Court, Paddington, South Kensington, or Bloomsbury (the most central of the 4). They have better tube access and are closer to tourist attractions than the Docklands. The South Bank is another option, particularly if you are close to the South Bank Centre because you can simply walk across the bridge to Westminster Abbey and other sites. It's difficult to recommend apartments without knowing your budget. Take a look at http://www.hamletuk.com/ The area is not as convenient as some of the others mentioned above, but IMO is better situated than the Docklands. Others to consider: http://www.royalcourtapartments.co.uk/ http://www.holidayapartmentlondon.com/ http://www.vrbo.com/ Be sure to check reviews of the apartments on tripadvisor, slow trav, etc. I also recommend checking the apartment on streetview to get a look at the neighborhood. Good luck!

Forget to mention http://sabbaticalhomes.com/ Most of the homes listed are for long-term rentals, but some have a minimum stay of one week or less. Even those with long-term minimum stays may be willing to rent to you for a shorter period if they are in-between rentals, so it might be worth contacting them if you find something you really like.

Margaret, have you stayed with Hamlet UK before? I like the location too, it's in the area where I'd like to live if I win the lotto and can move to London. :)

No, I have not stayed there. But I am familiar with the area, and have heard and read good things about these apartments. It's a lovely area to stay in if you want to be out of the hustle bustle of central London, but close enough that you don't spend a lot of time transiting into main tourist areas. And if I ever win Lotto, I am definitely buying a second home in London :)