We have found a hotel that sounds like it would satisfy our needs quite nicely. The hotel is near the North Acton tube stop and is about a $100 less per night than similar rooms closer in to London proper. I would like to save the money and spend it elsewhere such as theater tickets, however I am concerned that North Acton might be a long commute into London. Does anyone have an idea of what the actual commute time would be or an opinion as to whether it is OK to stay further out? We will only be in London for 3 nights so I don't want to spend my limited amount of time sitting on a subway train. On the other hand, if its only an extra 10 minutes ride I think it would be worth the savings.
North Acton is in Zone 3 (tube)...which will cost more in transportation. Most of the things you would want to see is in Zone 1. Just a sample route..North Acton to Covent Garden (which you might use when going to the theatre) the trip would be 37 minutes. I personally would want to stay within Zone 1.
you are only there for three nights. I would stay within the central tourist area (preferably west End, but at least within the Circle Line). I like being able to walk back to my hotel for a brief rest before going out to dinner or the theatre. It can become a big effort travelling back to your hotel and then back into the west Ends when your hotel is that far out. This is also a respite when you get caught in a rain shower
North Acton is primarily an industrial area. I would imagine that the hotel is aimed at the business market - people working nearby. There is NOTHING around there that would be of interest to you. I can't even think of a pub around there that I would go in. FYI .... when calculating tube journeys in London, work on an average of 2½ minutes per station.
Roger
North Acton is an industrial and working class area, but is both in the zone 3 and zone 2 areas. Being on the border, both are valid so a zone 1-2 Travelcard works. Remember that buses are zoneless. Its on the Central Line so you will have to change for most attractions. You are 3 stops beyond Shepherds Bush which has the Westfield mall and its restaurants. I agree that you will likely need to travel for food. Good luck with your plans...