Premier Inn County Hall vs. Vandon House

Personally, I've never stayed in the hotels you mention and I think it's unlikely you'll find many people who happen to have stayed at both, so a direct comparison might be difficult to get.

If I found the correct places online, I see the VH is near St. James' Park, not far from Buckingham Palace, and the PI is south of the Thames near the London Eye? I wouldn't exactly call either neighborhood seedy. You'll be close to central Underground stations either way so transportation shouldn't be a problem. Walking around, I'd suggest that nearer the parks (VH) might be better walking during the day, but the south bank (PI) will probably be livelier at night.

Ten quid is a lot for a breakfast, especially one that's crowded. You could eat out at any number of places if you choose. I think you'll have to depend on the reviews of either hotel. If I had to choose, based solely on what I see online, I (four previous trips to London) would choose the VH near Buckingham Palace.

Srini,

I think I would be happy with either location. Either way you are right in the middle everything with safety and good access.

I think it really comes down to which hotel you think is best for your family. Obviously TA prefers the country inn Rated about 60, compared to the Vandon House which is in the 300's. That said is it worth 80 quid more (20 quid a day) for that? Unless breakfast is huge for you I would think you can find plenty elsewhere for much cheaper.

Just like you know what you will get with something like a Holiday Inn Express in the states you know what you will get with the PI. It won't be the greatest, but it will be clean, you will have control of temperatures. Very cookie cutter

With VH you don't have the same assurances. Also you have no guarantee that you will get that promised room. It could be great, it could not. Is it worth 120 dollars for you?

I've stayed at the Premier Inn and would stay there again. The neighborhood is fine. Your child will love the Eye right outside. I had a view of it. Be sure to ride it and it is best about 8:00 pm for sunsets. I never had any problems with crowds checking in or at breakfast. Breakfast was good and there were a lot of choices.

Hi Srini, I also have stayed at the PI many times. I like the neighborhood and easy access to many things. Just accross the bridge is Parliament and a little walk takes you to Westminster Abbey. There is a tube station at Waterloo, very easy. Also the Aquarium is in the same building as County Hall. £10 is a lot for brekkers but you don't have to eat there. Used to be you could have your choice of a full or continental breakfast..but no more. You can make tea in your room and perhaps keep a little something to keep body and soul together in the mornings or until you can find a less expensive place.

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Hi Srini,

I also haven't stayed at either hotel, so will just comment on locations.

I lived in a flat about 2 blocks from County Hall so am quite familiar with area near PI. It is a very convenient location. You can easily walk to Leicester Square, Covent Garden, etc. There is also a very nice walkway along the Thames; you can head down to the Tate Modern, Borough Market, etc. You can't go wrong with the location. You don't have to eat at PI. Depending on what you are looking for there are many places nearby where you can get a coffee and breakfast sandwich, yogurt, cereal, etc. The rooms at PI do not overlook the river. Closest tube is Waterloo, but you can easily walk across one of the bridges to either Westminster or Embankment. The area around PI County Hall has a particularly urban feel. I personally really like this area and this would be my choice of the two. One of the pluses is that when you walk out of the hotel and towards the Thames you will be treated to one of London's great views.

Vandon House is closest to St James's Park tube which is on Circle and District lines. This is still quite central and convenient. The nearby parks are lovely. In June, you will be unlikely to need air conditioning. Both my flat and the office that I worked in had no AC and there were only a few days in July/August where it was really uncomfortable.

I think the areas are pretty even in terms of convenience to restaurants, groceries, and transportation.

One thing I would suggest is that you check tfl.gov.uk to see if there are any planned engineering works scheduled that impact the tube station or line near the hotel during the dates that you will be there.

If you've read the reviews, I'd suggest that you go with your gut feel and your budget.

Thank you all very much for your very thoughtful responses. Very valuable for me. This being my first trip, I am leaning towards paying for the "assurance" and going with PI.

Thanks again.

Srini

Premier Inn was great. Best location in London. Waterloo station and lots of stores and food places are within a couple block walk.

We and our three daughters (15, 14, 8) stayed at Vandon house last June. The location was great, easy walks to St James Park, Trafalger and Buckingham area. Took the tube from Heathrow, it was easy. Grocery store just down the street as well as all types of other everyday stores. Good underground station nearby and hop on/off bus tours.

It wasn't any more noisy that any other hotel. The pidgeons cooing were the loudest. We used both our private bath and public toilets/baths and it was fine.

These are college dorm rooms i think so it is not fancy nor is it the most pristine bathrooms.

Breakfast was cheeses, croissants,toast slices of ham, fruit. Nothing hot (eggs, waffles) but it was fine.

TV in the room got about 4 channels but one was kids stuff so that entertains the young one a bit. Construction/rehab going on next door but it didn't start til 9 so it was no problem.

let me know if you have questions.