Hello! I am planning a trip to London next summer and have been going CRAZY trying to find a hotel with a decent price in a good location. I think we want to stay near Leicester Square. It seems there is a lot to do there. We are in our late 20s so I want to be able to be in a place that I can see touristy things during the day and enjoy a few drinks at night. Any ideas?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
Hotels located in areas where "there is a lot to do" tend to be pricey:) As you discovered, lodging is the Leicester area are some of the most expensive in London. You can find cheaper accommodations in the area around Euston/Kings Cross/St Pancras train stations, and also near the Earls Court Tube Station. These areas aren't within walking distance to the Theatre District, but will save you lots of money.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
You might want to check out the Victoria Station area. There are a variety of hotels there and lots of decent resturants and pubs. Easy access to the Tube and buses and walkable distance to Buckingham, Pall Mall, Charing Cross, - and a bit longer to Leciester Square.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Check on Google for Regents Palace or Piccadilly. you will find a number of large old hotels at or near Leicester Square. The venerable (and huge) "Regents Palace" hotel which used to be on Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus may still be there- not so sure. There is also a large hotel at the Charing Cross railway station (Charing Cross Hotel) at Trafalgar Square/The Strand very similar old Railway Hotel. very safe and very near leicester Square. I am not recommending any, but they used to be where "maiden aunts" stayed when they came into London. Large, safe and somewhat impersonal. rates used to be very reasonable
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Leicester Square is very, very busy. Wall-to-wall people during rush hour. Lots of traffic and noise. Very Times Square-ish. As long as as you stay in the West End, within the confines of the Tube's Circle Line (look on a Tube route map) you'll be fine. You'll be using the Tube no matter where you stay. Also, consider neighborhoods like Notting Hill. Still very urban, but very accessible, lots of places to eat and drink, and with some nice smaller hotels and B&B's. You might actually get some sleep, what with the relative absence of street noise.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
We rented a great apartment right down the street from Prince of Wales Theatre - wonderful location for what you are seeking. Check out property #430330 on holiday-rentals.co.uk Super apt; extra-nice owner; so close to so many things you will want to see/do.
Posted by
Sugarloaf, CA, USA
29 posts
Melissa, Try the Morgan Hotel. It is in Bloomsbury (around the corner from the British Museum) and about a 5-10 minute walk from Leicester Square. www.morganhotel.co.uk Good luck, Peter