transfer from Heathrow to Marriott Marble Arch

The most convenient way from an ease of travel POV would be Heathrow Express to Paddington (£68 round trip) + taxi for a mile or so. This would have the least trouble in moving bags, but only you will know if this is too expensive for you. The bus route alternative from Paddington is simple - the 7, 23, 29, 36 & 436 all go near where you want to go. Dealing with a number of roller suitcases and backpacks however would not be. You can however, walk it in 15 minutes anyway. The underground alternative is to go to Earls Court on the Piccadilly line and take the District Line to Edgware Road and walk for 10 minutes from there. The Marriott Marble Arch is as close to this station as to Marble Arch. This would be cheaper.

The Heathrow Connect would be a lot easier to manage than the Tube with luggage like that. Cost is £9.50 each, half that is either of the teens is 15 or under. This will take you to Paddington Station, which is quite close to your hotel. A taxi from there would not be much, probably about the same as four bus tickets, and would take you right to the hotel. ( when we did this with our kids a few years ago, we taxied from Paddington to a hotel in Belgravia, considerably farther away, and I believe the cost was about €6 then. We arrived in the early morning after a long flight from the west coast, and this route ( we actually used the Heathrow Express then) completely eliminated opportunities for teen grumpiness.

The cost savings of using the connect service over the express have lessened somewhat for family groups with the relatively new discounts and the 30 minute frequency could actually make this journey slower that using the underground, if one had just been missed. Tammy also hasnt mentioned which terminal they are arriving at, which also has an influence on choice. A car service wouldn't be much more considering it all again, but probably slower.

The family ticket on the Heathrow Express is a great deal but the teens are only free if they are under 16. If 16 or older, they could use the group ticket for four at £12.50 each. That is more than the Connect but significantly faster ( and more convenient from T5 if that is where they arrive).

A door-to-door private car service will be cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than a combination of train and taxi. The Marriott is in postal code W1. Just Airports has a cash fare of £46 for a MPV (minivan) from Heathrow to anywhere in postal code W1.

Been many times and often stay in the Bayswater/Marble Arch area. Take the Heathrow Connect. 30 minute ride to "de grump" the family. Nice clean train, comfortable seats, room for all of your luggage, easy on/off, etc. Arrive at Paddington Station. Absorb the vastness and the fact it's a train station. have the teenagers been on trains before? I'm thinking they'll find it cool or at least interesting. Anyway,walk outside and take a black cab to the Hotel. Make it easy on yourself. Yes a bit of a hit on the wallet but will help deplete the grumpiness and the cabbies are a joy to chat with. It is a quintessential British experience. Once you've checked in and are ready to explore London, walk over to the Marble Arch station and buy your Oyster Cards. Hop on the Central line (red)heading toward Ealing/Broadway . Exit at the Notting Hill Gate (3 or 4 stops if I remember correctly) and then board either the District (green) or Circle (yellow) Line to Westminster. While you were at the Marble Arch ticket window you asked the agent for a small pocket tube map or you found them on the counter. Grab them. Useful for the entire London stay. Once arrive at Westminster, Mind The Gap, exit and follow the signs through (the modern looking station)to Exit 1. Reads Westminster Bridge, London Eye. Walk up the few steps and you'll find yourselves looking right across the Thames to the London Eye. Turn to your right and look up. Any grumpiness should disappear at that moment. Walks up those steps and let the adventure begin. Great city. Very walkable. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks so much for all the feedback! I'm a bit stressed right now (leave in 12 days and going to 4 countries), and the kindness and advice from others is a boost...not to mention the great info. More questions to come, I'm sure!

Oh, forgot to ask about something...If we take the Connect to Paddington, couldn't I get our 7-day travel cards there. If we do that instead of taking the tube from Heathrow, we would no longer need the Oyster cards, would we? Thanks again to everyone for all the great insight!

Yes you can - from the main ticket office close to platform 1, which is the other side of the mainline station
from where the connect comes in.