Hotel help!

[abja09]

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to London next April for my nieces 16th birthday. There will be a total of 4 in our travel party ( 2 adults, DN 16 and DS 12). We are planning a few days in London then take the train to Paris. We are looking for a hotel but I have no idea where to stay. We would like to be in the "touristy" area of London. Any help or suggestion on an area would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Dimplenose]

What sort of budget do you have?

Premier Inn are fairly reasonable in price.

http://www.premierinn.com/en/search!execute.action

I have stayed at County Hall - good location near to the London Eye and just across the river from Westminster, the houses of Parliament (Big Ben) and easy access to the river cruises.

The Waterloo Premier Inn is very near to County Hall.

Leicester Square would also be a good location.

 

[Lolsmum]

Without a budget idea it's hard to recommend a hotel.

It's probably a good idea to try searching online for something like "hotels in London" to get an idea of cost in various locations. The closer in, the higher the cost generally.

What sort of things do you plan to see? Central London isn't actually as big as it seems at first, and has great public transport, but being walking distance to some of what you want to see is a nice idea.

 

[abja09]

Without a budget idea it's hard to recommend a hotel. It's probably a good idea to try searching online for something like "hotels in London" to get an idea of cost in various locations. The closer in, the higher the cost generally. What sort of things do you plan to see? Central London isn't actually as big as it seems at first, and has great public transport, but being walking distance to some of what you want to see is a nice idea.

Is Central London the main area? We are hoping to see Buckingham palace, Kensington Garden, Big Ben, etc and do some shopping. I am looking for advice as to what area to look for a hotel. I have seen some by Trafalgar Square, Aldwych, Tower Bridge but not sure of a good central location. Budget is not really an issue.

 

[Dimplenose]

Depending on what you want to see central London is the best place to be. (Some hotels classed as London can be quite a way from the sights.)

Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square are both great location and are within walking distance of a lot of the main sights.

Aldwych, is fairly central and close to some theatres and bus routes is a bit further from a tube stop (but still probably within a 10 minute walk).

I'd prefer to be more central than Tower Bridge but would make a trip to see both that and the Tower of London.

Avoid staying in "The City" as it is the financial district and can be fairly quiet at weekends with a lot of the restaurants and cafes closed on Sundays.

 

[Lolsmum]

If budget is not really an issue, I'd look around Trafalgar Square or near Hyde Park myself. If you look at websites for London hotels you can usually get fairly specific about the area, and most will have a map to see which area is where.

 

[RobynPrincess]

I recommend county hall too, great central location. Also covent garden is a nice area to be in

 

[abja09]

Depending on what you want to see central London is the best place to be. (Some hotels classed as London can be quite a way from the sights.) Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square are both great location and are within walking distance of a lot of the main sights. Aldwych, is fairly central and close to some theatres and bus routes is a bit further from a tube stop (but still probably within a 10 minute walk). I'd prefer to be more central than Tower Bridge but would make a trip to see both that and the Tower of London. Avoid staying in "The City" as it is the financial district and can be fairly quiet at weekends with a lot of the restaurants and cafes closed on Sundays.

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I know have a starting point!

 

[abja09]

If budget is not really an issue, I'd look around Trafalgar Square or near Hyde Park myself. If you look at websites for London hotels you can usually get fairly specific about the area, and most will have a map to see which area is where.

Thanks! I did see a hotel near Hyde Park that I will look into.

 

[Grimbold]

From someone who loves London and used to work there, there goes -

County Hall is a good place to start looking, but not further south of there.
Hyde Park, Leicester Square and Covent Garden are all good places to look at.

Tower Bridge, Tower of London and HMS Belfast are all away from the Centre of London and in the area known as The City, along with St. Pauls and the New Tate Modern. As has been mentioned, it is quiet at the weekends, but that can also be a blessing. There are plenty of very very nice places to look at and see in The City

However if you stay in the County Hall area you can get a boot down to them and then a bus or tube back (my preference would be the bus as you would see more )

From County hall you are only a few minutes walk from Big Ben (which is actually the bell inside the Westminster Tower) and the Houses of Parliment, along with Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. You are also near St. James Park as well.

A bit further away you will find the West End, which will include Oxford Street, Leicester Square, Regents Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden and the majority of the touristy sites.

If you say money is no object, try The Savoy...depending on how much 'No Issue' actually means .

Any questions just ask.

Have fun and enjoy

 

[BudgieMama]

If money really is no concern, have a look at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It's right on the doorstep for the Eurostar, plus Kings Cross St Pancras is a great base for getting anywhere in the city, as the tube connections are great.

 

[abja09]

From someone who loves London and used to work there, there goes - County Hall is a good place to start looking, but not further south of there. Hyde Park, Leicester Square and Covent Garden are all good places to look at. Tower Bridge, Tower of London and HMS Belfast are all away from the Centre of London and in the area known as The City, along with St. Pauls and the New Tate Modern. As has been mentioned, it is quiet at the weekends, but that can also be a blessing. There are plenty of very very nice places to look at and see in The City However if you stay in the County Hall area you can get a boot down to them and then a bus or tube back (my preference would be the bus as you would see more ) From County hall you are only a few minutes walk from Big Ben (which is actually the bell inside the Westminster Tower) and the Houses of Parliment, along with Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. You are also near St. James Park as well. A bit further away you will find the West End, which will include Oxford Street, Leicester Square, Regents Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden and the majority of the touristy sites. If you say money is no object, try The Savoy...depending on how much 'No Issue' actually means . Any questions just ask. Have fun and enjoy

Wow! Thanks for all the info!! I am trying to map it all out as I read. I love planning a trip and London is new to me so lots to learn.
When I said budget is not an issue I meant I have numerous Hyatt and Marriott point to use to cover my stay. I saw there is a Marriott in County Hall right by the Westminster Bridge. I also see another by Hyde Park/oxford St. Any input?

 

[Dimplenose]

Both are good locations but of the two I'd prefer the County Hall location as there is a lot to see in the Westminster area that is walkable (Houses of Parliament, Horse Guards, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden and even Buckingham Palace is a pleasant walk through St James's Park). It is also fairly close to the river cruises.

But both give you access to buses and tube trains to get you anywhere you want to.

 

[Lolsmum]

There are quite a few Marriotts or other hotels that are in that family near Hyde Park/Marble Arch. Personally, I like to stay in that area. In fact, my family stayed at Grosvenor House on my very first trip to the UK when I was 10. It must have made a good impression, because 11 years later I moved to the UK and have been here ever since.


I would agree with Dimplenose that either location is fine and public transport is good for both, but for a typical 16 year old girl being so close to Oxford Street and its great shopping would be ideal.

 

[Grimbold]

I would agree with Dimplenose that either location is fine and public transport is good for both, but for a typical 16 year old girl being so close to New Bond Street and its great shopping would be ideal.

Corrected that for you

 

[Grimbold]

There are quite a few Marriotts or other hotels that are in that family near Hyde Park/Marble Arch. Personally, I like to stay in that area. In fact, my family stayed at Grosvenor House on my very first trip to the UK when I was 10. It must have made a good impression, because 11 years later I moved to the UK and have been here ever since.


I would agree with Dimplenose that either location is fine and public transport is good for both, but for a typical 16 year old girl being so close to Oxford Street and its great shopping would be ideal.

Wow! Thanks for all the info!! I am trying to map it all out as I read. I love planning a trip and London is new to me so lots to learn.
When I said budget is not an issue I meant I have numerous Hyatt and Marriott point to use to cover my stay. I saw there is a Marriott in County Hall right by the Westminster Bridge. I also see another by Hyde Park/oxford St. Any input?

Country Hall would be my best bet. As has been mentioned there are so many places nearby to see and marvel at.

From there most of the West End is in walking distance or bus/tube depending on your legs. Think long days in WDW

When you are there, if you cross over the bridge, and then go up to downing Street/Horse Guards Parade (where the Beach Volly Ball was held in the Olympics ) then rather than heading straight up the road to Trafalgar Square, cut through HGP and then walk into St James Park, enjoy the peace and look down/walk down to Buckingham Palace, past Clarence House and St James Palace.

It wil get you out of the hustle and bustle and give you soem peaceful moments

 

[abja09]

There are quite a few Marriotts or other hotels that are in that family near Hyde Park/Marble Arch. Personally, I like to stay in that area. In fact, my family stayed at Grosvenor House on my very first trip to the UK when I was 10. It must have made a good impression, because 11 years later I moved to the UK and have been here ever since. I would agree with Dimplenose that either location is fine and public transport is good for both, but for a typical 16 year old girl being so close to Oxford Street and its great shopping would be ideal.

Yes, shopping is high on my nieces list of things to do! I did see a hotel in the Grosvenor area. Is is it centrally located? We need a room for 4 and there seems to limited availability.

 

[abja09]

Country Hall would be my best bet. As has been mentioned there are so many places nearby to see and marvel at. From there most of the West End is in walking distance or bus/tube depending on your legs. Think long days in WDW When you are there, if you cross over the bridge, and then go up to downing Street/Horse Guards Parade (where the Beach Volly Ball was held in the Olympics ) then rather than heading straight up the road to Trafalgar Square, cut through HGP and then walk into St James Park, enjoy the peace and look down/walk down to Buckingham Palace, past Clarence House and St James Palace. It wil get you out of the hustle and bustle and give you soem peaceful moments

Thank you again! This is so helpful. I really appreciate it!!

How far away is Notting hill? Also we were thinking of taking a train to Paris for a couple of days but we are a little hesitant due to not speaking French. What are your thoughts? And if we do not go to Paris is there another area of the UK that is a must see?

Thanks again!

 

[Lolsmum]

It can be hard to find hotels that suit families well sometimes. There are a we few sites that specifically cater to family hotels.

We used to live in London but moved out 4 years ago. We are still within commuter distance but the kids and I don't spend a lot of time in London. Last summer we stayed overnight for my daughter's birthday. The Lancaster London was running a good deal on a package including 2 interconnecting rooms, with a double bed in one room and 2 singles in the other. It was perfect for us. The hotel is at Lancaster Gate tube stop, right near Hyde Park. It could well be worth looking into.

 

[Chilly]

How far away is Notting hill? Also we were thinking of taking a train to Paris for a couple of days but we are a little hesitant due to not speaking French. What are your thoughts? And if we do not go to Paris is there another area of the UK that is a must see?

Thanks again!

What did you want to see in Notting Hill?

No problem going to Paris if you don't speak French. Its very easy to get the train to Paris and DLRP.

Loads of things to see round the UK if you want to travel about, lots of history like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. Theme parks like Alton Towers. Are you Harry Potter fans there is the museum just outside London. Lovely little villages and seaside towns. So much really its hard to narrow down!