London help

[msmama]

Hi across the pond DIS-ers,

I'm starting to plan a solo trip for myself to London this July (which seems to be the most expensive time, but oh well).

I'm determined not to be too touristy so I'm wondering what attractions natives find the most fun! I'm debating how long to make the trip and I figure I need at least a general list of things I want to see to figure how much time I'll need.

I live close to NYC so I'm not afraid of big cities or anything (though the NYC subway system makes my hands shake, lol).

My plan is to stay in Mayfair-ish. I know it's an expensive area, but I figure it'll probably be safer since I'm solo. Also, I'll probably try to see several shows in the West End while I'm there and I think that's a good distance away. Am I right?

If I can help with any US travels, I'm happy to return any suggestions/advice!

Thanks (and I know this is a super broad question with no easy answers).

Emily

 

[pampat]

Emily, don't know what your budget is, Mayfair is cripplingly expensive. We love staying just down the road in Kensington. We stay at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in an exec room which gives you 24 hour access to the exec lounge, breakfast included in the lounge, WiFi, 2 computer terminals for free use in the lounge. The rooms are a good size and the staff are very friendly. There are often deals to be had if you stay 3 nights. We once got a £600 per night suite for £150 per night! It's in a great location, one block behind High Street Kensington tube station and lots of good shops along the High Street.

You can walk (a good walk, mind) along to the Royal Albert Hall if there is something on when you visit - always worth the price, it is a beautiful building. If there are any exhibitions/displays on at any of the Royal Palaces they are a must. We just went to one in Kensington Palace, about the Enchanted Princesses and it was great.

If you need any other help, please PM me. London is our favourite place to be, next to NY!!!

Pam

 

[Danauk]

We often go to London for the day just to visit the museums and go shopping. The museums are free to get in to and are very good (my personal favourites are the science museum, British museum and the natural history.) If we are staying over night we usually stay in a Radisson hotel next to the British Museum (you can get great rates from Expedia for there). We like to stay there for access to the museum and you can walk back from the West End to there after seeing a show. Plus you can easily walk to Harrods from there during the day to do a spot of shopping!!

I know it can be seen as touristy, but we often go on the London Eye to see the views of the city. I would recommend that for anyone visiting the city.

 

[pampat]

We often go to London for the day just to visit the museums and go shopping. .

You are so lucky! We used to do that too, when we lived in Warwickshire. We are hoping to move back in 18 months (if the house sells) and we look forward to more random trips.

Pam

 

[wdwgreg]

if you dont mind sharing what is your budget for a room per night, i book a lot of London hotel rooms through work so i may be able to suggest something

 

[msmama]

if you dont mind sharing what is your budget for a room per night, i book a lot of London hotel rooms through work so i may be able to suggest something

Thanks!

Well, I was hoping to keep my budget around 200/night (originally in dollars, but thinking I'll have to raise it to pounds, lol).

I will most likely be ending my days at the theater somewhere in the West End so if you could recommend somewhere within safe walking distance of there, that would be fantastic!

(Although I assume that London is much like NYC and safer than most people realize).

Thanks so much!