London: Where to Stay
Hotel Rooms
- Hotel rooms in London are small with barely enough room to walk around the bed.
- Most rooms do not have their own private bathroom in the room.
- Most rooms are meant for two people, but some sleep three (triples).
- Single = Queen/King size bed
- Twin = two single beds
- Triple = a double bed and a single bed
- "3's" = three single beds
- A budget single or twin room is often over £60 per night.
Budget Hotel Chains
- Easy Hotel
- Ibis
- Premier Inn
- Travelodge
- Tune
Major Hotel Chains
- Best Western
- Comfort Inn
- Double Tree Hilton
- Hilton Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express
- Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza
- Marriott
- Novotel
- Park Plaza
- Radisson
- Thistle/Guoman
Neighborhoods
- Most tourist attractions are located in central London (Zones 1 & 2).
- It is best to stay within the "yellow circle line" on the Underground/Tube map.
- Anything further out in the zones will cost you time and money on transportation.
- The city center will have the most expensive rates. Stay 3-4 underground stops from the city center for cheaper rates (Bloomsbury, Kensington, Paddington/Lancaster Gate).
- Areas to consider:
- Bayswater
- Earl's Court
- South Kensington
- St. Pancras/Kings Cross
- Victoria Station
- Waterloo/South Bank
Kings Cross/St. Pancras Station
- Kings Cross and St. Pancras stations are located across the street from one another.
- Both major hubs have several rail lines that intersect, providing easy access to all of London.
- Budget accommodations are easy to find in this area.
- St. Pancras station is the first major Thameslink stop coming from Luton airport.
- There are no main attractions in the area, but it is a good home base.
- Great location if flying into Luton airport.
Victoria Station
- A central location and major transportation hub, making it great for sightseeing.
- Many tours begin at Victoria station.
- The only long distance bus station.
- Not the cheapest area for accommodations, but not the most expensive.
- Cheaper room rates during the work week.
- Great location if flying into Gatwick airport. Direct trains.
Airports
Gatwick
- If you have a late arrival or early departure, stay near the airport.
- Most trains stop at Victoria station.
- If you have a late arrival or early departure, stay near the airport.
- Most hotels are within a 15 minute walk of the airport.
- Most trains/buses stop at either St. Pancras or Victoria station