CarolineM

We are isiting London for 3 days in June with our two pre-teen daughters. I am having a hard time finding an available apartment, but have located one in Greenwich that looks nice. My question is whether that is kind of far out. Would it be a hassle to go back "home" during the day to take a break from sight seeing in Wedtminister? Convenient for travel to see a show in the West End? I know there are the maritime things to exploe there, but it Greenwich itself a place you'd recommend staying if you've never been to London and only have a few days?

DonnaD44

Have you tried Londonchoice.com to search for available apts.? We found a nice place in South Kensington last fall and were overall happy with their service.
Greenwich is lovely, but you will constantly be on the train back and forth into the heart of the city if you choose to stay there.

flanneruk

The answer hinges on how near you are to a tube, railway station or or DLR.

If you're within a minute or two's walk (input the full postcode onto Google maps, see what station it is then check journey times on the TfL site), it comes down to taste. Some people prefer living in an urban village, 20 mins or so by some kind of train from the absolute centre. Others like being able to walk back to the flat in the late afternoon, tart themselves up and then go out on the tiles.

If you're the former type, and it really, really IS Greenwich and not some horrid bit of the South London deadlands technically in the London Borough of Greenwich, but spiritually part of the Belarussian City of Minsk, then the right bit of Greenwich is about as good as rural-adjacent London urban villages go.

Cholmondley_Warner

Greenwich is an odd place. Bits of it are lovely. Bits of it are very iffy indeed. Do you know where about the flat is?

In terms of getting to and from central London it’s not that bad. There’s an overground station that goes into London Bridge and the DLR which goes into Bank where they link up with the tube – about 20 minutes each way.

As for staying in Greenwich for things to do. There is a lot to do – the Maritime Museum, observatory and the park are all great (and there is the famous Fan Museum). There’s a very good antiques market too. That’s about it. Throw in quite a few pubs and restaurants (including what must be the worst restaurant in the whole wide world – Desperados (yes it’s really called that). If you do plump for Greenwich I’ll recommend some places (I know the area very well indeed).

But I would try and stay somewhere a bit more central if I had the choice.

PatrickLondon

What they said. Travelling is part of London living, but it doesn't sound as though this would suit the kind of things you're planning to do. Certainly, if you've only three days for your first trip to London, I'm not even sure I'd particularly recommend a day trip out to Greenwich as an absolute must.

texasbookworm

What they said. Budget some extra money for a more central, less-time-consuming-to-travel-to-and-from place. You still may not have/take time for a mid-day break--there's too much to see and do. And for your first trip of only 3 days, unless you're really into the naval/scientific parts, I'd not put Greenwich on my priority list. We really enjoyed our half day there, but I'd already had about 12 other days in London on 2 trips.

tuscanlifeedit

Have you checked for university lodgings?

Googling London University Lodgings turned up quite a lot of hits.

I know that the London School of Economics offers some things, and I think other places do to. You can get a suite or family set up, I think.

I might spring for two cheap rooms on Priceline, to stay in the center. You're only there for a few nights.

I follow most of the London discussions here and haven't seen too many references to inexpensive apartments in the center.

Last summer, we found a good rate at a hotel near the Tower Hill tube station. Not that that is dead center, but it was very convenient for us.

nytraveler

IMHO Greenwich is way too far from the center to even consider. We stay in either Mayfar or Knightsbridge so we can ealk to some sights - but even then have to use the tube for a lot. Staying in Greenwich will make returning during the day or to shower/change for dinner a major PIA. (This is the equivalent of visiting NYC and staying in suburban New Jersey.)

dutyfree

I would definitely find something "in town".

KayF

Greenwich is too far out for such a short stay. We find the DLR slow too. You should be able to find something a bit more central. With only 3 days, I wouldn't even visit Greenwich unless you have a particular interest in going there. It's a nice enough place but there are more interesting things to do in your short time.

Check out the hotel map on www.londontown.com

It shows a map of central London with hotels marked and the price for your dates - also if it's still available or fully booked. We have used Londontown a few times and would recommend them. We usually pay at the hotel but give our card details as guarantee.

Kay

CarolineM

Thanks for the feedback. Based on the postings, I have ruled out this location but have come across 2 more that are available and are much more central. Now to choose between those. Thank you!

Surfergirl

I was going to say "too far" but everyone beat me to it!

CarolineM

Yes, indeed! I just booked a an apartment at Woods Mews which seems much better for our purposes.

moonrise

i've booked in a hotel in Hilton Kensington Holland Park avenue which sounds good.Opposite the hotel are buses running into Central London and two nearby railway stations...looks a nice walkable distance too to main areas, if you like walking.Tariff quite good.
moonrise