Sandruski

Hi all!
I am traveling for the first time to London, arriving on March 31 via the Eurostar train from Paris. We are leaving London on April 6. Since it is my first time and we are traveling with kids (9 and 15), I am concerned about the safer areas to stay with my family. It's a dream trip and we want to enjoy it and feel comfortable and safe. I am aware that London is an expensive city (coming from the Caribbean) but we don't want to spend all of our trip's budget in lodging expenses.
What do you recommend?

jamikins

Almost any area in Central London (Zone 1) you will feel safe. Can you give us a budget and what you are looking for in your accomdations? That way we can give you some recommendations.

Also check out www.londontown.com to get started if you are looking for hotels rather than apartments.

Sandruski

As far as we can feel safe, a budget of $300-$375 will be reasonable for us. Right now, I am looking at the Hilton London Metropole, near the Edgware Station.

jgg

I would suggest you look at apartments. I think your dollar will go further and you all can be in the same apt. - can be difficult to find quad hotel rooms. I agree that anywhere in Zone 1 should help you feel perfectly safe. Just be sure you stay hear a tube stop so you don't have to walk very far back to your apt/hotel at night.

We were there at around the same time of year with our kids who were 10 and 13 at the time. It was in 2006, but I suspect many things have not changed (though I do know that the Chinese restaurant that we loved, is sadly now closed). Here is a link to my trip report that also includes pictures:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/05/london/

Sandruski

Very informative and great pics jgg! I will definitely read your trip report for more information. Thanks!

BigRuss

What's 300-375: per night or total? If total, good luck: that's 50-60 USD per night and that does not go far in London, even for apartments. Finding a quad hotel room or even an apartment that sleeps 4 in central London at that rate will be nearly impossible.

If per night, that's easy - you can find safe and centrally located lodgings in London for 200 per.

janisj

I personally would never stay in a hotel for a week - and especially not w/ a family. A few days, sure,but not for that long. Those four walls will get pretty small after a few days. The extra space in a flat plus having a kitchen and washer/dryer etc all for less money than a comparable hotel.

It is getting a bit late to find a flat but definitely not impossible.

These are near the Tower of London and the river. Not absolutely central but pretty convenient and easy transport either on the tube or by bus. The main reason I'm recommending them is merely because they have availability in ONE of their flats for your period (assuming the calendar is updated)

If you're interested, I'd contact them asap.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hamlet_uk/index.htm

albionbythesea

London is a surprisingly safe city when you apply basic common sense. Also, if you stay within the central part of London (generally viewed as within the Circle Line on a tube map) then you will have easy access to the majority of sights you would want to see, with plenty of transport, people and a good sense of safety. You also mentioned you are travelling with kids ages 9 and 15 - take the time to find activities they and you will both enjoy. London has plenty to offer kids of those ages. If you have topics you know they are interested in let us know and we'll share some ideas.

Sandruski

Thanks for all your comments. The alternative of an apartment is great. There is a flat near the Holborn Tube Station that looks fine. Is on Newton Street, between Parker St and High Holborn. Does anyone knows the neighborhood?

janisj

I don't know the flat but terrific location for convenience. Very close to the British Museum, Lincoln's Inn Fields, Sir John Soane's Museum and an easy walk to Covent Garden/The Strand.

psy_dr

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