Jewels

I was thinking of perhaps staying in this area of London, but before I make my reservations I'm curious as to what peoples opinions are - you input is greatly appreciated and thak you!

kate

I wouldn't recommend it. Although it may look central, it's really at the tatty end of town, and can feel a little unsafe at night. Instead try somewhere like Holborn, Bloomsbury or Kensington.

mpprh

Hi<BR><BR>the previous writer was correct, but shy.<BR><BR>This area has the cheapest prostitutes (and 100's of them) and the druggiest addicts.<BR><BR>So, up to you !<BR><BR>Peter<BR>

topper

ttt

Betsy

NO, NO, a thousand times NO! If you want safe, less expensive lodging look into the Bloomsbury area or South Kennsington. Earl's Court also has many, many hotels, but I would choose that either simply because its hotel city, especially if traveling alone.

Jewels

Wow am I ever glad I did't book a hotel in that area, it sounds as though I may have been shocked when I arrived!<BR>Thank you so much for your input - otherwise my London experience may have turned out vastly different!<BR>I was having trouble finding information about the Kings Cross area, so perhaps this is why...

paul

I stayed at the London Ryan which is in the Kings Cross area for 6 days. A mixed area of run down buildings, apartments, and middle class housing. I would stay in the area again. <BR><BR>http://www.kingscrosslondon.com/

Jewels

Paul - So you had no problem with the aforementioned hookers and other undesirables?

paul

What hookers? Just working class people as far as I could see. Walked from Oxford street to Regents Park back to my hotel on Kings Cross road during the day and took walks around the block(1 to 1 1/2 miles) at night. North of Kings Cross station it was more run down but there was also a lot of rebuilding going on. <BR><BR>I suspect that Peter is a troll.

david west

Best avoided IMHO. I used to work with the homeless in the area and it is very rough in places. There are many prostitutes and you can buy crack in McDonalds (honestly).<BR><BR>The area is on the up but has a long way to go.

kate

No Paul, Peter is not a troll. Kings Cross does have something of a reputation, deservedly so. Even Londoners don't linger.

sounds

sounds like the Kings Cross area in Sydney Australia is the same as the Kings Cross area in London.

ttt

ttt!

Ben Haines

The King?s Cross Ryan and nearby hotels are on a nondescript road, with few restaurants, but perfectly safe. The area of Kings Cross that has the prostitutes and drug dealers is very small, directly on front of Kings Cross station, an area where now there are no hotels. So long as you approach the Ryan and its neighbours by bus, or walking from the south, you don?t notice the unsavoury area just by Kings Cross.<BR><BR>In fact, not that unsavoury. I cycle past it in daylight two or three times a week, and there is nothing to disturb me. Perhaps we cyclists are known for the purity of our interests ?<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR><BR><BR>

Jewels

Ben - thanks for the info. It seems that I have a decision to make now weighted by two opposite opinions.<BR>*sigh*<BR><BR>But seriously, thank you to everyone that has responded it has been a great help to me!

janis

Jewels: Ben often defends Kings Cross on this board -- I think he may do it just so he can show us how brave he is because he cycles in the area a couple of time a week ;-)<BR><BR>But even Ben says "So long as you approach the Ryan and its neighbours by bus, or walking from the south, you don't notice the unsavoury area". In other words - IF you know EXACTLY where to walk or ride you will be OK. Well, for the first time visitor, especially female, that isn't good enough.<BR><BR>It is too easy to get into the wrong parts of Kings Cross. <BR><BR>If Kings Cross was the only part of London with budget accomodations, that might be a consideration. But there are hundreds of places just as inexpensive, in much better areas. There is no reason to have to stay in Kings Cross.

Ben Haines

I would avoid staying at the Ryan and its neighbours because the area is trafficky and dull. <BR><BR>Aged 65, I am a bit beyond caring whether Janis and other readers think me brave. What does she think I think of her ?<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR><BR>

janis

Ben - no offense intended. I was joking, for goodness sake! Didn't you notice the wink??<BR><BR>You provide lots of valuable information - but you must admit, Kings Cross is not a good location for a female (and especially a first-timer) visitor to London.