lanejohann

Hello everyone!
Just wanting to run this past people who have travelled to London with family.
We are heading off to Greek Islands next July but are wanting to have a four day stopover in London ...coming from Sydney

Now , last time in 2014 my daughter and I stayed in Leicester sq ..premier inn hotel
It was fine...still expensive even though it's a three star but it was comfortable and clean and secure
We even had a bit of a view of the London eye
The area is super touristy but we could easily get to Leicester sq tube and to the whole foods supermarket up towards piccadilly

This time husband and son will be joining us so we will need two rooms
I'm thinking we do the same thing..stay in Leicester sq
Sons never been ..the area is vibrant with plenty of late night snack places for him..daughter would love to fit in a show if we aren't too jet lagged

Also we will get the train out from Heathrow and its only two short blocks from Leicester sq station to the premier inn hotel
Near Burger King and the ice cream hagenvass (sp?) place

Anyway before I decide...
Are there any other areas in London which hAve similar facilities? ...ie station really close... So we can lug our bags
Supermarket or fast food outlets closeby ..not necessarily restaurants or pubs cos it's the late night snacks my son will be wanting...(I know it sounds nuts but we are just back from usa and Canada and I learned from that experience !)

I can remember the Leicester sq area well.. We had nine nights there and walked and tubed aplenty but I would like to try another area if practical..
Piccadilly would be fine
But that's right next to Leicester anyway...anywhere else?

I have also stayed round the Gloucester station tube but don't recall any food outlets..it was only for two nights though back in 2005 and my recollection isn't as vivid

We will be visiting the tower, Camden lock markets, do a day trip to Stonehenge and probably do the hop in hop off again ...walk through Hyde park and Kensington gardens
We can confidently get around the tube so proximity to these sights doesn't really matter
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Kandace_York

How old is your daughter?

When you start talking two rooms, it's generally the same cost (or less expensive) to get an apartment. That's what we did with our two daughters when we first went to Europe as a family, based on suggestions here, and it worked out well. For one night, we had to all share one hotel room, which by contrast did *not* work out as well, so I've done it both ways. ;-)

Airbnb.com has some nice offerings in central London, and booking.com also lists some apartments.

Good luck and enjoy your trip! I'm sure others will chime in with more detailed info about the areas you're asking.

janisj

Are the son/daughter teenagers? If the kids are both under 16 you can all stay in the same room at Premier Inns.

almcd

I agree with the first reply. Look for an apartment. There are thousands for rent. The average price is around 150 to 190 pounds paper night. I really like the Pimlico area when I am there. There is an organization called Coach House Rentals which I have used with great success. Look them up on the web. Another is Home from Home.

janisj

Yes a flat would work - but the reason for my post and the reason most flats probably won't work - is the OP felt the Premier Inn was expensive. Flats sleeping 4 will run more.

>>It was fine...still expensive even though it's a three star but it was comfortable and clean and secure <<

Premier Inns allow a family of four to stay for the same as two adults -- as long as the kids are 15 or younger, and yes, they do check/verify the ages.

It ALL depends on the children's ages -- from the OP we don't know if they are young, teenagers, or adults.

almcd

The big advantage of an apartment is that you can have meals in it and thus reduce the huge cost of eating three meals a day for a family of four. To me, it is a no brainer. The last time I was in London, my wife and I got a meal for two with a bottle of quite respectful wine for 10 pounds. Four cups of coffee in London costs that. One meal a day in an apartment will save a great deal of money and probably provide you with better nutrition. Go for an apartment every time!

carolyn

There is a Waitrose grocery in the small mall at the Gloucester Road tube stop, as well as an EAT pizza restaurant, with other restaurants quite close including a Paul shop with macarons and other goodies.

It is also in walking distance of the V&A--and Harrods if you don't mind walking several blocks.

janisj

>>To me, it is a no brainer. <<

Me too usually, though not always

But only if it fits in the budget -- we know neither the ages of the 'kids' nor the budget so we are all shooting in the dark til the OP returns.

lanejohann

Thanks for the suggestions!
apartment would be fine but we on the cooking
I know our style by now and for short stays we don't ever cook

The kids are older now... 20 and 23 so they will have to have a room for themselves
I guess getting twin beds won't be problematic
I am leaning towards the premier inn at Leicester sq and my daughter is fine with it but I'm still hoping we can be steered towards another centrAl area

lanejohann

Ok thanks Carolyn
We stayed at Kensington country suites that time and it wasquite a Hike from Gloucester station
The accommodation was nice and its locale was pleasant
I'll have a look at the prices on offer for July this year
The kids have part time work so they will pitch in this time at least for the cost of accommodation on land
It's getting easier !

justineparis

I hate cooking on holiday.. but will rent an apartment for stays of over a week.. I would never bother for only 4 days.

Avalon2

Also across from the Gloucester Rd Tube in Milleninum Gloucester Hotel a great place .We always get a club room That includes breakfast .free drinks and hors de ouvers before you go to dinner, internet access and is open all day for tea and coffee and a rest. Loads of nearby sights and stores and restaurants

almcd

You can obtain ready meals at places like Marks and Spencer's or Sainsbury's that only require minutes in a microwave. The quality of these meals, in my experience, is excellent. The cost is more than reasonable.

janisj

I don't know about others -- but I don't visit London to eat in my flat, I can do that at home. There are hundreds (thousands) of wonderful restaurants.

But a flat is still a good idea for a family because of the extra space and (usually) a washer/dryer.

lanejohann: I'd also look at the Covent Garden Travelodge. A terrific location, a little more basic than the Premier Inn but usually a lot cheaper. Also check the County Hall Premier Inn -- nice location next to the river/Eye but often the most expensive PI in the country.

carolyn

It's always a challenge looking for the right hotel, isn't it? We have stayed at the Millennium Gloucester as well as the Millennium Bailey's which is right beside the Gloucester Road tube station. FWIW, I liked the Bailey's better.

lanejohann

Ccooo I did reply! Ergggg Internet problems!

Ok had a look at the travel lodge...I think we can do a bit better

Kinda looking at the county hall premier inn

Looked at the map
Seems like Waterloo is the station
Major road to cross? No probs with lugging bags?

Thinking that we might risk it and just go for it...just to experience another bit of London rather than playing it safe withe Leicester sq option we enjoyed last time

Thanks everyone for all your advice and tips
Truly appreciate your generosity when sharing info!

janisj

>>Major road to cross? No probs with lugging bags? <<

Not a problem at all -- there are controlled intersections. Depending where you are coming from the Westminster station is also close and might be more convenient. It is across the river and about a 10 minute walk, but Waterloo is closer/easier.