Kim

Hi, <BR> <BR>I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I could find reliable information on the relative safety of different areas in London. I know how to be cautious in big cities, I'm in Chicago often. But, we want to find relatively inexpensive lodging but want to make sure we'll be in a safe area. Thanks!

Nick Cole

<BR>Good areas: Battersa, Chelsea, Kensington, Chiswick, Hampstead, Fulham, Clapham, Dulwich, Islington, Putney, Richmond <BR>Average areas: Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, Finchley, Balham, Tooting, Forest Hill <BR>Bad areas: Brixton, Hoxton, Stepney, Stratford, Camden, Tower Hamlets <BR> <BR>It's v subjective, but the more you pay, the safer you stay.

elaine

This may be a duplicate of my response as I posted it a few minutes ago but it didn't show up. <BR> <BR>You should consult a good general-interest or a budget-oriented guidebook like Fodor's or Frommer's, and/or "Cheap Sleeps in London", and/or any student-oriented guidebooks like the "Let's Go" series. <BR>If your local bookstore doesn't have a good selection, go to the website <BR>amazon.com and you can find many many guidebooks. <BR>London is very large and you will end up with lots of choices. <BR>You might want to look into renting a flat, as well. <BR>Good luck.

kitty

I live in Finchley, and I would say it's a 'good' not an 'average' area ...

kam

I think anywhere in central London would be just fine, although there are street ladies near Kings Cross Station. If I were looking for inexpensive hotels I would look near Lancaster Gate in W2--Sussex Square and around there. Very close to Paddington Station. But, inexpensive is relative and I don't know what your budget is. Remember also if you go too far out, you'll spend a lot of time getting into the city where you want to be most of the time. Look at www.Londontown.com for good hotel info.

Betsy

Kam's right. I wouldn't stay near King's cross. I would though look for a place near Lancaster Gate/Paddington.There are many hotels in this area. It is near Imperial college, lots of students. And it is very centrally located to Hyde Park,Oxford street, Picadilly. <BR>Good Luck

David White

Kim, <BR> <BR>I agree that most areas of central London are safe, probably quite safe compared to some large US cities. <BR> <BR>"Inexpensive lodging" is almost an oxymoron in central London. To be honest, London hotels are often not up to the standards you would expect for the money they charge. Be very careful when selecting a tourist-class hotel. Try to find references in several sources before booking a room. <BR> <BR>That said, one a highly-rated "budget" hotel is the Travel Inn County Hall, located just across Westminster Bridge from Parliament. The rooms rent for just under £70 per night at this modern hotel. For this location, that qualifies as a bargain. <BR> <BR>Of course, there are many smaller, older, hotels and B&Bs in London. Many of them are not very close to the central tourist sights. For example, hotels in Bayswater, Earl's Court and South Kensington require a commute by Tube, bus or taxi to reach major tourist attractions. Lower cost hotels also cluster around Victoria rail station, which is a little bit closer in. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>David White <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com <BR> <BR>

kate

As far as major cities go, London is relatively safe and I have never felt threatened, even at night in more grotty parts of town (which you are unlikely to visit anyway). <BR> <BR>Most crime any tourist may encounter will be opportunistic theft in crowded places in the centre of town - bars/pubs and restaurants. I have my bag and purse stolen in the last 18 months in "respectable" areas of town. Simple rule - never put your bag down (under your chair in a pub, for instance). Just common sense I guess, something I've obviously not got much of.

gardenbabe

My husband & I stay @ the Sherlock Holmes Hotel, which is very conveniently located---1-2 blocks within a tube stop---?the Bayswater, pickup for both Hop-on-Hop-off tours & Madame Tussauds. They have any excellent staff, that went over & beyond to arrange for early morning taxi rides to the airport, early breakfast trays for tours before their great breakfast buffet opens. We are returning in Jan 2002 with my 81 yr old mother-in-law, sister & brother-in-law who have heard so much from us about London---they have to see for themselves! <BR> <BR>It is also only 30-40 mins walking distance from Trafalgher Square, for those walkers @ heart! <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!