Need accommodation advice for staying in central London
#1
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Need accommodation advice for staying in central London
I will be flying into Gatwick and am interested in accommodations in the central London area. I found a number of places that were in Bayswater, Earl's Court, (Kensington area) which as I remember is nice. I
We are 5 people total (3 adults and two children) BUT the places can not accommodate us in a large suite or room. We'd have to book two or three rooms.
Also if you have any suggestions on travel from Gatwick into London.
thursdaysd mentioned staying at Grosvenor House on Drury Lane. I will check that out as well.
We are 5 people total (3 adults and two children) BUT the places can not accommodate us in a large suite or room. We'd have to book two or three rooms.
Also if you have any suggestions on travel from Gatwick into London.
thursdaysd mentioned staying at Grosvenor House on Drury Lane. I will check that out as well.
#2
I personally would not stay in any of those areas . . . especially w/ arrival at (and I assume departure from) Gatwick.
And most especially not Bayswater.
You can get into basically three areas of Central London by direct train from LGW. Victoria, London Bridge, and Kings Cross/St Pancras ( a few other places too but these are the most convenient for sightseeing). Or, if you want to stay in a different area -- if you find a place on the Victoria, or Piccadilly tube lines you'll be w/i easy commute of either Victoria or Kings Cross/St Pancras
I'd choose either around Victoria or in Bloomsbury for easiest - but there are tones of other places. Covent Garden (the Drury Lane area) is VERY central.
What is your budget? How long are you in London? If more than just a few nights, I'd definitely look into renting a flat.
And most especially not Bayswater.
You can get into basically three areas of Central London by direct train from LGW. Victoria, London Bridge, and Kings Cross/St Pancras ( a few other places too but these are the most convenient for sightseeing). Or, if you want to stay in a different area -- if you find a place on the Victoria, or Piccadilly tube lines you'll be w/i easy commute of either Victoria or Kings Cross/St Pancras
I'd choose either around Victoria or in Bloomsbury for easiest - but there are tones of other places. Covent Garden (the Drury Lane area) is VERY central.
What is your budget? How long are you in London? If more than just a few nights, I'd definitely look into renting a flat.
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Thanks so much janisj. We'll be there for 4-5 nights so maybe a flat would be much cheaper. Should I check out AirBnB? I'd like to pay around $150 - $200 USD if possible. I've seen a number of hotels in that range, I can pay a little more if need be.
Victoria, London Bridge & Kings Cross/S. Pancras - will check these areas out.
What is the best way to travel from Gatwick? As I recall (many years ago) we traveled by train I believe into London. More recently we've always traveled via Heathrow.
Victoria, London Bridge & Kings Cross/S. Pancras - will check these areas out.
What is the best way to travel from Gatwick? As I recall (many years ago) we traveled by train I believe into London. More recently we've always traveled via Heathrow.
#8
Please ask yourself THIS question: is where I end up staying going to be driven by reaching it from Gatwick? Depending on how you agree to travel, you should be able to get anywhere in London from Gatwick. There's the Tube, buses, and taxi cabs once you reach the city by rail.
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Thanks Dukey I think as janis mentioned I can take the train and which train will depend on where I finally make plans to stay.
Seamus I thought so too, but there are surprisingly many places I've seen on Trip Advisor for around $185 to $200. These traditional hotels have small rooms and may not accommodate 5 people without getting two rooms. But also as a few people have mentioned they've stayed at LSE and U of London which some rooms can accommodate larger numbers for around 50 pounds (give or take range).
I familiar with staying in university dorms and for our purposes it makes sense this trip ... if it works out.
We'll be staying for about 4 or 5 days end of June.
Seamus I thought so too, but there are surprisingly many places I've seen on Trip Advisor for around $185 to $200. These traditional hotels have small rooms and may not accommodate 5 people without getting two rooms. But also as a few people have mentioned they've stayed at LSE and U of London which some rooms can accommodate larger numbers for around 50 pounds (give or take range).
I familiar with staying in university dorms and for our purposes it makes sense this trip ... if it works out.
We'll be staying for about 4 or 5 days end of June.
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I'm also waiting for information from the U of London.
In the meantime if anyone has further suggestions for central London hotels and or AirBnB I would appreciate any additional advice.
In the meantime if anyone has further suggestions for central London hotels and or AirBnB I would appreciate any additional advice.
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I emailed the U of London but they said they only allowed students to stay in the dorm rooms and visitors could stay for up to 8 days but had to be sponsored by or a guest of the student.
I wish I could find out more but it is hard to speak to someone directly because of the time difference.
Thanks thrusdaysd.
I wish I could find out more but it is hard to speak to someone directly because of the time difference.
Thanks thrusdaysd.
#16
is this the site you used for UoL? http://vacations.london.ac.uk
no need to phone and no 'sponsorships' required.
Same as LSE and a few others -- regular on-line booking just like a hotel or hostel.
no need to phone and no 'sponsorships' required.
Same as LSE and a few others -- regular on-line booking just like a hotel or hostel.
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Thanks again.
Janis your UoL information is great. I tried to book for the dates we will be there but the response was it wasn't available.
I will continue to check because sometimes something comes up at the last minute. Should I or can I call to inquire?
Any other suggestions for Airbnb? We are a family of 5 (3 adults two elemen. age kids).
As far as central London hotels DD would like something off the main street and fragrance free. Any suggestions?
KTravel will check -- it's basically a turn around (5 days) so we don't want anything expensive. Prefer 150 to 200 Euros per night.
Janis your UoL information is great. I tried to book for the dates we will be there but the response was it wasn't available.
I will continue to check because sometimes something comes up at the last minute. Should I or can I call to inquire?
Any other suggestions for Airbnb? We are a family of 5 (3 adults two elemen. age kids).
As far as central London hotels DD would like something off the main street and fragrance free. Any suggestions?
KTravel will check -- it's basically a turn around (5 days) so we don't want anything expensive. Prefer 150 to 200 Euros per night.
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My suggestion would be a two bed apartment. Look on Owners Direct or Holiday Lettings. Booking.com also has a section for apartment bookings. We stayed close to the Tower of London last time in a modern apartment and found getting around very easy from there. We used mostly the buses and the Thames boats and occasionally the tube. The South bank is also somewhere many people don't consider. I love being close to the Thames - so lovely to walk along there after a busy days sightseeing and stop for a drink at one of the pubs. We caught a taxi (booked on line) from London to Gatwick. For 5 people it is a no brainer!