Tony

I've already obtained a lot of information from this forum and am appreciative to all who contribute. However, I can't seem to find the answer to a simple question. Which area is the best (most convenient and centrally located) for someone who wants to stay in London for 7-10 days, take in all the tourist type sites London has to offer, see a play or two, and generally get a good feel for the city? Also, what opinions are there regarding staying at a hotel versus a self catering apartment? We are a family of 4 including two teenage daughters. Thanks for the assistance.

Sondra

We prefer to stay in the Sloane Square area. Its very central for shopping, dining, etc.. But you will pay dearly for the convenience. What you first need to do is start checking out hotel rates in London, which is easily done on the web. You might decide to give up central location for reasonable lodgings!

Lori

Tony, <BR>Everyplace in London is so easily accessible via tube I don't think it's a real problem to go anyplace quickly. We've been staying the last couple of years at Dorset Square, about 3 blocks from Baker St. & Regents Park - there are several underground lines/bus lines there and it is a matter of minutes to just about anyplace, including theaters. What may be convenient for one activity i.e. staying in Covent Garden for example for theater activity may not be convenient for visiting the V&A for example, but with the tube you can get to the V&A in minutes, while if you stayed in Kensington you can get to Covent Garden in minutes. It's not an easy question to answer! Convenience/location also depends a great deal on how much you are willing to spend. The Earls Court area is less money than Mayfair area would be for example, etc. Personally we like being away from the big tourist sites a bit and enjoy staying in a residential area but it's a personal preference. There are a zillion hotels in the Bayswater area and it is very convenient to many sights, but personally I feel it is too crowded simply because there are a zillion hotels -- again, personal preference. <BR> <BR>As for the apartment question, I'd go for an apartment, particularly with 2 teenagers! Of course you have to realize that there is no daily maid service in most apartments (unless you choose a very expensive flat) and if that is an issue I'd vote for a hotel. We always stay in an apartment and love the freedom it give us (and more room!!) <BR>It's great to have a kitchen to have breakfast in and occasionally another meal or two when you don't feel like going out again. Apartment rentals vary greatly in price and type of accommodation/location which is a factor as well. We've rented from Nick Price (Price Apartments) several times and he's a great guy to do business with. While I do not know your budget or expectations he does have a newly remodeled 2 bedroom apartment on Balcombe St. (near Baker St) that might interest you. It has a full bath plus a 1/4 bath (toilet/sink) and with teenagers having that would be an asset I think. We actually saw this apartment in April when we were there and he had just finished having it painted, recarpeted and new appliances, etc. and it looked very nice - one bedroom had a queen bed and the other twins. It's in a residential area and I believe Nick rents it for 789 pounds/week but you could check his web site. The area is very safe and right off Dorset Sq. and between Baker St. and Marylebone Station (also tube stop). Of course you can spend lots more on an apartment too, it depends on your budget and needs. Apartments can be fun because you can shop for a few necessities in local stores, etc. and get a better feel for a place than you can in a hotel we think. Happy Planning.

Penny

Tony, <BR> <BR>I just returned from a week in London with my teenage daughter. We stayed in Earl's Court, as someone had said that might be an interesting area for her--near Kensington, etc. It was definitely affordable. However, I felt it was too far out of the center of the city, and I would not recommend that location. I kicked myself the entire time. When we had tickets to a show and wanted to get back to the hotel to clean up, it took just too long--sometimes an hour round trip, what with waiting for a train, making a connection, walking to the hotel. Some evenings we ended up eating our dinner on the fly on the way to a show. <BR> <BR>I would recommend Bloomsbury. I've stayed there three times with my husband. From there, it's easy to walk to the theater district, and you're closer to some of the key sites. <BR> <BR>Someone also had told me about the Fielding Hotel in Covent Garden, which was reasonably priced. I saw the exterior when I was there, and it looked like it might be a fun place to say. I think the rooms are small and funky, though, and perhaps not appropriate for a family. <BR> <BR>From what I've heard from others, apartments seem to be a great idea for families. That's how I'd go next time if my whole family makes the trip. But I'd definitely go for Bloomsbury/Covent Garden. <BR> <BR>

elaine

Londoner Ben Haines had once recommended the following convenient areas, based on nearby attractions, ease of transportation, moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, etc <BR>South Kensington, Bayswater, the West End, Bloomsbury, The Strand, and Victoria. <BR>In Ben's view, Paddington and Earl's Court are too far out to be convenient for tourists. <BR>As a visitor, I can recommend the South Ken. and Bloomsbury areas as very pleasant and convenient.

elvira

As we stay in Swiss Cottage for the most part, I can't recommend a close-in location (take Ben Haines' advice for that). <BR> <BR>I can recommend the apartment, though. It gives you more room and privacy and aloneness (no one who is trying to sleep has to watch the flickering light from the TV); it's nice to have a place to store Coke and juice, and the half of the sandwich you couldn't finish. It's also fun to go grocery shopping ("Mom, do we need clotted cream?"), and, if after a day of sightseeing, you're too tired to eat out, you can buy takeaway, or get some groceries, and spend the evening in. <BR> <BR>The only drawback - if Mom ends up cooking and cleaning, it's not much of a vacation for her. Everyone has to share in the chores for it to work.

becky

We spent a week at the Commodore Hotel between Lancaster Gate and Queensway tube stations in March. Although the rooms were small, they were clean, staff wonderful, continental breakfast, and we found the location to be very central to attractions. We had two rooms. One for my husband and me, one with 3 beds for our kids (11, 15, 17 yrs.). We used Steve Woodmore's service to pick us up from Gatwick and for our return trip. Very reasonable and dependable.

lisa

definately bloomsbury... preferably tottemcourt area..close to the tube (about a block) resturanst, british museum. check the foders hotel guide for a listing in that are.. you can find a hotel with 'flat" type rooms.. the rates will be a pleasant suprise.

Dave Hutchinson

My wife and I recently stayed at The Intercontinental Hotel near the Hyde Park tube stop. A large, wonderful hotel that is very convenient to everything..-Dave- www.CrazyAboutTravel.com

Ann

Tony, here's another vote for a flat rather than a hotel. We were lucky enough to rent a flat in Hempstead for so little I won't even go into it, but we (husband and 16 year old daughter) loved being slightly outside the city in July where the temperature was much more pleasant during a rare heat wave. The down side was not being able to return to our flat in the middle of the day to rest/change etc. The up side was feeling like we were part of the neighborhood (and what a fabulous neighborhood), having lots of room, allowing husband to sleep while daughter and I could be up without disturbing him, shopping at local markets and having food/bev on hand. Transportation by tube was fast and easy, and the local tube employees got to know us within a day or two (helping us buy the most reasonable daily passes, etc.). My only problem now is that my husband only wants to return to "our" flat, and it's only available during the month of August...and we're not likely to return during that month again. Oh bother! But, with two teens, I'd go for the flat any day. Have a great trip.

Ann

OOPS!!! Meant heat wave in August in previous post. Sorry.