JC98

Hi all,

We'll be stopping over in London for Sat / Sun / Mon stay. Flying back to the U.S. on Tues morning at 9:30 a.m. Where's a good base to stay during that time--convenient for sightseeing? Is it advisable to stay near Heathrow the night before our flight?

It's been more than 15 years since I last went to London, so I don't mind doing all the major sights all over again,, esp now I'm going with my DH who is a first timer. There must new places that I haven't seen, like the Tate Modern, etc.

Also, if you could recommend a perfect 3 days itinerary that would be great, including good restaurant recommendations.

Thanks!

sassy_cat

When? If you provide dates then posters can be more specific
What are your interests? The perfect itinerary might include lots of art museums for some and others might prefer the cabinet war rooms

You don't need to stay at Heathrow before your flight

sassy_cat

Oops forgot... good restaurants?
What's your budget? Food preferences?

Lots of good areas to stay. Budget is key here... $ per night?

nytraveler

For useful restaurant recos you need to provide a budget (specific amount - not just moderate) and the types of food you like/dislike.

JC98

Coming up in 2 weeks. We're interested in museums and churches, markets, parks, seeing the major sights, hanging out. Anything beautiful, unique, or quintessentially London. We want to do everything on our own, at our own pace--no tours.

How far is Heathrow from central London? The flight is 9:30 a.m.

We just booked the trip, so I do need to do my homework, to remember where things are in London. But appreciate if you could help speed things up, as the trip is coming up soon. (We're also going to Germany/Austria before this, and I have a separate thread of questions. This whole trip just came up, so a mad rush in research here.)

Thanks!

JC98

In terms of restaurants, we're looking for something unique and local to London. We could splurg on a few meals if it's really worth it. $100 pp.

JC98

Wow, London is extremely expensive! Any recommended hotels for around $200 and conveniently located? Better if it's an international chain, so at least we'll get some points out of the stay.

Thanks!

sassy_cat

$200 is possible but NOT for an international chain hotel.

London is slightly cheaper than NYC for hotel prices and you can find reasonable cheap accommodation for less than NYC but Marriott/ Hyatt etc are out your budget range.

Travelodges are cheap and fairly basic (think Motel 6 or Days inn) but as you're booking so late expect to pay about $150 per night (around 100 pounds).
www.travelodge.co.uk

Are you interested in B&B's ?

sassy_cat

Premier Inn is a step up from Travelodge and may just be within your budget (rates go up at weekends).

County Hall is a good location www.premierinn.com

JC98

Yes, I'm open to B&B as well. Location matters, and somewhere convenient to public transport and for sightseeing. Also my DH needs to go outside of London on Monday for a biz meeeting (it's near Heathrow).

Thanks!

JerryS

First, central London is about 30 or so minutes to Heathrow, although I am not sure what traffic would be like on Monday morning when you leave for the airport. With a 9:30 flight, i assume you will leave no later than 6:30 or so to be on the safe side.
As for hotels, try bidding on Priceline. If you do so bid 4 star and pick a well located neighborhood. We bid 4 star on Priceline for 3 nights in mid-May and chose Kensington as our location. Our bid of $125 a night (probably a bit higher than needed) wasa immediately accepted by the Kensington Marriott.
Good luck and have a great trip.

sassy_cat

I'd leave at 6am or earlier to make that flight (depending on where you stay)

Priceline is a good idea. For a weekend in June it might cost a bit more for 4 star but it should be within your budget.

avalon

First try Londontown.com for hotels. I have booked recently at 2 hotels in South Kensington for under 90 GBP. , Millenium Gloucester for upcoming trip and Grosvenor Kensington for a trip this past MArch. Alll ideally located for transport and services. I do not like priceline because you take what they give yu, I like to know exaCTLY WHERE i;LL BE!

The Tate Britain and The Tate Modern leave me cold. I much prefer the National Gallery or the V&A or the Wallace collection. The only reason I go to the Tate Britain is to see a special exhibit and to take the boat across to South Bank!

For restaurants try Venosi on Sloane Avenue, Cote on Kensington Court, Chez Gerard on Kensington High Street, Racine on Cromwell Rd < Orsini on Cromwel or if your udget allows La Famiglia on Lengston St. Or check out toptable.com for 2 for 1 offers

JC98

Thanks, all, for good info. Which neighborhood is most centrally located? We would like an area that's happening at night (with people on the streets) and reasonably safe, and walkable to sights. Close to the river would be great.

Is Kensington convenient, but it seems further west? Or should we try to stay near Trafalgar Square?


Also, thinking of walking over the river to the Tate Modern on Sat night since it opens late then. Which bridge is best in terms of views and pedestrian friendly? Safe to walk around in that area after 9 p.m.?

Thanks!

avalon

Try the Millenium Bridge to get to Southbank.South Kensington is in Walking distanceto the V&A ,Natural History Museum, Kengton Palace and park, Though for that I'd hop on the 49 bus and save my feet.
It is perfectly safe ,lots of life on the Southbank .

You can be at Trafalgar in under 10 minutes by bus