I'm going crazy sorting through the hotels and rates. Not familiar with some of the hotels and not sure what a good bargain rate would be in central london during these economic times. I would like 3-4 stars extremely close to tube stop and safe area.

I am a bit of a budget travele and have stayed many times at the Columbia Hotel in Lancaster Gate. It's close to two tube stops and in a very convenient area. If you want something more upscale, I have also stayed at the Hilton in Park Lane. I believe I also stayed at the Thistle Kensington Palace. That hotel chain has lovely hotels. I hope this helps a little bit.

Jamila, Not sure what your price range is but my favorite area is near the Gloucester/Cromwell area. Three choices would be Hotel Montana (cheapest), Millenium Baileys (middle) and Vanderbilt (priciest). I've stayed at each and would not hesitate to stay at either again. It's very convenient to everywhere.

Try www.londontown.com<BR><BR>They seem to have a lot of midrange bargains (some as low as &pound;60); some high-range and budget also. But don't forget their prices do not include the 17.5% VAT tax.<BR><BR>The Thistle Lancaster Gate (60&pound; double, breakfast included), for example, looks to be right next to the Lancaster Gate tube stop.<BR>

I just booked Thistle Trafalgar Square (4 *)for the same period as yours from www.Londontown.com, the rate is 77 pounds including breakfast.<BR><BR>I have enjoyed staying around Trafalgar Square very much, it is close to all museums, art galleries, concert halls and theatres, plus right at tube and major train stations.<BR><BR>

try priceline.com, you can select your star level and the area you stay in, though you won't know the hotel you've gotten until your bid has been accepted...

I was hoping to spend 60-65 pounds including VAT/ per night. Since tourism is down, is it possible to get this?

on priceline I am paying $50 a night for the Thistle Kensington Palace (three stars) in July...

p.s. - it is about a 5-10 minute walk to the nearest tube stop through a plesant shopping district.

Is High Street Kensington the closest tube stop?

My friends and are are going to London May 6 through May 9. We are staying at the Niki Hotel. It seems very pratical and is in a good location. You can check their website out at: www.nikihotel.com We booked on hotels.com and got it for $69.00 a night.

High Street Kensington is the closest stop.

I am sure that this has been suggested many times before, but try LondonTown.com. Using their site I was able to get a double room at the Thistle Kensington Gardens, including breakfast for 57 pounds/night (+VAT). This will be for May. From what I can tell, this hotel is maybe equivalent to a a *** hotel in the U.S.<BR><BR>I have been very tempted to try Priceline, but find it to be a little bit risky.

I am in London on the 18th-21st, and I got a room on Priceline for $70 a night, a 4 star hotel in Bloomsbury.

Justin -- which hotel in Bloomsbury? I'm right now gearing up for Priceline bidding. (&amp; I know Bloomsbury a bit, stayed there a couple of times.)