We only have one day in London and want a hotel central located so we can hit the highlights (we will be traveling in from Normandy that morning). The next morning we are flying out of Gatwick 9 AM. Where do you suggest we base ourselves? I was thinking Victoria Station area but don't want to spend too much (just need clean with good location).
Any suggestions?

There are MANY hotels near Victoria Station - what is your budget?

BTW - While Victoria IS very convenient for LGW, there are other trains to Gatwick besides the Express, and some from to to other stations other than Victoria. .

I would like to stay under $200 if possible. We have a flight out at 8:45 from Gatwick so I would "like" to be within walking distance of the train. Is there another easy way to do this? This is our first trip so I'm a newbie. Any help is appreciated!

The absolute easiest hotel would be Thistle Victoria, because that's right at or practically in Victoria station. I'm not sure if 100 pounds (approx. $200 USD) is enough or not - you'd have to check for your date.

Note that the Gatwick Express is not your only option for getting to Gatwick, although it is a good one. The Southern trains are somewhat cheaper, and also run from Victoria Station.

The First Capital Connect trains are also good, although they run less frequently, and you would have more choice of train stops with those.

I remember that a couple of other hotels that people recommend in this area are Luna and Simone, and Cherry Court Hotel.

How do you arrive into London?

If I had a flight that early - and only one day in London, I'd get a hotel near the airport (Priceline?) and head there after my day of playing in London. You'll have to leave a central London hotel pretty early in the am to get to the airport for check-in and security, etc.

I'm with Noe847. We had a flight out of Gatwick at about 11:00 am as I recall this past June, and per the airline recommendations at the time we arrived at Gatwick at least 3 hours prior to our flight (it was our return flight to the US). We were shocked at how early they were closing check in to flights at Gatwick this summer. Despite arriving at least 3 hours prior to our flight we had to wait in a long time in line to check in. By the time we got to check in - they were rushing to close check in for that flight and there were still at least 100 people behind us in line waiting to check in.

The train ride from Victoria Station on the Gatwick express is about 30 min. The train ride from Victoria on the Southern train is about 35-40 min (the Southern is cheaper).

It will probably take you about 10 or so minutes to walk to Victoria from one of the very closeby hotels.

Assuming that you don't have any delays, waiting in line to get train tickets, etc. You will have to leave your Victoria Station area hotel around 4:45am. If you stay at one of the hotels close to Gatwick, you will still have to leave your hotel about 5:30am or so if its very close by.

I am basing these times on an international flight, and the recommended arrival times last summer. Obviously you would need to adjust these times if you are not travelling internationally and if Gatwick has revised its recommendations.

Thank you all for your recommendations. My husband, for medical reasons will have to rest at some point in the day, and I'm the "Energizer Bunny" so I will keep exploring while he rests. That was my thought to have a hotel close to the action in the Victoria Station area.

Is there any good locations between Victoria Station & Gatwick you would recommend?

There is nothing between Victoria Station and Gatwick. (well, except for the vast expanse of South London).

You either want to stay near Victoria or you want to stay near Gatwick. In your situation, w/ your husband needing to rest and you wanting to sightsee -- I'd <u>definitely</u> stay in Victoria. The train to LGW only takes about 30 mins so you would want to be on the train by about 0600-ish. Not that much earlier than you'd need to be leaving a Gatwick hotel.

I think that is the best idea too. I'm trying to book at the Thistle Victoria Station.

Thanks for your help.