chernsu

I will be traveling to London in August with 7 adults, ages 50-82. I've been through so many threads trying to piece together the best hotel options that will meet everyone's need...approx $200/night, close to transportation, clean, safe area, 4 rooms. The two possible choices are Hyde Park Premier London Paddington and Holiday Inn Regents Park. I don't want to pick one of these just because i'm tired of researching!! Any personal experiences with either of these?

Also, looked at possibiity of staying just outside of London to get more for the buck. But, have to consider having my 82 year old mom with transportation so we don't want to go too far.

Many thanks.

Cathinjoetown

Staying outside London will not necessarily save you money, depending on transportation costs and options, so just be aware of that when making a decision.

I can't help you with your two options, no personal experience. Again, check walking distance to nearest tube or bus stop. Buses might be a better option for your mom.

mamcalice

I'm not familiar with your 2 options so can't help there. But do not stay outside of London. Your mother may want to rest during the day so a centrally located hotel is essential. Have you searched this board, using the names of your 2 hotels to see if others have stayed and have something to offer?

Tulips

I would go for the Hyde Park Premier - it's close to Lancaster Gate, and the Central Line is convenient. Good bus links too.
But the Regent's Park one is not bad either.

No personal experience for either hotel, just commenting on the location.

Don't stay further out, as others have said, you'll spend more on transport, and it's nice to be able to go back to your hotel if you're tired.

stokebailey

We liked Holiday Inn Regent's Park just fine. Clean, and comfortable beds. Close to several modes of transportation, and an easy walk to Queen Mary's Rose Garden (where I hear roses have been in bloom for weeks now) and the pubs of Fitzrovia. Quite walkable to other interesting areas.

But I like Bloomsbury in general more than the Hyde Park area.

janisj

If I had total choice, I wouldn't stay at either one. But if those were my only options, I'd probably choose the Holiday Inn regents park.

Why did you pick these two specifically?

chernsu

Thank you all for your good advice about not staying outside of town. We'll stick with somewhere closer to the center of things.

janisj - we narrowed down to those two due to budgets, needing four rooms for the 3 nights and wanting an option for a refund closer to the stay date. Several in our price range were non-refundable. Do you have any other suggestions we should consider.

dorfan2

Have you thought of a rental flat?
http://londonconnection.com/ is a US based company I have used twice - they have a 5 bedroom property near South Kensington tube station and 2 two bedroom properties next door to each other near the Covent Garden tube station. (Both under $200 per bedroom) When my DH and I traveled with our bro.-in-law, it was nice to have a shared living area to watch TV, talk about arrangements, etc. Added bonus of a small kitchen and a washer/dryer available. And it was cheaper than two hotel rooms.
This company also provides transportation to and from the airport for an added cost.

dorfan2

Just noticed your 2nd post about refund option. London Connections does have a refund policy, but also offers trip insurance that I bought due to mother-in-law with very bad health at the time of our last trip. In case you are interested, the 5 bed. property is on Gore St. and the two 2 bed. properties are on Shelton St. - don't know your dates in Aug., but both are available for part of the month.

stokebailey

Let me just say again that my daughter and I stayed in the Holiday Inn Regent's Park three or four years ago, and it fit all of your requirements above: clean, safe (and bonus, interesting enough yet quiet enough) area, close to bus and Tube stops. Elevators and all the modern conveniences. Rooms are on the small side, but not for London. Not chic or olde charm, but I'd be interested in reasons why it doesn't fit your bill, from someone who has stayed there more recently.

I entirely sympathize with trying to make an entire group happy, but this should be a safe choice. You could jump on HI and keep your options open for something snazzier.

chernsu

dorfan2 - good suggestion. I'll check out flat rentals. If we can get enough rooms for all 7 of us, it might work out better. Thanks.

jstan

I have followed your posts on your trip to London. Where did you end up staying and would you recommend it. What did your itinerary end up like for your 2 days in London? I am going in June this year...6 of us and am interested how it all went.

janisj

<B>jstan:</B> chernsu hasn't posted in nearly a year. You might want to start a new thread of your own. There are many of London experts on Fodors and you'll get lots of help.

Portdane

WELL, I SEE THIS IS ALMOST A YEAR AGO -

WE STAYED IN A WONDERFUL HOTEL WITH AN EXCELLENT LOCATION - THE 'LONDON EYE' WAS JUST AROUD THE CORNER AND A WALK ACROSS THE BRIGE WAS THE PARLIAMENT BUILDING - PERFECT - THE NAME IS -

- PREMIER TRAVEL INN -

Not sure if its the same name, that was a few years ago.