First time to London - single traveler
 

Hi,
I have a couple of vacation days to use before the end of May and was thinking of going to London for 4-5 days.

As this is my first time there, I'd like to know where is the best location to stay where I can see all the sites, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Harrods.

Thanks

There really isn't a "best" location as it's down to personal preference. Mayfair is central as is South Kensington. Most places in Central London are convenient to major sites though since the public transport is so good.

But if you stayed in Mayfair or Knightsbridge/S. Ken you could easily walk to Harrod's and Buckingham Palace.

You can get good hotel deals through Priceline or Hotwire. Or give us an idea of budget and we can make hotel suggestions.

I often go to London solo; it's actually my preferred way to visit.

I usually stay in Bloomsbury. You can B&B or hotel. From there I walk to British Museum, City, covent Garden Trafalgar square,etc..

As is said there's not really a best. If you're within easy treach of a tube stop (and you will be) the London is your lobster.

The thing to remember is that London is very very big. So for example the V&A and the British museum are miles apart (but easily reached by tube).

Being solo shouldn't be a problem. We're quite reserved people and don't bother strangers (although we're friendly enough if that's what you want), and of course there's no language barrier.

BTW Harrods is crap. Go to Selfridges or Fortnums instead.

Thanks for the advice. I live in NY so used to a big city, but never travelled by myself. Since I want to leave around May 25, I checked expedia and the average package was around $1,500, including airfare. If someone could recommend hotels, I would appreciate it. Also, what are the must sees while there?

Thanks again

No such thing as a must see. You like what you like; others like what they like. Figure out what you like, look at what London has to offer, fit round pegs into round holes.

There is a website called Fodors.com that I think has suggested itineraries for travelers to London, an in-depth London guide and hotel and restaurant suggestions. The Seattle guy with the moppy hair who does PBS shows also has suggestions on his website, I think. The old guy who really started the modern travel guide business (Arthur F_____) has an eponymous website that also contains suggested itineraries, but this is a competitor's travel board so revealing his name isn't quite right.

And londontown.com is a very good resource.

I agree with C_W above -- Fortnum's over Harrod's any day and twice on Sunday. Not even a close call.

And I'd hardly consider Harrod's "one of the sites" of London.

I second the Bloomsbury area; right next to the British Museum and with very reasonable rates. The first time I went to London (I live 200 miles away) my must sees were Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and The Tower of London. A great way to see London fron the river is by taking a cruise from Westminster to Greenwich with commentary. Although a large city, like New York, the main areas are easily visited on foot, ie. Theatreland, Soho, London Eye, Covent Garden etc.

Bloomsbury is very nice. But when I'm on my own in London I almost always use priceline. Bidding in the Knightsbridge/South Kensington or Westminster zones will get you the lowest rates in the center w/o worrying about getting in an iffy neighborhood.

Check out biddingfortravel.com for ideas/bidding hints.

PL is great in London - the zones are clearly set out so you can avoid where you don't want to be; the rates are amazing; and you are guaranteed a double room. This is a big bonus for a single (not for THAT ;) ) Single rooms in London can be TINY. Being guaranteed a double for less than $100 a night is a luxury. Any hotel you get will be full service and near a tube station/bus routes.

And yes - ignore jimmy12. He'll be nuked soon enough. . . . .

You've gotten great suggestions for lodging. What are your interests? There is quite a lot to do and see in London.

Lee Ann

Unfortunately, I could not get a reasonable priced flight at such a late date. I'm going to try for end of June.
I will check out the Bloomsbury area and also look at priceline.
If I have any questions, I know where to go! :-)

Thanks everyone