Hello Fodorites! My sister and I are taking her son to London as he will be attending Westminster University in the fall. We arrive in London on September 18th and need a hotel recommendation near the University --309 Heddon Street, London W1B 2UW, south of Regent's Park, near the West End. We'd like to keep the rate fairly low in the $200 per night or less range. We don't need fancy, just clean, bathroom en suite, and convenient. Of course, charming doesn't hurt Any recommendations or advice is greatly appreciated as I have never been to London and it has been many years for my sister.

Best regards,
Rene

If that price is for 3 adults I think you may have problems. If it's just you and your sister and you don't mind sharing a bed it should be OK. However, don;t limit yourself to such a specific areas. the tube goes everywhere - and I would focus more on being on the line that goes closest to the school than trying to find a palae in the immediate vicinity.

If it is for 2 people try bidding on Priceline. We recently had a winning bid of $95USD a night and got the Victoria Park Plaza for two weeks in September. We had a $10 a night coupon through the Entertainment Book so without it, the more likely winning bid would be $105 a night. We bid on a 4 star hotel in Westminster, which is not that far from the University (may not be walking distance, though, depending on the hotel). To find out how to bid on Priceline, got to www.biddingfortravel.com.

It is true that it is sometimes hard to find an inexpensive room for three in London; you will probably have to go with one of the larger places. (Americans are used to a standard two queens in a room arrangement, and that is just not common). Five years ago we stayed at the Thistle near Euston station, and they could accommodate a family of five in one room; that's not terribly far from Regent's park, and they often have very good deals in conjunction with airfare.

Travelodge do family rooms - they are not glamorous but are reliable and clean. At Euston, Marylebone and Kings cross ++++.
So close to transport and walkable on a nice morning.

Be quick though they are very popular.

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. It will be just me and my sister at the hotel. My nephew will be in his dorm room. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you all so much.

I will be in Dublin and Ireland in September and found great hotel deals through a website called hotelscombined.com.
This site scans dozens of other hotel websites around the world and then produces the best rates for particular dates.
The website referred me to GTAhotels.com which is a consolidator like priceline.

Have a look at www.londontown.com

If you key in your dates then click on the hotel map, it will show you where the hotels are located and the price. Then you can get more info about particular hotels and book. We've used them quite a lot and usually pay at the hotel on arrival, not before.

Kay

Excellent tips! I'll take a look at the websites you all mentioned. Thank you so much!

Rene