cparris, If you'd like more details on the Thistle Trafalgar Square and restaurants closeby, check out my recent trip report. Just click on my author name and look for "A Great Trip to London & Paris!" Hope this helps.

I had good luck staying in the Bloomsbury area a few years ago, near the Russell Square tube stop. Plenty of reasonably-priced hotels around, and a few very nice pubs. Plus the British Museum, which was one of my reasons for going.

One suggestion: check out a good map; if you know some of the locations you want to visit, that can help you pick your lodgings accordingly.

Bon voyage!

It really depends on what you want to spend most of you time doing. No matter what neighborhood you're in make sure you're very close to a tube stop - even if you prefer taxis it can be hard to get one at rush hour or in the rain.) I would stay away from "South Kensington" Too often hotels described as being there are really in Earl's Court, which can be quite tacky. I prefer Knightsbridge or Mayfair (near Green Park is nice) or the Covent Garden area if you want to do a lot of theater. Knightsbridge is nice (I've done the Knightsbridge Millenium a couple of times and love it) because it has a lot of restaruants - in all categoreies - as well as a couple of gourmet delis - if you don't feel up to another big restaurant dinner.

Hi, In response to the note by "nytraveler" about your visit to the Millennium Knightsbridge Hotel, could I get more of a description of the hotel (i.e., condition, cleanliness, size)? I'm considering it for a trip in Jan. 2004 and would be interested in info from someone who has stayed there recently. Thanks.

I've always found the advice here to be "right on spot"! Quick question regarding lodging in the Covent Garden area: is anyone familiar with the Citadines Holburn-Covent Garden property or any of the other three Citadine properties in London? I'm interested in a room for four adults for our first time trip to London together? The amenities of an apartment (such as cooking facilities) have some appeal, but are not a necessity. Thanks in advance!