I'm in the beginning planning stages of a trip to London for myself, my husband, and our 2 teenagers. We'll go either in the September/October time frame or possibly next spring. When we went a couple of years ago we stayed at the London County Hall Travel Inn, but now the kids are too tall to fit comfortably in the pull out sofa bed. Is it possible to get an ensuite family room somewhat centrally located for $200 or less per night? A flat would be okay too, but I don't know how to go about looking for one. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My sister-in-law found a lovely flat for six of us at londonconnections.com.

Denise,<BR>We've rented flats when in London and it is so convenient to have a kitchen even if you are not into big time cooking! <BR>This past April we stayed at Scala House and it worked really well. If you are looking for deluxe accommodations then I'd suggest some fancy hotel, but for decent, clean accommodations I'd recommend it. They have a web site and if you write for info the owner, Ken Palos, is very nice (tell him Lori recommended him). All the apts are 2 bedrooms (one of the bedroom is small tho and only fits a double bed, the other is a kingsize bed (or you can ask for twins in there). There is a full bathroom and a "clock room" which is a toilet and small sink. This is very convenient!!! The living room and dining area were good sized (table easily seats 4-6 people). The kitchen was very nice, includes dishwasher, microwave, pots/pans, dishes, etc. Also a combo washer/dryer. I will say that the w/d is only good for small loads tho, but it is handy to have. Also have iron, ironing board and towels are changed every three days. <BR>The apt. is around the corner from the Goodge St. Tube stop (Northern Line) and is very convenient!! Buses run northbound on Tottenham Court Rd and southbound (a couple of blocks away) on Gower St. There is a Tesco Grocery store one block from the apt. and a Sainsbury's suprmarket about 4 blocks. Marks & Spencer is opening a food store on Tottenham Court Rd. soon too. Boots (pharmacy) is on Tottenham Court Rd and there are scads of places to eat on Charlotte St. (one block behind apt).<BR>As for general neighborhood, well to be honest Tottenham Court Rd is not London's prettiest street - it's commercial and busy, but the apt. is one block off it. Prices are very reasonable for a 2 bedroom apt. Again, it is not deluxe living, but we found it more then adequate and already have reservations for April 2003. The bldg. is safe (as anything can be in this world) and they have a night porter on duty. We had a great view of London from our 9th fl. windows too. Lots of closet space too I should also say.<BR><BR>We've also stayed at an apartment at St. Katherine's Marina which was very nice, but a little to inconvenient tube wise for running back and forth during the day. (about 15 min. walk to the tube) The marina is lovely tho. Also have used Nick Price's (check Price apartments onthe web). Again, these are primarily basic apartments, nothing fancy and not for everyone. His apartments were located near Baker St. which is also convenient. Space wise, Scala House has been the best.<BR><BR>You will get lots of recommendations for apartments, there are many in London, but many are quite expensive too. I'd say Scala House fits your price range well and as long as you are not expecting furnishings like Buckingham Palace then it will be fine! <BR><BR>I don't post my actual e-mail address but if you are interested I can get back to you.<BR><BR>Also, I'd recommend a car driver pick up service sine there are four of you (much cheaper then the Heathrow Express). We always use Ray Skinner at www.london-transfers.com. Great guy and great convenience. One flat fee,plus tip at your discretion. If you book with him please tell him Lori recommended him!! I've recommended him a couple of times on this forum and everyone has been pleased.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip planning.<BR>

Try E&E apartments [email protected].<BR><BR>They manage individual 1 and 2 bedroom flats throughout Pimlico and Victoria that average &pound;70 to &pound;100 per night. Scala House is very nice but is quite a bit more expensive than these apartments.<BR><BR>Pimlico is a nice residential area with lots of nice pubs and restaurants near the river, Tate Britain, Victoria Station, Chelsea, Buckingham Palace etc.

Denise,<BR><BR>You MAY be able to hook a special rate at a central London chain hotel (like a Holiday Inn, Hilton, Marriott, etc) for a room that will accomodate 4 people. Holiday Inn usually allows kids under 18 to stay free in the parents room...but the two double bed set-up is hardly ideal. Still it is worth scanning the hotel chain websites or calling their central reservations services. <BR><BR>Keep in mind that the chains have central and not-so-central properties and high quality and not-as-high quality offerings in London. In my mind, the more central, the better to avoid adding commuter logistics to your visit.<BR><BR>If you decide to search for a flat, I've heard some good things on this board about the service run by Nick Price (http://www.priceapts.co.uk)...this is not a personal recommendation though.<BR><BR>Dave White<BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com