Hello - my friend and I will be travelling to London for 2 nights after being in Tuscany for a week. We are hoping to get in some sightseeing, great shopping, beers at local pubs, and some bars/dance clubs (nothing to techno) at night.

The problem I am having is that I can not decide where the best area for us to stay is??? Should we get a hotel near Oxford/Regent street - any recommendations? We would like to be close to a tube stop so we can get around easily, but are trying to find a great location that will put us in a central location to maximize our time in London.

Any hotel suggestions, areas to stay in? I was there several years ago, but would love some opinions/advice. We are looking for a hotel up to about $200/night.

Thanks,
SMC Travel Girl

there are hundreds of hotels in central London and nearly all are near tube stations. $200 is less than £100 so that will limit you a bit. If it were me - I'd bid priceline and get a decent 4 star-ish hotel for around $100 plus tax. It would be much better quality than most £80-£90 hotel rooms.

The President Hotel( $200 should cover it just fine) Ask for the Rooftop rooms which have their own elevator and cost no more than the others. The hotel is just yards away from the Russel Square tube which is on the Picadilly line and links you directly with Covent Garden, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge (Harrod's), and of course Picadilly Circus.
Another plus is that it's a direct line from Heathrow.

I think Priceline is a pretty good suggestion but I would up your expectations to $100-$130/night plus tax. (Still a *bargain* for London) I've used PL in London twice this year and prices are definitely higher than in years past. I woudn't bid below PL's 4* designation.

Also, you mention going with a friend. Hopefully this a friend you don't mind sharing a bed with since a double or queen is what you're likely to get! The hotels tend to be the large international chains and mostly very convenient to tube stations.

Thanks Tod! I'll check out the President!

Thanks - the hotel price is really open - we really just want to be well located for ease of sightseeing, shopping and drinking!

before booking the President - I'd check out tripadvisor. Most LOVE the location, but otherwise about 1/2 liked it and 1/2 hated it.

As for the bed situation using Priceline - you are only quaranteed a room for 2. But I've always been able to get twin beds when needed upon check in (or sometimes by contacting the hotel directly after getting a winning bid). In fact, whenever I've used PL in London, I've been asked at check in what type of bed I wanted.

Janisj is right - The President is a very basic no frills but clean and comfortable hotel. I've stayed there twice and definitely found the rooftop rooms more convenient. Breakfast room is vast and you will get cereals, eggs & bacon, baked beans etc., no-one there to do you an omlette or scambled eggs - you take whats on offer but we weren't that bothered as long as there was tea and toast!

janisj is just the luckiest girl.

For the rest of us, though, it bears repeating that PL guarantees a room for two people, not the bedding arrangement of choice. I've had it go both ways.

Hopefully it's not an issue for SMC as PL is a good way to save money in London.

It's just me and a girlfriend travelling together so the bedding will not be an issue. I appreciate all of your prompt responses! Happy Travels!

We booked a room at the Bonnington in Bloomsbury through British Airways Holidays for $198 a night for this November.