London budget hotel question
 

I'm visiting some friends in London in March, and though I'd hope to stay with them, it may not be possible. I've priced some hotels/B and Bs and wanted some feedback. I'd like to spend between 50 and 60 GBP and want a single room with private WC/shower. I'm not especially fussy on location, but I'd like to be close to good Tube connections and in a safe area.

My choices thusfar are:

1) Wyndham Hotel - Marylebone - 59 GBP
2) Wardonia Hotel - Kings Cross - 45 GBP
3) Arran House Hotel - Goodge Street in Bloomsbury - 60 GBP
4) Hotel Meridiana - near Kings Cross
5) Arofsa Hotel - 55 GBP - Goodge Street

All hotels are pretty highly rated on tripadvisor, with main complaints being about the very small rooms and bathrooms.

I'm a bit concerned about the ones near Kings Cross ... isn't that kind of seedy? But maybe I have that area confused with Euston.

Any others I'm not considering? Kensington or a bit closer in to places like SoHo or St. James would be ideal, but probably way out of my price range.

Thanks!

Hi

I'm not a London expert but I loved the Kensington area. Try the Blue Bells Hotel - http://www.bluebellshotel.com. Didn't stay there but will do next time judging by its web presentation. Or you may like the B&B Belgravia - http://www.bb-belgravia.com

I've stayed twice at the Barkston Gardens in Earls Court, and found it to be quite okay for its price.
http://www.barkstongardens.com/

It's located one block east of Earls Court Road, so you don't get any traffic noise.

For a dummy reservation in mid March (weekdays) I got a quote of €77 (appr 55 GBP) for a single room w/ private bath via www.hrs.com

Tube is 2-3 minutes walking distance, and I would not call the area seedy, though you'll also find many backpackers hostals in that area. So the area is mostly hotels, hostals, internet cafes, convenience stores, also bars & restaurants.

I found it especially convenient that Earls Court is on the Picadilly line, so getting there from Heathrow by tube is easy (no transfers), and cheaper than HEX.

I recommend Craven Gardens Hotel (/www.hydeparkinn.com/craven/home.asp)

It's near Hyde Park/Kensington Garden, near two good tube lines, bus line, and good inexpensive eating. But it's on a quiet side street. Has a great breakfast.Price is £46 for a single weekdays, more on weekends.

Of your choices I would go for either of the Goodge Steet ones. Kings Cross is a bit seedy and there is not a lot around it in the way of pubs and restaurants.

From memory Goodge is short walking distance to Soho.

Arran House and Arofsa have had avid Fodor fans in the past. Haven't stayed at either but the locations are good and for budget accomodations probably your best choices.

But - in your price range I wouldn't stay at any of them. I'd use PriceLine. You can get a 3.5-4 star full-service hotel for $100 give or take. I've got Hiltons and Holiday Inns for $75 but lately the winning bids have been more in the $85-$100 range. Even at $100 that is cheaper than most down market 2 star B&B hotels.

Check out biddingfortravel.com for a list of hotels by PL zone and recent bidding histories.