Thanks for the suggestions. Not that it really matters, I don't think, but we are 2 couples in our early 60's. does that change things? We won't have a lot of time but two things I want to do is go to Harrd's and visit Notting Hill area.

OK you are four/two couples. Is that £200 per double room or for all four of your.

W/ that budget and those two 'want to's' I'd stay in South Kensington. Its walking distance to Harrods and on the tube line to Notting Hill. Just curious, what do you hope to see/do in Notting Hill? It is a nice residential area but just one of many such neighborhoods scattered around London. On a lightening stop over it might not be most people's first choice.

BTW For four of you DEFINITELY 100% use a car service. They will use a small van and it will cost less than the HEX.

DH and I rented a flat for a week in Notting Hill last year and liked "living" in that neighborhood. We walked to Kensington Palace one day and to Portobello Road another. We didn't have time for all the area restaurants we wanted to try but if you are in the area Daylesford Farm store was great for breakfast. (We are about your same age)

The new Ampersand Hotel in South Ken looks really nice, less than 200 pounds/night for a double (at www.mrandmrssmith.com), and great location, close to Harrods and the museums of South Kensington.

Notting Hill is a very nice residential area, with some fabulous boutiques (Ledbury Rd/Westbourne Grove) and nice restaurants. And Portobello Road, with its market on Friday and Saturday. I can't really think of a nice hotel in the area. There are lots of places for a nice breakfast. Daylesforth as mentioned, also 202 Westbourne Grove, Tom's Westbourne Grove.

For 200 pounds/night I would also not stay in Paddington, but rather in South Kensington.

Well how long is a piece of string. You can spend a fortune if you are so inclined especially if you go for expensive wine etc. If you're on a tight budget you may want to try a pre-theatre deal from Lastminute.com. L'escargot is good on Greek Street, Maze in Mayfair also good but expensive. There are loads of decent Italy restaurants in Soho not expensive, try http://www.london-eating.co.uk/

Eating in London has changed in the last 30 years. As new communities have arrived, they've brought flavours of their homelands. London's kitchens are now infused with the smells of spices and sauces from around the globe.you must go to londontown.com to find them. Hyde Park Radnor is one, which is good.