My girlfriend and I are staying in London for 3 nights in early April and are looking for hotel recommendations.

We are looking to spend about $100-$130 a night (total, not per person). I would like the hotel to be within walking distance to a tube station and in central London close enough to the major attractions.

Thanks for your suggestions!

One addition is that we would like the hotel to serve a decent breakfast.

At today's exchange rates (I assume you are American) this means you want a hotel for around £ 65, give or take £ 7.

The best advice I can give you is not to go for a specific hotel but to take a run at what's out there and grab the best you can find at that price. By the way, you should specify 'walking distance' to a tube station - does that mean 3 minutes (i.e. right next door) or a 10 minute stroll? Get familiar with the tube map (I think the link is transportforlondon.co.uk..)and you should be okay for orientation.

Many people here swear by Priceline, although it means you are to a certain extent going on a blind date with a hotel. See biddingfortravel.com.

In early April, you might get a deal - try londontown.com. I must warn you that London is an expensive burg. Also, it might be cheaper to pick a hotel with a simple breakfast and head to a local pub for something more filling.

What do you mean by a decent breakfast? Is this a full English breakfast - or just some sort of basic breakfast?

In any case, Central London for 2 people including breakfast, tax and service at $100 is asking a lot - most hostels will cost almost that much.

Have you considreed Priceline - it might help you stretch your budget far enough to get something decent?

I agree - check biddingfortravel.com about winning priceline bids. Or think about renting a small studio apartment and make your own breakfasts.

E&E Apartments http://eandeapartments.co.uk/ has studios in
Pimlico and Victoria for less than £70 per night. They are Near the Thames, Tate Britain, Chelsea and Victoria Station.

Hi

No sweat! Plenty of choices.

See http://www.hydeparkinn.com/craven/home.asp or http://www.alhambrahotel.com/ or http://www.hotelelysee.co.uk or http://www.greencourthotel.com or http://www.bluebellshotel.com or http://www.tudorc.demon.co.uk/index.htm

Ciao

There are plenty of places that you can select that meet your criteria.
Bayswater is probably the best value.

Places like the Blakemore, Hyde Park Towers, Annur and Central Park normally have rooms about 45-60 GBP with breakfast and are very good value.
Discounts tend to dwindle at weekends.

If you're travelling weekend try the Travelodge.co.uk site. There'll normally be one of their Central London sites with a 26 GBP rate which must be the best value in London, have to book at least 7 days in advance

handfordr - For anyone with a spare Sunday night, and who doesn't mind the prepay, non-refundable terms, the travelodge rate is a good catch, thanks for the heads up. However the only travelodge in London proper for £ 26 is near Liverpool St. station and it's for Sunday night only, not Friday or Saturday. The flexible, refundable rate for those dates is £75.

Where did you see the Blakemore and others listing normal rates for £ 45 to 60? For example, Venere.com lists the Blakemore for £ 75.

Even though it was a while ago (1987), I stayed at the Kensington Palace Hotel in England, which is located right near Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall and other places. A beautiful hotel, included an excellent breakfast.

At that time, I know my mom booked a package at the hotel through British Airways. So, I'd recommend going through the airline you're flying with.

Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

Stayed in Bayswater in 2001.... good location between two tube lines and within walking distance of Paddington Station, two blocks from Hyde Park. At that time, Henry VIII served a great breakfast and might still be within your price range in April?

Sure there are many hotels for under $130.

But just seems obvious to me: A small, basic B&B hotel in Paddington/Bayswater/Earls Court for £60-£65? - OR - A 4 star hotel w/ all the whistles and bells in Mayfair or Westminster for $60-$65?

I've stayed in a lot of downmarket hotels in London over the last 30 years - but mostly before priceline existed and before flat rentals became more common. You don't have to settle for a small room, and breakfast in the basement.

If I'm staying longer than 2 or 3 days I always rent a flat, but for short stays you really can't beat Priceline - if budget is important. If you can afford higher rates then of course you may want to pick a specific property. But if you study biddingfortravel and understand the zones in London, you will not get a dog and will save a LOT of money.

Priceline is not good for a lot of cities, but it is very good for London.