After a year and lots of family issues, we are finally off again on holiday to UK, Belgium & Netherlands. First question: can anyone suggest a good hotel around West End/Covent Garden/Soho or nearby? I'm not looking for a super deluxe hotel but would be OK with paying between $200-$300 range per night.

You might like to try Guoman Charing Cross (the old Thistle Charing cross) http://www.guoman.com/charing-cross/, I have stayed at this hotel several times, not deluxe, but nice and convenient.

Ho many are "we"? Are you looking for a room for a couple - or will there be others with you. that will make a tremendous difference in prices. If it's only two of you I would consider Priceline, which often has great deals.

Hi there, my family (me, hubby and two boys 8 and 11) went to london last summer adn stayed at the Mayfair, which yes was a little more expensive, BUT...we walked everywhere, and it is so close to good restaurants, shops, the hop on/off bus just up the road, theatre district was walking distance. We found a great brekfast place close by. We loved the location,because we were only there for 3 nights we did not want to spend hours on the tube getting into the city centre, it was well worth the money we paid,

I enjoyed a stay at the Waldorf Hilton in the theater area. It's in your price range and if you prepay, has special room and breakfast packages. There is a pool in the basement if you enjoy that amenity.

This trip, I am trying The Royal Horseguards, which has been newly refurbished and was recommended for its location near the National Gallery, etc.

The Strand Palace Hotel is five munutes walk from Covent Garden and is opposite the Savoy Hotel. You can walk to the Thames Embankment in about 4 minutes.

Marriott is running a special if you book 2 weekend nights you get one free. Not sure if they have a location near that part of London but might be worth checking it out. We're staying at Marriott County Hall in May.

PS - I should clarify that if you book 2 nights you get the 3rd night free.

How best does one negociate an upgrade or breakfast with a better London hotel. It will be just 1 night but three rooms.Does one go thru an Expedia and let them ask/negociate or directly to the hotel or the chain? It will be Tuesday April 14.