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-   -   London - Vauxhall or Southwark? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/london-vauxhall-or-southwark-1256817/)

jenalr Mar 29th, 2017 03:30 PM

London - Vauxhall or Southwark?
 
We are heading to London in late August this year and I have enough IHG points that we can stay for 4 nights. I'm torn between Holiday Inn Express Southwark or Staybridge Suites Vauxhall. Staybridge Suites - from what I can tell on the map is a short walk to transportation, but HIE Southwark seems to be really close to several things as well as transportation.

I'm drawn to the Strawbridge Suites because it has an evening reception (which would cut down on dining expenses at night?). It's also got a 5 star rating, according to TripAdvisor.

I'm looking for input from experienced travelers to London.

Thanks for any help!

tuscanlifeedit Mar 29th, 2017 03:46 PM

My POV is entirely that of a visitor to London, say every couple of years, but I would take the Southwark location. I like lots of things near there.

janisj Mar 29th, 2017 04:37 PM

I wouldn't stay in vauxhall unless I had no other options.

Not at all dangerous or anything. In fact I often stay just across the river in pimlico.

But southwark would be better

jenalr Mar 30th, 2017 03:45 AM

Okay if we take Vauxhall out of the picture and then have to choose between Victoria or Southwark - which do you pick?

Thanks!

tuscanlifeedit Mar 30th, 2017 05:02 AM

Without the hotel or address, I'm going to guess that Victoria has more transportation options.

janisj Mar 30th, 2017 07:02 AM

Southwark covers a very large area -- we need the post code or address to give useful advice.

As for Victoria -- If that is actually where the property is it is central and convenient.

jenalr Mar 30th, 2017 07:12 AM

Southwark hotel would be Holiday Inn Express Southwark SE1 0JQ; and the Victoria Location would be the Holiday Inn Express Victoria (Belgrave Road, SW1V 2BJ)

Thanks!

gailscout Mar 30th, 2017 09:43 AM

Both are in good locations for visiting the more famous sights. Perhaps make a list of what you want to see while in London and then decide. How are the individual hotel reviews?

OReilly Mar 30th, 2017 11:16 AM

Hi Jenair:

I live in Ldondon, and I know both areas fairly well.

I declare my bias - I am a South East Londoner (init!) so I much prefer the Southwark location, as you are 4 minutes walk from the river and I love the stretch along the river, from Southbank and the National Theater to Tower Bridge. You are within walking distance to Borough and Bermondsey. This area is now one of the most lively in London with great restaurants and transportation links.

Personally, I have never particularly liked Vauxhall, although I have stayed there several times when I was traveling in exactly the same area of that hotel. Nothing wrong with it, I just prefer 'my' end of the river :).

You can't go wrong with either. I have not stayed in either hotel.

Regards ... Ger

janisj Mar 30th, 2017 01:55 PM

Oh -- I do like the location of HIE Southwark. Very close to Tate Modern, Bankside Gallery, the Globe, river, etc.

The HIE Victoria is about half way between Pimlico and Victoria stations -- a little nearer to Pimlico. I do like staying in Pimlico but if the rooms are comparable I'd opt for the Southwark property.

jenalr Mar 31st, 2017 04:04 AM

Sadly, new as of today....Southwark hotel is not available one of the nights in the middle of our trip. So this narrows us down to Victoria or Vauxhall.

The reviews for Holiday Inn Express Victoria say that the rooms are small and noisy. The hotel provides ear plugs in the room. HA!!!! That really sounds like a bad warning!

Thanks for your help! I'll keep an eye out for Southwark to possibly have a cancellation and we can reserve there. In the meantime I guess it's Victoria. Even though the Vauxhall hotel has a 5 star rating?

OReilly Mar 31st, 2017 06:12 AM

Location wish I would prefer Victoria to Vauxhall. Not sure why it would be so noisy - maybe its the buses, but that is par for the course anywhere in London.

Just in case, are there any other locations you are interested in ? :)

janisj Mar 31st, 2017 07:41 AM

Victoria would be better than Vauxhall for sure. Ask for a room at the back if noise is an issue.

That is a fairly busy road but not a REALLY busy road.

Do you have points for other locations -- what all brands can you use?

jenalr Apr 1st, 2017 01:07 PM

I got lucky! I contacted the Southwark hotel and asked about the possibility to reserve a points night and they changed things in their computer to make more point nights available! SO...we're booked with Southwark!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

janisj Apr 1st, 2017 01:11 PM

Great -- it is a good location.

OReilly Apr 1st, 2017 01:40 PM

Great! You will not regret it :)

Walk to London Bridge and check out this tiny French bistro. I had lunch there a couple of weeks ago and loved it. My niece, who lives in Borough is a regular. If weather permits, dine outside.

http://borobistro.co.uk/

Boro Bistro has established itself as a tiny slice of France in London. Situated in the leafy shade of Southwark Cathedral and neighbouring Borough market. Boro Bistro proposes a nice bistro French food with large wine list, tasty Belgium & Craft beers, great range of platters of French cheese and charcuterie to share with friends and family.


Good Spanish Tapas restaurant behind Tate Modern:

http://camino.uk.com/


If you want cocktails in a very swanky hotel, check out the roof-top bar in the Mondrian.

https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/mo...ndon/eat-drink

You are staying in my favorite part of London: A bit gritty in parts, but definitely on the way up, and incredibly lively!

Best regards ... Ger

Paqngo Apr 1st, 2017 03:15 PM

Your photos are lovely. It's so nice to get out and go for a walk on a beautiful spring day. Thanks for sharing your walk.

jenalr Apr 1st, 2017 03:20 PM

I love getting recommendations! Thank you!
We will definitely take this walk and look for these places!


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