London, where to stay
Oct 27th, 2009, 09:18 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
London, where to stay
On a budget, looking for clean, safe place to stay in London for mom, dad, 16 yr. old, near tube/public transportation system. Visiting college son who lives in King's Cross area, but he suggests it's not the safest location. We'll be sightseeing in London and traveling by Chunnel to Paris at the end of November 2009. Would love some recommendations. -lfw
Oct 27th, 2009, 10:42 PM
#2
1) What is your budget?
and 2) How many days in London?
Just about EVERY area of London is near the tube, buses go everywhere, and anyplace a tourist would be is safe.
The "How many days?" would help determine if renting a flat makes sense.
The Eurostar leaves from St Pancras - so one area to look would be Russell Square/Bloomsbury. It is convenient to King's Cross/St Pancras (w/o being IN King's Cross) and is home to the British Museum. Walking distance to Covent Garden, theatres etc.
But there are 20+ other good neighborhoods too . . .
and 2) How many days in London?
Just about EVERY area of London is near the tube, buses go everywhere, and anyplace a tourist would be is safe.
The "How many days?" would help determine if renting a flat makes sense.
The Eurostar leaves from St Pancras - so one area to look would be Russell Square/Bloomsbury. It is convenient to King's Cross/St Pancras (w/o being IN King's Cross) and is home to the British Museum. Walking distance to Covent Garden, theatres etc.
But there are 20+ other good neighborhoods too . . .
Oct 28th, 2009, 12:16 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love the area near Russell Square. You can arrive there directly from airport by tube. It is near British museum. There are a lot of hotels in the area, not very expensive, we felt very safe there. Even when I was alone , it was OK , no problems late in the evenings.
Oct 28th, 2009, 12:50 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are great fans of the Accor Hotel chain who have a delightful IBIS Hotel in Cardington street - diagonally opposite the back ( and very handy entrance/exit) to Euston station. Looking at your map of London you will see it is just up the road from St.Pancrass & King's Cross stations.(about 6 streets away)and well within strolling distance of 10-15minutes.
The rates are not cheap nor expensive and we enjoy the fact you can grab a freshly baked croissant or other pastry and a coffee at several eateries on Euston station itself. Walking down to Paddington there is a little cafe tucked away in a corner serving a bargain hot breakfast.
The hotel itself has a restaurant for meals going all day, and of course if you are into trying one of the most mentioned Fish 'n Chip places on Fodor's, you have The North Sea Restaurant in Leigh street. There are pubs all over the area for a quick pint and a bar meal.
I would try to book online and see if you can get a better rate than the normal rack rate from an agent or by telephone.
You can stay at The Ibis Hotel Esplanade La Defense (very handy metro direct to Champs Elysees) for 49 euros from a Friday throught to Monday morning. This does not mean you won't get one of the regular rooms on offer during the week at 126euros. They just need to fill up the hotel over the weekend as it's in the business district - but oh so lovely and peaceful with great views over the Seine and Paris.
The rates are not cheap nor expensive and we enjoy the fact you can grab a freshly baked croissant or other pastry and a coffee at several eateries on Euston station itself. Walking down to Paddington there is a little cafe tucked away in a corner serving a bargain hot breakfast.
The hotel itself has a restaurant for meals going all day, and of course if you are into trying one of the most mentioned Fish 'n Chip places on Fodor's, you have The North Sea Restaurant in Leigh street. There are pubs all over the area for a quick pint and a bar meal.
I would try to book online and see if you can get a better rate than the normal rack rate from an agent or by telephone.
You can stay at The Ibis Hotel Esplanade La Defense (very handy metro direct to Champs Elysees) for 49 euros from a Friday throught to Monday morning. This does not mean you won't get one of the regular rooms on offer during the week at 126euros. They just need to fill up the hotel over the weekend as it's in the business district - but oh so lovely and peaceful with great views over the Seine and Paris.
Oct 28th, 2009, 01:48 AM
#6
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 26,778
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always go with Priceline, but this would be tough with 3 people. So, unless the 16 year old would be getting their own room, then there may be cheaper options.
I should ask where, exactly, your son lives. I lived in a dorm near Kings Cross and it really wasn't that bad of an area and it has only been cleaned up since then. For the most part, as long as you are staying between Kings Cross and Russell Square, or even West toward Euston, rather than to the North or East of Kings Cross, I wouldn't think you would have much to worry about. Some of the areas are kind of quiet, but should be safe and relatively convenient. In the area, I have enjoyed the Novotel St Pancras, but have only stayed through Priceline, so I don't know how expensive it is if you wanted to pay the rack rate.
I should ask where, exactly, your son lives. I lived in a dorm near Kings Cross and it really wasn't that bad of an area and it has only been cleaned up since then. For the most part, as long as you are staying between Kings Cross and Russell Square, or even West toward Euston, rather than to the North or East of Kings Cross, I wouldn't think you would have much to worry about. Some of the areas are kind of quiet, but should be safe and relatively convenient. In the area, I have enjoyed the Novotel St Pancras, but have only stayed through Priceline, so I don't know how expensive it is if you wanted to pay the rack rate.
Oct 28th, 2009, 02:09 AM
#7
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Priceline would be good if you get two rooms, as travelgourmet mentioned.
However, if you don't want to do that, use Hotwire, and enter 2 adults, 1 child, and you will get prices for triple rooms. Go to BetterBidding.com for more information on how to decode the hotel amenities.
However, if you don't want to do that, use Hotwire, and enter 2 adults, 1 child, and you will get prices for triple rooms. Go to BetterBidding.com for more information on how to decode the hotel amenities.
Oct 28th, 2009, 04:41 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WillTravel, have you ever been to that "cabbies" little Cafe down Eversholt street - runs down beside Euston station?
We were walking down to a pub recommended here on Fodors and noticed it packed with chaps on a break as all their black cabs were lined up in the road.
A gentleman outside on the sidewalk told us it's a great bargain for a generous plate of food. He didn't say what the quality was like but think cabbies can be fussy too!
We were walking down to a pub recommended here on Fodors and noticed it packed with chaps on a break as all their black cabs were lined up in the road.
A gentleman outside on the sidewalk told us it's a great bargain for a generous plate of food. He didn't say what the quality was like but think cabbies can be fussy too!
Oct 28th, 2009, 05:12 AM
#11
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 12,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Once upon a time the area around Kings Cross was very dicey indeed however after a lot of effort the place has been transformed (modesty forbids me from saying who did it....).
It's now easier to say where is dodgy. Firstly the bottom of Caledonian Rd should be avoided at all costs. It's still a drug market and a favourite meeting place for football hooligans on match day.
It's unlikely you will find yourselves near the gasometers in York Way - but if you do, leave. It's a street prostitution area with the associated crime.
You will hear horror stories about Argyll Square but the brothels and crack houses are long gone and have been replaced by small hotels and guest houses..
Another place to avoid are the Somers Town and Maiden Lane estates (which I can see no reason for you to go to) as this is where much of the drug market has been displaced to (the rest are in Camden Town).
Other than that (and these are small areas and easily avoided) it's fine.
CW - Kings Cross 1992-1998
It's now easier to say where is dodgy. Firstly the bottom of Caledonian Rd should be avoided at all costs. It's still a drug market and a favourite meeting place for football hooligans on match day.
It's unlikely you will find yourselves near the gasometers in York Way - but if you do, leave. It's a street prostitution area with the associated crime.
You will hear horror stories about Argyll Square but the brothels and crack houses are long gone and have been replaced by small hotels and guest houses..
Another place to avoid are the Somers Town and Maiden Lane estates (which I can see no reason for you to go to) as this is where much of the drug market has been displaced to (the rest are in Camden Town).
Other than that (and these are small areas and easily avoided) it's fine.
CW - Kings Cross 1992-1998
Oct 28th, 2009, 06:09 AM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CW - Thanks for pointing out that good info. If you think most of what Fodorites put forward is ignored - think again.
I immediately got out my huge Collins map of London and looked up every place you mentioned and marked it as a "No Go" area. You are one of a very few who knows about London indepth. Thank You, Tod.
I immediately got out my huge Collins map of London and looked up every place you mentioned and marked it as a "No Go" area. You are one of a very few who knows about London indepth. Thank You, Tod.
Oct 28th, 2009, 06:26 AM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Staying in Etap and Hotel Formula1's, you can sleep 3. Two on the bottom bunk and one on the top. I THINK Ibis is a two bed room also, but not sure. You might check with Accorhotels.com. Also, look at easyhotels, they are a cheap place to stay -http://easyhotel.com/. Travelodge is having a sale on rooms right now, so you might want to try them.
Oct 28th, 2009, 07:56 AM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 9,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travelodge
Travelodge - great value accommodation at over 300 hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. Family rooms from £19 per room in England, Wales, Scotland and ...
www.travelodge.co.uk/ -
The Travelodge chain IMO is a great budget option and has properties all over London - the Covent Garden one is in the heart of tourist London - though you may not get a hyped 19 quid room you may find this a clean, modern and good for London budget option. Premier Inns another.
Travelodge - great value accommodation at over 300 hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. Family rooms from £19 per room in England, Wales, Scotland and ...
www.travelodge.co.uk/ -
The Travelodge chain IMO is a great budget option and has properties all over London - the Covent Garden one is in the heart of tourist London - though you may not get a hyped 19 quid room you may find this a clean, modern and good for London budget option. Premier Inns another.
Oct 28th, 2009, 07:56 AM
#16
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 9,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Premier Inn - Book Cheap Hotels in the UK & Worldwide from £29
Find high-quality, cheap rooms from £29 at Britain's biggest hotel chain. Over 580 budget hotels across the UK, ideal for families, business and leisure.
www.premierinn.com/ -
Find high-quality, cheap rooms from £29 at Britain's biggest hotel chain. Over 580 budget hotels across the UK, ideal for families, business and leisure.
www.premierinn.com/ -
Oct 28th, 2009, 09:49 AM
#17
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pal - Just checked with Travelodge Euston - It's 123pounds per night for a family room for three people. I think it would be about the same at Ibis - wait let me check!
NO! Seems Ibis has a double room rate only at 90pounds and they advise children book a seperate room. I think this must mean they have interleading rooms in the case of small children - but it's still the double rate. So 2X90 = 180 but then you gettting much more space.
NO! Seems Ibis has a double room rate only at 90pounds and they advise children book a seperate room. I think this must mean they have interleading rooms in the case of small children - but it's still the double rate. So 2X90 = 180 but then you gettting much more space.
Oct 28th, 2009, 09:55 AM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 9,023
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
folks have reported scoring 19 pound rooms at Tlodge Covent Garden, but i think you'd have to be searching a lot and be lucky - i only present these chain hotels as another possibility not to overlook - not that there will always be something truly budget but you never know
Oct 28th, 2009, 11:39 AM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re Travelodge rooms, to get the really good rates you do need to be booking several months ahead, and it also depends very much on which night of the week you want to stay. You will get a much better deal on a Sunday night - when few theatres have shows - than you will on a Friday or Saturday.
However, family rooms sleep up to 4 adults comfortably, and Travelodge offers very good value, clean rooms with comfy beds. I've stayed in quite a few of them around the country now, and do recommend them for a basic budget stay.
However, family rooms sleep up to 4 adults comfortably, and Travelodge offers very good value, clean rooms with comfy beds. I've stayed in quite a few of them around the country now, and do recommend them for a basic budget stay.
