My wife and I are taking three kids, ages 9, 12, 14, to London for a week in March. We're looking at 2 hotels -- the Holiday Inn Kensington South (formerly the Forum), and the Crowne Plaza London, St. James. Does anyone have experience with these hotels? What do you think of their respective locations for a week's sightseeing? Any suggestions for affordable restaurants?

David - with three children I would not recommend ANY hotel but of these two the nod goes (slightly) to The Crowne Plaza.<BR><BR>Instead, I suggest you rent a 2-bedroom flat. You will have MUCH more space, a full kitchen, washer/dryer and living room for less than the price for 2 hotels rooms or a family room. <BR><BR>Most family rooms allow a max of 4 occupants so you'll most likely have to rent two rooms, and if you can get 5 into a family room you will be REALLY crowded. That is OK for a couple of days - but after 7 days you'll be stir crazy.<BR><BR>Having a kitchen is great for families - not that you want to do any major cooking, but in a hotel what do you do for midnight snacks - or want to have a late breakfast, etc.

David, I don't know these hotels but just want to say your children are at great ages to thoroughly enjoy London. One place that has been mentioned as fun and reasonable for dining with kids is a place called Wagamamas. I'm planning to take my kids there on our second trip.<BR><BR>There is a wonderful thread here called "Thrilled to Go to London" with some wonderful ideas for kids in London at this age. I'll try to find it an top it for you. <BR><BR>Note: I think renting a flat is a good idea with a family of five for a week.

I have heard the Holiday Inn is great--my family ended up staying in a flat which turned out to be terrific--3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms--all in a centrally located area near a metro--and was cheaper than a double and a triple. I found Barclays International and numerous other sites invaluable on the web.<BR><BR>My advice, especially with your 3 kids in tow, is to not worry too much about different top eateries--on our 1st trip to London we had all the books on restaurants but ended up having the most fun in tiny spots we happened upon. My kids did NOT like Indian food, English food or French food and we spent a lot of $$$ at some top restaurants. They did really like Hard Rock Cafe (they liked the t-shirts)and they liked Italian eateries.We have since been to Europe 3 more times and just try to find a cheap eat at a convenient time in a convenient area.<BR><BR>The best time we had in London was taking my family to plays--we tried to go every other night--they were THE best--and you should make your reservation through the theater directly as they will know the best seats available and will be the most economical. (The 1/2 price tickets were usually for shows we didn't care to see). Have fun!!!

David,<BR>We took our two kids (then 10, 13) to London last February and had a great time. We stayed at Scala House. It is a great place. You get a two bedroom, 1.5 bath apartment with a full kitchen and a turbo washer/dryer. The price is great. They have web sit. I think it is scala-house.uk.com (?). Check it out. The staff was wonderful and although we did not eat in, the full kitchen was great for snacks, drinks and breakfast. We found that our kids loved fish and chips so we were able to eat at pubs for lunch every day - this suited us fine. Our kids liked Belgo Centraal and Livebait as well. We stayed away from anything that was American. <BR><BR>We had such a great time that this year we are going to Paris and London again! (and we are staying at Scala House again!)

Try<BR>www.London4rent.com<BR>www.goin2travel.com

Thank you to those of you who gave advice on this. We're booked, and the kids are looking through guides to figure out what they want to see. Does anyone have opinions on what to see outside of London if we take one day trip only? What about Windsor Castle versus Stratford Upon Avon? Other suggestions that would be good for a 9, 12, and 14-year-old who are pretty good students?

Dear Mr Heywood,<BR><BR>To the e-mail copy of this message I am attaching a note I keep on disc about London for children. <BR><BR>At their ages Windsor Castle is a better idea than Stratford upon Avon, which is far, and means little until you're hooked on Shakespeare.<BR><BR>The eldest child might ask his or her teachers what the class will be studying next semester, and you could publish the reply here. Then we'll be able to see whether there is a specialist or other place that would add zest to the classroom work. If it's ancient Egypt then the Rosetta Stone, if it's I T then Babbage's Calculating Engine, if it's the Pilgrim Fathers then St Mary's Rotherhithe, and so on.<BR><BR>Welcome to London<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR>

Hi David - have you considered visiting the south coast for a day trip from London? There are regular train services to places such as Brighton. Maybe not as "cultural" as Windsor or Stratford but you would see a different part of the UK, eat an ice cream on the pier, maybe take a dip in the sea! There is also Brighton Pavillion - an elaborate Oriental-looking building built around 300 yrs ago (?), and a very lively arts scene.

Hi, David - I took my then-9-year-old daughter to London last March for ~8 days. I've been a frequent visitor, so we hadn't over-planned before we got there. For us, this turned out great, as my daughter quickly became as much of a theatre nut as I am...we ended up going to seven evening plays and sleeping late in the mornings! <BR><BR>Both of us really enjoyed the Museum of Science (very interactive). The aquarium was a disappointment. I love the National Portrait Gallery, but my daughter wasn't into it.<BR><BR>We often took buses because she enjoyed riding on the upper level. At Victoria Station you can get week-long passes good for the underground and the buses; these will save you a bundle of money and a lot of hassle.<BR><BR>We ended up feeling there wasn't enough time in our trip for a day away...just too much to do in the city.<BR><BR>I can personally endorse Wagamama's for lunch or dinner, and we ate many of our breakfasts as take-aways from Pret-a-Manger, a ubiquitous sandwich shop.<BR><BR>Have a great trip