Husband and I's first trip to London. We would like to stay in Mayfair district, we hear that's the center of all action. Easier to walk to things etc. Is there any possibility of finding a great hotel that is under $500 US? I'd be happy with one for $350..... We're staying at Lygon Arms first out in the Cotswolds, and that is over $500.00 a night, so we thought we might try to conserve in London....... We are very active mid-40's.... Also, will we "freak out" if we try to drive out to the Cotswolds from the Heathrow? We would not drive in London ..... Thanks! Circus Rudd

You'll be fine driving from Heathrow to the Cotswolds.... make sure to get a good amp and plan your route prior to putting the car into drive! You'll appreciate having the car in the Cotswolds as it will allow you to see more of the charming villages. The Lygon Arms is lovely, and so is the town of Broadway. But there are many other places to stay that aren't as expensive.

check out the curzon hotel; also, the holiday inn mayfair is very centrally located.

22 Jermyn Street might suit you although I'm not sure I'd agree that Mayfair is in the "center of all the action."

While Mayfair can't be beat for location, I have to agree with Intrepid1 - I would hardly classify it as the center of action. The Holiday Inn Mayfair that Underhill mentions has got some nice mentions on this board.

Not sure if theLanesborough is in Mayfair but close. We had tea there and it looked wonderful. The tea was very nice as well--served in the Atrium.

You could say the Mayfair is in the center of London - but it certainly isn't the center of the action. In reality, Mayfair is less convenient to most of the major sites than a lot of other areas. And unless you are very near the Green Park or Bond Street tube stations you will have a fair hike to get to public transport.

Driving from LHR into teh Cotswolds is easy as pie - but it does sound like you are driving it right after landing. You might want to stop over in Windsor for a few hours to get some fresh air and start to get over the jet lag before driving up to Broadway.

As for the Lygon Arms - it is a lovely place (I used to live not far from there and have eaten there a few times) but I wouldn't pay $500 to stay there on a bet . . . . . .

We got a great deal on expedia for the Mayfair Edwardian. A very nice hotel, with a small indoor pool and we paid 185 pounds a night for a quad room

Last hotel we stayed at in London was the Washington Mayfair at #5 Curzon Street. Art Deco furniture, huge dining room with a great buffet breakfast of fresh fruits and baked goods, excellent service. Across the street from Shepherds Market and an excellent Middle Eastern restaurant that I can never remember the name of..very expensive.
I have never driven in London, I would be freaked out

Hi RuddRudd. I, too, stayed at the Lygon Arms in Broadway! On that same trip, while in London, I stayed at the Grovesnor House in Mayfair. It was 5 years ago, so I have no idea about the price today. good luck!