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-   -   Moderately Priced Hotel London central (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/moderately-priced-hotel-london-central-1715956/)

judithann308 Jul 5th, 2023 02:27 PM

Moderately Priced Hotel London central
 
I am searching for a convenient hotel. My daughter has never been and it would be most helpful to have a moderately priced place because we will be 10 days. We are going first week of October. Thanks.

Jean Jul 5th, 2023 02:32 PM

How do you define moderate? A number....

janisj Jul 5th, 2023 03:01 PM

Ditto ^^^. One person's moderate is another's REALLY expensive or possibly REALLY inexpensive. Give us a number preferably in ££ but $$ is OK.

Secondly - 10 days is a long time in a hotel. You might be better off cost-wise renting a flat -- and definitely better of space-wise.

bilboburgler Jul 6th, 2023 05:29 AM

seriously look at the YHA, they have great rooms in London for silly prices

judithann308 Jul 6th, 2023 09:01 AM

Thanks. We prefer something more. Appreciate you taking the time for the suggestion.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 09:09 AM

We really do need an idea of your budget??

judithann308 Jul 6th, 2023 09:12 AM

$200-225. Not necessarily fancy, location to tour and safe. Thank you.

judithann308 Jul 6th, 2023 09:14 AM

Liked your apartment suggestion. I’ll check Airb&b.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 09:54 AM

$200-$225 is approx £155-£175 a night which is not very much for London -- definitely not moderate/mid-priced.

Even a flat could be tough at that price. Several Premier Inns would work (there are quite a few in central London but not all would fit in your budget), or TraveLodges (most would fit in your budget and some are quite decent but some are . . . not)

I'd check booking.com (they also list flats - not just hotels) If you do find a flat in your price range maybe post the details here so we can look it over for any red flags.

TDudette Jul 6th, 2023 10:27 AM

From my 2014 TR, here is where i stayed:

London (Orbitz had better price):

Strand Palace Hotel
372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ

You'll have to check price after all this time but I don't splurge very often. Bus stop right there, 5-mins to Trafalgar Square, and convenient to a couple of theaters. Savoy across the street. Bad knees kept me from the Tube so I can't say what was close.



TDudette Jul 6th, 2023 10:28 AM

From my 2014 TR, here is where i stayed:

London (Orbitz had better price):

Strand Palace Hotel
372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ

You'll have to check price after all this time but I don't splurge very often. Bus stop right there, 5-mins to Trafalgar Square, and convenient to a couple of theaters. Savoy across the street. Bad knees kept me from the Tube so I can't say what was close.


( https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...ondon-1009205/ )

Go to page 126 to star London.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:18 AM

The Strand Palace is definitely a moderate priced hotel for sure - but doesn't fit in the OPs budge for most dates in October. For 10 nights at the beginning of Oct. the cheapest twin bed room runs just under £250 per night

SusanP Jul 6th, 2023 11:18 AM

I took a look at the Strand Palace. Current price for double with two twin beds, which I assume is what you would want, is $317.

SusanP Jul 6th, 2023 11:21 AM

I see that Janis and I were posting at the same time. 😁

k_marie Jul 6th, 2023 11:22 AM




Look at the Morgan Hotel, around the corner from the British Museum. A short walk from the Tottingham Court tube station. No concierge, no elevator, no gym but clean, adequate, en suite rooms, and a full English breakfast each morning. I believe they are no longer owned and managed by the same family who was there during my many stays, the first in 1993. My husband and I particularly liked the garden apartment located a few doors away from the original hotel. Note: if I were a single woman I would not want to stay in the ‘apartment building,’ as I believe there is no hotel personnel on the premises.
https://www.morganhotel.co.uk/rates


SusanP Jul 6th, 2023 11:27 AM

Also, I was looking at London hotels last week because my cousin and I hope to go next year. The Premier Inn Leicester Square was showing $270 a night for double with two twin beds in September, but even that is significantly above OP's budget.

lindatx Jul 6th, 2023 11:28 AM

This is a great find - since I am also looking just for a night or 2 in the same time period (first week of October) I just checked and it's completely sold out :(. (The Morgan)

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:30 AM

The Morgan is a terrific budget hotel but I just plugged the same 10 night I used to calculate the Strand Palace and it shows no availability. In fact it looks like most of October is fully booked.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:31 AM

lindatx: we were posting the same time -- yes -- the Morgan is madly popular because it is such a deal . . .

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:34 AM


Originally Posted by SusanP (Post 17477051)
Also, I was looking at London hotels last week because my cousin and I hope to go next year. The Premier Inn Leicester Square was showing $270 a night for double with two twin beds in September, but even that is significantly above OP's budget.


Premier Inns in prime locations -- County Hall, Leicester Sq etc will generally be above their budget But there are several other still central and near transport that are cheaper. Though October is prime season and rates can be very date specific.

judithann308 Jul 6th, 2023 11:37 AM

We Price MatchNew to Booking.com

Beautiful entire 2 bedroom flat in central London. I’m not permitted to link. 1-13 Winchester Ave, Brent, London. I hope you can find this on booking,com. Host is Daniel.


janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:40 AM

I just checked university lodging and nothing available except for one flat at Goodenough College in Bloomsbury @ £200 per night - everything else seems to be booked up.

(I just used Oct 2-12 since we don't know the OP's actual dates . . . https://www.universityrooms.com/en-G...ege/goodenough )

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 11:50 AM


Originally Posted by judithann308 (Post 17477057)
We Price MatchNew to Booking.com

Beautiful entire 2 bedroom flat in central London. I’m not permitted to link. 1-13 Winchester Ave, Brent, London. I hope you can find this on booking,com. Host is Daniel.



I just checked that flat -- it is actually in Cricklewood, is a 15 minute walk to the nearest tube station (Willesden Green), and has not a singe review

SusanP Jul 6th, 2023 11:59 AM

What Janis said about that Brent address...I couldn't find it on my Streetwise Map so looked further. Just to give perspective, it is almost 11 miles northwest of Trafalgar Square! Not exactly convenient for sightseeing!

emmamackenzie Jul 6th, 2023 01:06 PM

For central accommodation at that price, your best bet is probably a hostel. There are some great hostels in central London, with some female-only options there too. The Albany Hotel is located in Camden and it looks like it has availability in October. It's super basic, but might be all you need if location is your top priority. You'll be within walking distance to all the hotspots. https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/alb...rea.en-gb.html

mjs Jul 6th, 2023 01:27 PM

I agree that the OP’s budget is low for London. I have stayed at all manner of places in London over many many years from bedsitters to apartments to houses to luxury hotels. Prices for lodging in London seem to have gotten even pricier lately. I have often stayed at the Holborn Citadines which used to be about $180 a night. When I checked for May it was up to $300! I would be surprised if there would be any University lodgings available in London in October since the University of London and all of its federations are in term. Hostels should be available if there is nothing decent on Booking.com or Airbnb.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 01:44 PM

"I would be surprised if there would be any University lodgings available in London in October since the University of London and all of its federations are in term"

There are some university/college properties with short term/transient accommodations year round, even during term time. I've used them a couple of times over the years. But I checked the main clearing house website that lists most of them and all were booked up except the one I mentioned.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 03:27 PM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17477068)
I just checked that flat -- it is actually in Cricklewood, is a 15 minute walk to the nearest tube station (Willesden Green), and has not a singe review


And just to clarify my response -- I personally would avoid that flat -- it isn't central really but is out quite a bit NW of Regents Park, and is not near a tube station. (the map on Booking doesn't coincide with the listing description -- I have usually found the maps more accurate -- but even if it is in the slightly better location in the text its still a bit out there) I don't know the neighborhood very well but it isn't an area I would choose. No reviews is also worrying. Every flat needs to start somewhere -- but I'm not willing to be the guinea pig . . .

fmpden Jul 6th, 2023 08:15 PM

We have use the Best Western Victoria Station for several years. The annex across the street is a little more reasonable. A couple of blocks from Victoria Station with good restaurants/pubs in the area. The location is convenient to lots of London or hit the tube at VS.

janisj Jul 6th, 2023 09:44 PM

Your link doesn't go to the hotel - but are you sure you mean the Best Western Victoria 'Station'? There are a few BW's in the wider general area but AFAIK the closest to the station is BW Victoria Palace. If so, it is currently closed for renovations

rialtogrl Jul 6th, 2023 09:55 PM

Check Airbnb too. Maybe you won’t find a place in Soho but you can find something a lot closer than Brent. I’ve stayed three times at a modern day boarding house in Chiswick. The owner lives on site and used to be a dressmaker for Princess Margaret. I have become very fond of her. She has one unit with a double and single bed and you also can use the communal kitchen and living room. $1172 for 10 nights, when I put in October 1 to 10. The only drawback is it is not the most quiet place due to a busy road, and it’s not the most central place so you need to plan days carefully. Chiswick is an awesome neighborhood to come home to.

Here is another place I found that seems quite reasonable and is even more centrally located.
https://tinyurl.com/4wue8cd2
No direct experience but the reviews are good. It’s $240 per night.

Read reviews carefully, whether on booking.com or Airbnb.



janisj Jul 6th, 2023 10:13 PM

OOH -- that flat in St Katharine's Marina is a keeper! (Why it's called London Bridge I have no idea) Terrific location, very quiet since there is no motorized through traffic, a beautiful Waitrose practically on the doorstep, Dickens Inn, lots of dining a few shops, even a Starbucks. Tube at Tower Hill and the #15 bus straight through the city, past St Paul's and to the West End. Next door to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. I've stayed in the Marina 5 or 6 times over the years but my 'source' closed up shop pre pandemic (they rented out 4 different flats in the complex).

I'm keeping that one in my contacts for sure . . .

rialtogrl Jul 6th, 2023 10:24 PM


Originally Posted by janisj (Post 17477173)
OOH -- that flat in St Katharine's Marina is a keeper! (Why it's called London Bridge I have no idea) Terrific location, very quiet since there is no motorized through traffic, a beautiful Waitrose practically on the doorstep, Dickens Inn, lots of dining a few shops, even a Starbucks. Tube at Tower Hill and the #15 bus straight through the city, past St Paul's and to the West End. Next door to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. I've stayed in the Marina 5 or 6 times over the years but my 'source' closed up shop pre pandemic (they rented out 4 different flats in the complex).

I'm keeping that one in my contacts for sure . . .

It is priced per person, which is a bit strange. I agree about the neighborhood and it’s difficult to find something so central in that price range. Awfully nice to be able to pop into Waitrose to pick up provisions for dinner!

crellston Jul 6th, 2023 11:34 PM

A quick search on the Premier Inns website for October shows quite a few properties within your budget. https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en. If you are set on dates and have travel insurance then non refundable pay in advance rates will be the cheapest.

With 10 Days to play with I would look at splitting your stay between a couple of locations maybe the West End and the City . Alternatively he PI Kings cross is in a newly redeveloped area next to Kings Cross station - loads of restaurants in Coaldrop Yard, great tube links and close to Regents Park.If you feel like a day trip to Paris, the Eurostar Terminal is right there.

Travelodge are another option but the quality is not to PI standards. Accor is a French chain that may suit check out the Ibis and Ibis Styles brands on there website.

bilboburgler Jul 7th, 2023 12:34 AM

I like Premier, always clean, loads of hot water, poor sleeping warranty, great beds and moderate size. Ibis, more plastic, smaller etc etc

crellston Jul 7th, 2023 01:54 AM


Originally Posted by bilboburgler (Post 17477193)
I like Premier, always clean, loads of hot water, poor sleeping warranty, great beds and moderate size. Ibis, more plastic, smaller etc etc

I agree re the Ibis and Ibis Budget bring a bit plastic but the Ibis Styles are usually pretty nice

bilboburgler Jul 7th, 2023 02:03 AM

agreed

SusanP Jul 7th, 2023 08:59 AM

That St. Katherine apt looked good until I got to the part where it is on the fourth floor with no elevator! 😁 Unfortunately, not for me!

judithann308 Jul 7th, 2023 09:37 AM

Can you please forward the link to St. Katherine’s Marina flat? I can’t find it.



janisj Jul 7th, 2023 10:07 AM


Originally Posted by judithann308 (Post 17477338)
Can you please forward the link to St. Katherine’s Marina flat? I can’t find it.


It is the link in rialtogirl's post #31


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