isibaker

Hi everyone, I'm going to be in London for two nights in April and this is going to be my first time ever overseas. I'm also going to be solo for these two nights, so I want to make sure I book a hotel that is safe and comfortable. I've heard good things about the Morgan Hotel in Bloomsbury and it's one of the best places I've found within my price range. Any opinions or reviews? Is this a good location for a solo female? Also, what do you think about using booking.com? Thanks for any info!

Isi

janisj

It is a wonderful location -- next door to the British Museum ain't bad

I haven't stayed they myself but know it very well and have walked past it more times than I can count. For a budget/solo traveler you almost couldn't find a nicer location.

Booking.com is totally reliable -- once you find a rate there double check on the hotel's own website just to make sure they aren't maybe running a special/cheaper rate.

jent103

I have stayed there, once as a solo traveler! It's been three years since my last visit, but if the reviews are still good I'd have no hesitation. Safe and convenient area, comfortable hotel, full breakfast if you want it. If you're flying into Heathrow and want to take the Tube into town, it's a short walk from Holborn (on the Piccadilly line - no need to change trains).

+1 on booking.com - I didn't use it for the Morgan but have used it with no problems elsewhere.

West47

Another option which we have used on the Picadilly Line and very near the British Museum is Celtic Hotel:

http://www.stmargaretshotel.co.uk/W_e_l_c_o_m_e.html

It also caters to the single female traveller. Breakfast was excellent and staff very helpful.

carolyn

The Morgan was great when my daughter and I stayed there a few years ago. The owners are very helpful, and the breakfast is good. You can walk to a lot of places.

isibaker

Thank you all very much, so helpful! What do you think about staying in The neighborhood by Victoria station (Belgravia?) instead of Bloomsbury?

thursdaysd

Which airport are you flying into? And can you actually afford Belgravia, or do you mean the area around Victoria station? I find Bloomsbury a much nicer area than Victoria. I used to stay near Victoria station when I flew into Gatwick, but was pleased when AA started flying into Heathrow and I switched to Bloomsbury. The Victoria station area can feel a bit seedy in places.

cherie2125

Bloomsbury is a safe area for solo women travelers. I've heard good things about the Morgan but I would say that most hotels would be ok in that area. Bloomsbury is very convenient for the theater and has lots of underground and bus routes.

janisj

I have stayed a few times at B&B Belgravia in Ebury street which is the best of both worlds -- very close to Victoria Station and Victoria Coach Station for transport and day trips -- but also close to the posh bits like Sloane Square and my favorite chocolate shop. My guess is the rates there are going to be higher than the Morgan (not sure about that though - B&B Belgravia is not at all extravagant)… But it is extremely popular and is often booked solid weeks/months ahead.

Re safety there would not be any difference -

isibaker

Sorry for the late reply! Thanks for all of the responses, I have decided to book the Holiday Inn Express in Victoria near Pimlico station. I'm hoping this area isn't too seedy, but the street it's on is lined with hotels so it should be ok. I would stay somewhere more unique than a chain hotel, but I'm only going to be in London for two nights, and I'm going to need good access to Victoria Coach Station.
However, I'm going to be in London again with my mom in June. Perhaps we will stay at the Morgan Hotel then.

janisj

>>I'm hoping this area isn't too seedy,<<

Pimlico is not seedy -- it is mostly a pretty upscale neighborhood. St Georges Square is close to your hotel and one of the former chancellor's of the exchequer (UK version of Secretary of Treasury) lived in the same bldg where I rented a flat there once (had tea w/ him and his wife), the preschool where Princess Diana worked is nearby, Princess Anne lived for a time in Dolphin Square . . . yep a pretty upscale neighborhood.

Belgrave Rd where the hotel is IS mostly budget hotels but it isn't seedy.

Taniatravels

It's a good location, and the 24 bus runs along the bottom part of Belgrave Road; this will take you into central London (Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross Rd) very easily.

isibaker

Ok perfect, that's what I was hoping. Thanks for all of the details!