My daughters and I will be going to London for one week in March 2013. They are both 20 years old. We are looking for a place to stay. I would like something in the middle of London where it will be easy to get around to the tube, shopping, sights, pubs, etc. also, in a safe area. Would like to keep lodging to $1,800 or less for the week. Hotel or rentals are both fine. We will not be renting a car, so we will be dependent on public trasportation.

I would also like to know places to see outside the city, for day trips. We like castles, pretty countrysides, and historic places. We only have 6 full days in London and are trying to put together our itinerary.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

only time for one quick comment (a Fodorite is on Jeopardy right now) $1800/£1120 is £160 per night. Doable for a triple but not all that generous.

A flat would be better - but it is getting pretty late to be booking just two months out

surf a bit on this site on "London" these questions are asked every day. Janisj is dead right you need a flat with that budget. You also need to look out for "2 for 1 deals"

or you could look at the YHA, Premier Inns or Travel Lodges

Look up the "London walks" website for great themed walks, which give you a good insight into London's landmarks and history. Take a boat down the Thames to Greenwich. Two excellent daytrips are Hampton Court Palace or Hatfield House - both easy trainrides from central London, and packed with history, beautiful gardens and architecture.

www.londontown.com and yes most can be found on this site - I have asked most of it!
you will love it!!

google london tool kit - alot of practical information. London Walks are good for in the city - they also have some daytrips out and about. And follow the links on London tool kit for the 2 - 4 - 1 deals that you can get using a tube card purchased at train stations.

No need to follow links -here is the Days Out 2for1 website

http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/

Here are some flats that have availability during March - the 1bdrms are well below your budget and the 2-bdrms just w/i.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hamlet_uk/

Thank you everyone! Very helpful. : )

You mention you like historic places - the usual suspects are the Tower, Hampton Court, Windsor etc.. but there are plenty of other interesting places easily within reach (most by tube) that many tourists aren't aware of - this list will be helpful: http://londonunveiled.com/tag/stately-home/ - places like Forty Hall and Strawberry Hill are well worth a visit. They all make good day trips.