I'm just getting my bearings straight as I begin to plan a trip to England in late September. We'll be coming into Heathrow in the evening (around 8PM) and then we'll be heading out the next afternoon to the Cotswolds from Paddington station. I'm not sure where to stay for one night. We won't have time to tour the city, so I'm looking for a moderately priced hotel in a neighborhood that is quiet, pretty, good for an evening or morning stroll, but also convenient to transportation to Paddington station. Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot!

Katherine

http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll...m=f&shtl=1
I stayed here it was cheap safe and clean but the furnishings older and worn. Good price on expedia. The staff was great with service and early check in. 3-5 minute walk from Paddington station and Heathrow express.Tube stop is close. We ate at the Pride of Paddington Pub across the street from the station. The hotel was very easy and close in what seemed like a residental neighborhood acroos from hyde park.No a/c but fans provided. Has a lift. Was quite at night.

Sorry I found out my link to expedia will not work. My stay was at the Royal Court apartments for Less than $90.00 per night.

Why bother going into London at all?? You can take an inexpensive, direct coach from LHR to Oxford. Then you will be on the doorstep of the Cotswolds w/o having to deal w/ expensive accomodations in London. If you were going to be in London longer - even just 2 full days - my advice might be different. But to go into the city just to turn around and leave again doesn't make sense IMHO.

Thanks for your replies!! I will look into your recommendation, Quiz.

Janisj, after posting my question last night, I thought about the same thing that you suggested. Maybe it's not worth traveling into London only to stay for a couple of hours one evening and a half a day the following day.

So here's my next question: If I go directly to Paddington station from Heathrow, how long before I reach Oxford? As I said in my earlier post, we would be arriving at Heathrow around 7:45 or 8. If the total trip from Heathrow to Oxford takes a couple of hours, we could be pushing an arrival time of 11:00 once customs and baggage pick-up is factored in. Am I right about that? If so, is it going to be a problem checking into a hotel in Oxford that late? And, do you have any hotel recommendations in Oxford? Again, I'm looking for a quiet, pretty neighborhood with an old world feeling.

Thank you very much!

I just re-read your reply, Janis. I think you're suggesting taking a bus from Heathrow to Oxford. Is that the most direct way to travel there? I'd prefer to travel by train.

Thanks!

If you decided that you did want to see a bit of London, the Paddington Hilton is actually part of the station and so very convenient. I got a very good price there last month through lastminute.com - £63 for a double room.

&quot;<i> I'd prefer to travel by train. </i>&quot;

May I ask why? If the bus is cheaper and faster for the journey you plan - wouldn't the bus be preferable?? It is only about 1 hr 20 mins from LHR ro central Oxford by bus. By the time you traveled to Paddington, waited for the next train and then on to Oxford you are talking about 2 hours or more.

Hi Janis,

I just hate buses. Something about them makes me nauseated. But if the time difference is significant, then I'd bite the bullet, I guess.