hi everyone,<BR><BR>I'm going on my first trip to London and I am about to choose a b & b Repton in Soho (right about the british museum). I just wanted to ask an opinion if this is a good location to go see most of the usual tourist site and what type of neighborhood it is.<BR><BR>Thank you so much!

The British Museum is closer to Bloomsbury I think but it is fairly close to Soho. Bloomsbury is not a very active area and you probably wouldn't spend too much time there (except the British Museum is excellent). I think it's the area where most of the budget hotels are and I haven't heard of any problems with it - it should be fine. I wouldn't want to stay in the heart of Soho though as it is very noisy and busy. I always recommend the Regent Palace Hotel in Picadilly Circus, which is a great place within walking distance of everything and reasonably priced for London standards.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Oh puleeze --- the R. Palace is one of the very worst hotels in all of London. It is huge, it has very few private bathrooms, and is usually full of teenagers on group tours. Stay ANYWHERE other than the Regent Palace.<BR><BR>gabi, Soho and Bloomsbury are near each other but are definitely different neighborhoods. Bloomsbury is great. kelly doesn't seem to know much about the area because it is a wonderful place to stay. Soho is interesting and there are a lot of restaurants and theatres and other attractions to visit but it is NOT a place a single woman should stay alone.

You're right, "xx". I don't know that much about Bloomsbury but I said it should be fine.<BR><BR>Everybody has their own opinion, and I would still recommend the R. Palace. Yes, it is far from luxurious - but many people can't afford the prices of most hotels in London and I found it affordable, clean, safe and half-way decent. It was only a suggestion. I'm sure there are many others in the same price range but I like it because of it's close proximity to the "buzz" of London.<BR><BR>Good luck Gabi. Hope you have a great time.

kelly: I've noticed you have recommended the Regent's Palace on 3 or 4 threads in the last couple of days. Not to knock your choice of hotels, but "half-way decent" is not much of a recommendation. One can stay in any number of TOTALLY decent places all over London for (or less than) the rates the Palace charges - AND get a private bath.<BR><BR>I would try everywhere else before opting for the Regents.

Geeeeez...it's only an opinion and I keep getting slammed for it! I'm not forcing anyone to take my advice. That's what this forum is about - suggestions. The R. Palace worked for me, my friends, my Dad (who is in his 60s), and I'm sure many others. However, it is not for everyone and one should do some research before booking a place based on individual needs. The R. Palace has a website and you can check it to see if it's for you. I know it is far from the best, but I found the location, convenience and price to be worth it.<BR><BR>Again, it was only a suggestion. Relax everybody! <BR><BR>Any other suggestions out there?

I had also noticed Kelly mentioning this hotel several times. If it is far from the best (YOUR WORDS NOT MINE) quit recommending it to unsuspecting newbies. It would have been more honest if you said "I stayed at the Regent Palace and it is barely serviceable." Which is basically what you have come round to after being challenged. Another reason not to take blind recommendations from strangers on this or any other forum.

I have also stayed at the Regent Palace before and didn't think it was all that bad. It's not the Ritz, granted, but for the price range I didn't think there was anything wrong with it. If there are other, better hotels within the same price range and in that area, I'd love to find out about them though. <BR><BR>I think what Kelly means is that if you're looking for a budget hotel in and around the Soho area, then it's fine. If you have a bigger budget, prefer a more upscale hotel, and are looking in all areas, then the Regent Palace is not for you and there are many others to choose from. It all depends on your budget and preference. There is no "right" or "wrong" answer for suggestions here. Please don't scare off anyone else who wants to post here in fear of offering an opinion others may not like. <BR><BR>Let's get back to the original question: Is Soho a good area in which to say? Has anyone stayed at the Repton B&B there?

Thank you all, I appreciate all the opinions. I'm going with my mother and aunt so I shouldn't have a problem walking the lively streets of soho, plus we're new yorker's, not easily shocked. Ok, so the area is ok by everyone's standards. I guess we'll just have to do a lot of tubing ;-)