I’m familiar with Bankside House as I’ve stayed there a couple of times. It’s a great location just behind the Tate Modern on the South Bank, with the Globe Theatre close by.

The rooms aren’t luxurious but are basic and clean. But if price is all-important then it’s difficult to beat. I think I paid about £35 for a single room two or three years ago. Plus they feed you well with a decent breakfast. The one thing they don’t have available was a kitchen if you wanted to cook your own meals. But I’d stay there again if ever I’m back in London on a budget.

We are going to Wales May or June 22. I had London booked with a city stay apartment, they have a king and a sofa for three people but only a studio. Laundry and a small kitchen. We were going to go in Nov for four nights to burn Eurostar credits but now just staying in France and Belgium. I am waiting for Jet Blue NY to London flights.

So you are an early planner, too, Macross? ;) yay, I’m not alone! I’ll check into those apartments.

I was wondering if any of these properties have a/c? I’m sure the budget ones I’m looking at most likely don’t, and I’m aware the climate of the UK doesn’t require it as it does where we live, but it’d be my luck for there to be a heat wave while we visit. As I age, it seems heat really gets to me. It’d be nice to have that air conditioning if possible. I may have to stretch my budget to see if I can have that amenity.

Doubt your budget will stretch to AC. Older buildings especially are unlikely to have it (the Premier Inn I mentioned does). Heat waves can indeed be a problem - if your accommodation doesn't have a fan it's worth going out and buying a cheap one. Bear in mind that the tube and buses won't have AC either, not sure about taxis, I rarely use them. Ditto restaurants, museums, etc.

I can deal with it for daytime- just eat more ice cream or iced coffee lol. It’s nights that get to me. I did see this hotel. The triple Could work. Seems to be in our $$ Range. I have no idea if it’s in a decent location, but it looked nice at first glance. No breakfast, included, however.

https://www.royalechulan.com/London/Home.aspx

Suggest reading the Tripadvisor reviews....

I would not stay in that area, but I take the Piccadilly line to/from Heathrow.

Oof, yeah, that one would be a no. Too many other, better options. Some of the pictures were cringeworthy!

No! Definitely not the Royal Chulan. Where are you looking to find its listing? There are hundreds of nice properties in your price range (thousands actually). I really think you should not even be looking yet. Planning ahead is one thing and totally understandable - a year+ ahead is nutty (sorry :( )

I would NOT stay in the Paddington area. Not dangerous but not convenient to anything much except LHR by the expensive HEX (Heathrow Express) -- and near enough to Hyde Park. There are many better neighborhoods I'll list a few to get you started in a bit - but first. The Rabbies tour leaves from and returns to Victoria Coach station. So you might want to be in a convenient area to that . . . (not necessary but with an early AM departure it sure would help). Neighborhoods walkable to Vic Coach Stn include Victoria, Sloane Square, Pimlico (that's where Dolphin House is) and Belgravia. Neighborhoods very easy by tube would include South Kensington, Earl's Court, St James's, and Green Park. Some of those (specifically Sloane Square, Green Park and St James's) are likely outside your budget but maybe you could find something.

Farther afield but nice areas would include Fitzrovia, Russell Square/Bloomsbury, Marylebone plus more.

You are not going to find AC in most flats or older 'tourist class' hotels. Most properties w/ ac will be new/modern bldgs that don't have windows that open and higher end hotels in classic bldgs. Budget properties that often do have ac include Travelodge and Premier Inn

(But really -- don't book / look yet. Sooooooo much has changed/is changing in the hospitality sector - what you book now may not even be in business a year from now)

“I really think you should not even be looking yet. Planning ahead is one thing and totally understandable - a year+ ahead is nutty (sorry https://www.fodors.com/community/ima...ported/sad.gif )

wow, that was a bit too much judgement for me to read this morning. (and sorry, the emoji doesn’t diminish the intent of the words) I appreciate all the input you and everyone else has shared so far in this thread. I was/am just having a bit of fun during daily free times looking into all things with this proposed trip, kind of like an at home/ online version of looking at travel books- yes, even the accommodations section. No immediate booking was ever intended.

Take care, be well and safe. Peace to you all.

KandKsmom, planning is half the fun. Many on here are looking at 2022. If I don't book out 11 or 12 months for apartments they are gone. Where my family lives in NY you book far in advance. I ended up paying over 200 a night for a place to stay in August. Tents and yurts were going for 150 night. Anyhow, we need something to keep our spirits up. I think I have watched every travel program the last year.

K, different folks/strokes etc. janisj, who I've read for goodness knws how long, was just being helpful. The UK is really changing fast at the moment in ways that are hard to plan for, hotels becoming houses, offices becoming hotels as the aftermath of covid bites. That far out may be too unforcastable.

When I go to London from the north of England I use Premierinn (just such a repeatable standard of good quality, plus the famous "you don't pay if you can't sleep" promise, Ibis, or college-rooms (various) as above). Look all you want, try and stay nearish to a tube stop and avoid the Heathrow express if you can.

I am truly sorry I offended you. I my message was definitely trying to help, but if my tone upset you it will likely be lost/ignored. Planning IS fun. I am honestly trying to keep you from big disappointment. At least don't get too attached to any specific property. (and please don't stay in Paddington). I'll step away now. Good luck.

I just booked a house in Wales. The one I wanted in Llanberis got booked. 11 months out. It was still available last week. I just told husband the others will have to like it or book their own. Not waiting around for everyone to decide. We do have some crazy transportation issues but will be part of the fun.

I am in the early stages of planning a trip for May 2022. Planning is half of the fun!

I haven't had any bad experiences with Air BnB, but that being said, it can happen, obviously. I look for places with many good reviews, and a star rating of over 4.75. I also message the host with some innocuous question to see how their communication is. VRBO is another site you could check.

I am finding London a bit challenging to find a reasonably priced place that ticks all of my boxes. Search on!

ETA: If you do re-consider Air BnB, make sure to check the cancellation policy also. There is a filter at the top you can click on.