suec1

We are considering a hotel near Westminster - I am not very familiar with London - is this area pleasant in the evening - not so much for a club scene, just reasonable (ethnic?) restaurants and maybe an inexpensive wine bar or two? The other hotel, slightly more expensive, is in the area closer to Glouster Rd. I know you can get all around using the tube but we prefer to end the day and eat in "our neighborhood" - within a 10 or 15 minute walking distance. Thanks!

BigRuss

This description - "a hotel near Westminster" - doesn't give much information. There are tons of hotels near that area and that area can be defined in different ways. But there are not many hotels in the core of Westminster because that core is dominated by government buildings, Westminster Abbey, and the Victoria Embankment. Be specific: What hotel?

The area itself is not a hotspot for clubs. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, and a whole row of them on Belvedere Road and another clump of restos on Southbank under the Hungerford Bridges.

suec1

The Sanctuary Hotel is the one we are considering - I google mapped it, there do seem to be government buildings in the area but not sure what a 10 minute walk might take me to. Thanks!

Michel_Paris

There is another thread here on "London Hotels $200-250" that recommends a couple in that area.

I stay in the Bloomsbury area.

cmcfong

Enzian, who posts here frequently, has recommended the Sanctuary to me. I went by it on my last visit and thought the location was very good. Easy access to transportation, very safe are, and several good pubs in the immediate vicinity.

jamikins

It looks like its right by the St James Park tube stop - I would consider that area quite quiet at night, and on the weekend. There are a few pubs around I believe, but from what I recall there arent tonnes of restaurants within a few blocks etc like there would be at Gloucester Road.

alanRow

< there do seem to be government buildings in the area >

Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, New Scotland Yard - oh and Buckingham Palace & Westminster Abbey.

bardo1

There are quite enough places (including ethnic) with a 10 minute walk from the Sanctuary hotel in all prices ranges down to a Pret practically next door (great croissants). I think a quiet area at night but still central is a plus, FWIW (not how I would have felt 30 years ago when clubs were more important to me...). The St. James Park tube stop being a mere block away is just icing.

avalon

GO WITH gLOUCESTER rOAD . iT IS MY FAVORITE lONDON AREA AND WE HAVE GONE 2 times a year for the last 40 years. Lots of services and restaurants and great shopping in walking distance and museuns!Westminster is rather cold!The gloucester Rd tibe is across the street and buses along Cromwell Rd less than a minute and buses to Chelsea right outside the door

walkabout

I was the one that recommended the Sanctuary Hotel on the "London Hotels $200-250" thread. I like the central location, and the proximity to St. James Park. There are eateries within short walking distance.

I like the area better than the Gloucester Rd area, but that's just a matter of personal preference.

suec1

Thank you walkabout for the Sanctuary hotel rec - it looks very nice, I am really leaning towards this at the moment - I just wanted to be sure we were not too isolated food wise, I don't mind quiet (no clubs) but am hoping for some good and reasonably priced ethnic food that I don't need to take the tube for.

twk

We stayed in an apartment at the corner of Palmer and Petty France in 2007. Since the area is dominated by government offices, there is no shortage of places for lunch, but it is pretty quiet in the evening. There are enough pubs and restaurants around that if you don't want to leave the area for a meal, you don't have to, but you might find yourself looking further afield.

We loved staying in that area as it was so easy to get around. Between the tube, and the major bus stop on Victoria Street a couple of blocks away, it's quite convenient. Also enjoyed hearing the bands of the household division playing from the Wellington Barracks, and could also hear the chimes at Westminster.