Where should I stay in London! First trip
 

Hi -

I am planning a long weekend in August 04 (to London). I have never been, I have been looking on the web for Hotel suggestions but there are so many and so many neighborhoods. Can anyone suggest a hotel, budget app $250/night, and a good neighborhood. We will be into walking around the city, shopping and eating out.

Thanks so much!
Alex

For about 300USD you can stay at Claridge's, superb hotel, won't better the location. Enjoy.

We shall be at the Rembrandt as first timers in mid July.
I'll let you know if the $200. per is worth the fare.
M

I have stayed a couple of times at the 4*Millenium Knightsbridge. It's a great location - 2 blocks from the tube - near Harrods and walking distance to a bunch of musuems and restaurants. The only drawback to some (but not to me I prefer AC and CNN) is that its a modern highrise hotel - not one of the totally cutesy chintz variety. They often have very good deals on their website - doubles from 99pounds and up - depending on exactly when you go.

HI
I have friends who swear by the Millenium Bailey's, near (across the street) from Gloucester Rd tube stop, neighborhood is South Kensington.

South Ken. has a lot of great hotels.

In addition to the above suggestion for Knightsbridge, there is a relatively new hotel on quiet Beaufort Gardens called the Knightsbridge Hotel. I haven't stayed there, but friends have recommended it--boutique hotel, wonderful ambiance. I can vouch for the location, it's very good.

I stayed at the Knightsbridge Hotel that elaine mentions and was very pleased with it. It's a small boutique hotel, no restaurant, but does serve room service in the room or in one of the lounges. Lots of charm of a more modern variety than some of the other very "chintzy" hotels in the area. It's literally around the corner from Harrods.
http://www.firmdale.com/index.html

This is part of the Firmdale group, which includes The Pelham in South Kensington, also a great choice, and Number Sixteen. Number 16 is slightly less expensive than The Knightsbridge, The Pelham slightly more. They have lower summer rates through July...you might get them to extend a bit into August if you ask nicely.