which hotel/area to stay in london?
 

We are going for a quick 3 nite getaway in London. What is the best area for a hotel and which hotels would you select? I want to keep it in the $200-300 per nite price range (don't forget this is in January) Touring, eating and shopping are on the agenda in that order. Thanks

My suggestion for the best area for a hotel is Mayfair, and specifically the Holiday Inn there. The location puts you close to the Green Park tube station, Fortnum & Mason, Picadilly Circus, Bond Street,the Mall and Buckingham Palace...and by tube you can get to all the major sights in short order.

Ditto for HI Mayfair. The location can't be beat if you want to walk to lots of different sights. We're not in terribly good shape boomers and we walked everywhere from the HI.

I've stayed in Mayfair as well many times. You can try The Chesterfield as well. It is a bit older, but charming London. It is a Red Carnation Hotel. If you stay in Mayfair, check out Shepherds Market. It is a small group of back streets with restaurants and a pub, right in Mayfair.
I also found a great deal in Kennsington- The Millenium Baileys. It is right across the street from the Glouscester Underground stop and the hotel is very nice - big rooms, very nicely decorated. The hotel bar is cozy and the neighborhood is very nice and has good pubs, food, etc.

I was in London last January for 1 week and stayed at a wonderful townhouse hotel in South Kensington called The Cranley (www.thecranley.com). I've stayed in the South Kensington area several times and have to say it's my favorite. Safe, upscale residential neighborhood with lots of restaurants, shops, markets, etc. Gloucester tube station is only a few blocks from the hotel. The hotel was ever so nice. Beautifully decorated room and bath,very clean and comfortable. They have a nice reception room in the lobby with a cozy fireplace where they serve complimentary wine in the afternoon. Staff was very attentive and helpful. I would definitely stay there again. Also stayed at Harrington Hall hotel in the same area - a larger hotel but very nice. Have fun - I'm soooo envious. London is my favorite city.