kimberlyb

Arriving in London July 2 and departing the 8th. We need a room that can sleep 3 (2 adults and a 12 yr old). While we weren't originally considering a hotel chain, after feedback from my prior post and reading other threads, we are strongly considering Premier Inn. We don't need luxury and while charm would be nice, it's not a priority. As long as it's clean and in a safe location (ideally close to a Tube station), we are good. Clubs/bars/nightlife is not our scene and with a child in tow, we are would prefer a quieter (or maybe a family friendly) part of town or street. Not sure this is needed, but trying to keep to around $300/night. A few people mentioned the Premier Inn/County Hall. Never stayed in that area. Is that considered South Bank? While the exterior of the building looks very cool, is that a convenient location in terms of getting around town? A few of the hotel options that have family room availability (as of now) are: London Victoria, County Hall, Waterloo, Holborn, Southwark (4 different hotels in this area), St. Pancras, Kings Cross to name a few. Any pro/cons to these hotels or areas of town? (i.e., being close to certain sights, walkability, food options, or even room sizes at the property itself) Feeling a little unsure as to which location to choose. (and if there are any other hotel options that might fit our needs and works within our budget, please share) Thanks in advance.

janisj

Some of the several 'Southwark' locations are not convenient.

County Hall is sort of the flagship because of its location. It is right on the river and next to the Eye. It is very close to Waterloo station and directly across the river from Westminster station. No river views from the hotel - but just outside is the whole Southbank and Parliament/Big Ben is just across the river.

Probably the very most convenient locations would be Victoria, Leicester Sq, Kings Cross/St. Pancras, and Waterloo (close to the County Hall location)

chepar

I have stayed at both the County Hall and Waterloo locations several times, but at the Waterloo location on more recent trips. I have had a family room at the County Hall location once and I found it to be surprisingly roomy.

Both hotels are close to one another and have a decent array of both sit down and take out restaurant options available nearby. My last couple trips that I stayed at the Waterloo location I was traveling solo and a couple of days were long ones and I preferred to just find a restaurant close to the hotel that I could walk to. I never had a problem finding one that I could just pop into without reservations.

kimberlyb

Thanks! Most of the things we will be doing/seeing are on the other side of the river (V&A, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, catching a play, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms), so is it easy to cross the river?

janisj

Westminster Bridge is right outside County Hall (and near he Waterloo property) if you want to walk or take buses. But the tube will take you anywhere in the city - on both sides of the river. Though pedestrian traffic on Westminster Bridge ca be really crowded -- connecting Big Ben and the Eye as it does, just about every London tourist will walk across that bridge at one time or another.

The Victoria, Leicester Sq, Waterloo and Kings Cross/St Pancras locations are all on multiple tube lines -- and Leicester Sq and Kings Cross/St Pancras are both on the direct tube line from Heathrow.

Trophywife007

Duplicate

Skoo_in_socks

I have been once at the Putney Branch - it is clean and slightly cheaper than central ones, while the links to Gatwick and Heathrow are quite convenient. Also located close to the tube station. Perhaps it is worth trying?

Trophywife007

I suppose that might be an alternative if money is tight as long as you consider the extra travel costs that could offset any potential savings but it wouldn't be my first choice.

kimberlyb

Thank you to everyone for the feedback and suggestions. I booked a family room at the Victoria location, which seems to be on a sleepier street compared to some others, but still convenient.

MichGuy

I see that you already booked. Victoria should be great.
A few years ago we stayed at the Premier Inn Earl's Court, just south of Kensington. It's walking distance to Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. But the best thing was that the Earl's Court tube station is on the Piccadilly line. This goes right in to central London and, in the other direction, it's just 45 minutes to LHR. Thought the Premier Inn was a good value.

janisj

Good choice -- very central and close to Victoria Station. It is on the corner of Belgrave Rd which few would consider a 'sleepy' street -- but it is at the top end of the street across from Eccleston Square where the road narrows down to one lane.

If you decide to take the tube in from LHR -- get off at Hammersmith and walk a few feet across the same platform and jump on the next District Line train which goes straight to Victoria.

kimberlyb

Thank you Janisj. I understand. I guess I was comparing it to the others that were available. Thank you for the LHR suggestion - it is most helpful!

Shigar

Victoria is a very good choice. It is on a quiet street, very near Victoria station, lovely walks through the beautiful squares of Mayfair, and there are good restaurants nearby, including for breakfast- better than Premier Inn’s.