Where to Stay in London?

Can someone give me information on the various neighborhoods of London? I'd like to visit there this fall but don't know which area to choose for lodging. Am looking at two and three star rated hotels right now, but the variety and prices are overwhelming.

It depends on what you want to do, Brain, and how long you're going to be there.

Last year we had a stopover in London enroute to Mr. Lu's jobsite of the moment. Since we knew we'd be flying into Gatwick (arriving 3:00 AM our time) and taking the Gatwick Express into Victoria Station, I googled on hotels in that area.

If you find something reasonably priced, rest assured that you won't want to stay there. :) We had a reservation at a place that looked pretty decent from the website. Not large, no real amenities, but I wasn't going to spend my time in London watching TV, so what did it matter? As I recall, the price was about 90USD per night.

Well. We finally found the place (lugging luggage around is not fun after an overnight flight) and when the desk clerk saw us, he suggested that we look at the room before signing in. He also recommended that we not leave our luggage in the "lobby". (Can you see where this is going?)

The room we were shown was about as large as my big toe. Seriously, Mr. Lu and I could not look at the room together. I stepped in, looked around, and had to step out before he could do the same.

Needless to say, we found other accomodations and immediately blew the budget! The place we stayed was also very small (by American standards) but many, many steps above what we'd reserved.

If you plan on venturing around London, have fun with the tubes. The tube map looks like multi-colored spaghetti. However, if you stand on the platform and look perplexed, you will be offered help and directions.

If you plan on venturing out of London after your tube experience, do not assume that the trains will be running on time, or running at all.

I liked Wales much more than England, and will be happy to recount our experiences, if you'd like to FReepmail me.

Have a great time!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.