What is the best area to stay in London to do what I want to do...

lisa76

Apologies for starting a new thread but I couldn't tag on to a previous one as my question didn't really match any previously asked.

I am taking my hubby to London for his 40th in September. We are arriving in Paddington at 12.30 on Wed 5th and leaving 14:00 on Friday.

Ideas of what I def want to do are: Visit the science museum (as he'll love that and it's free!) and after reading a previous thread we'll do the river/bus roaming through clubcard vouchers. Obviously lots of walking about seeing the sights etc - thinking this is all around the Tower area???

My question is whereabouts in London to stay to reduce travelling times the most? I want to keep it as cheap as possible and am probably thinking a travelodge is the best bet it's just which one to choose!!! On the Friday morning for example we won't want to be carting our bags around whilst we make the most of every second being away.

Thanks in advance!

jemcart

I personally would recommend staying in Kensington. It’s a really nice area,the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum areall there and it’s close to Hyde Park. You can walk into central London fromthere in about 45 mins, or get the tube or a bus easily and it takes about 15 mins.

There’s a PremierInn in Kensington, or if you are looking for somewhere a bit smaller andmore personal without charging too much there are The Maraton House Hotel and The Henley House Hotel nearby,which are both reasonably priced and of a good standard.

Hope this helps and that you have a great trip!

lisa76

Wow they are some great hotels that I hadn't previously found whilst doing my research - not bad rates either. Thanks Jemcart I was thinking this area originally x

p00hsticks

lisa76 wrote: »

Wow they are some great hotels that I hadn't previously found whilst doing my research - not bad rates either. Thanks Jemcart I was thinking this area originally x

You;ve only got one full day in London, and the disadvantage of Travelodges is that you can't leave luggage with them - so I'd say find a hotel in South Kensington near to the museums that you can leave your luggage with.

My personal itinerary would be something like .....

Arrive at Paddington Wednesday afternoon, check into hotel and leave luggage. Visit Science Museum.

Thursday - general sightseeing via foot / bus / river (loads of options here).

For something a bit different on either the Wednesday or Thursday night , if it appeals, look at applying for free tickets for the 'Ceremony of the Keys' where they lock up the Tower for the night (following which it's a straight forward Circle tube journey back from Tower Hill to South Ken).

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys

Then on Friday you can either go back for more of the Science Museum ( or Natural Hostory Museum or V &A ) in the morning before picking up your bags and cheking out of the hotel.

lisa76

That sounds great pOOhsticks. I was wondering what to do and when, and I think your suggestions of doing the science museum the afternoon we arrive is a good one, especially if we stay in that area. I'll have a look at the Ceremony of the Keys as that would be of interest to both of us.
I think one of the hotels suggested by jemcart are looking more and more appealing especially if they'll hang on to our luggage for a bit longer.
Thanks x

MuffinTops

Hello,

You could possibly look on sites like kgb and Groupon as they have all sorts of special deals for hotels and days out going on with great long term voucher life for your stay. You may also see some ideas for outings at reduced cost.

But, the lesson I've learned with these deals is if you see a hotel you like, or an outing you like, phone the company itself directly first just to check the availability they have is within the dates you're looking for. If it is, order the voucher immediately and then call them straight back with your voucher details to book it. I hope that helps.

Have a great trip.

lisa76

I have been keeping an eye on the Groupon site for London and nothing has caught my eye/been valid for our stay just yet. I will keep looking though!

needaholiday

Some 2 for 1 offers here or 35% off. Only works on some hotels though. http://www.greenroom.co.uk/wrs

Stompa

Had you considered University accommodation? A lot of places let the accommodation out of term time at reasonable rates. For example:

http://www.londonuniversityrooms.co.uk/

(just a random site picked from Googling)

lisa76

I looked ages ago at the Uni accom but kind of discounted it as a bit of a 'too cheap' option - as much as hubby appreciates my thrifiness I do feel I should push the boat out a bit on his birthday lol!! I will revisit the website though and see what pops up!
I have also looked at the greenroom offers and found them a bit too pricey - thanks thoughx

jordylass

there is also airbnb with some really nice accommodation.