London Help

tinkerleigh

Hi everyone, I realise this has probably been posted a hundred times , but was hoping someone in the know could give me a bit of advice - I am planning on taking my little one (3) to hyde park winter wonderland at the end of November - during one of the quieter off peak days. We are travelling up by train, arriving at St Pancras.

I would like to book a hotel for that night, as would like to treat her the following day to London aquarium visit, and hopefully get Harrods grotto tickets for the following day as well.

My question therefore is - where in your opinion would be best to stay? I cant decide between staying close to Hyde Park , or somewhere closer to the train station, as am thinking about the Tuesday and having to lug a bag about with me -could anyone help me or else I will never get it actually booked!

Many thanks, any other tips appreciated too!

Own_My_Own

Hotels near Hyde Park will be expensive. I would look nearer the station.

St Pancrus station has Left Luggage facilities.

http://www.left-baggage.co.uk/left_luggage_st_pancras.php

*manda*

Most hotels will allow you to leave your bag there so wouldn't dismiss other areas. You can collect before heading back to station. Travelodge won't do this though so depends where you are staying.

HPoirot

You could stay close to any station on the Piccadilly line, as both Hyde Park Corner and Kings Cross stations are on that line. Russell Square is close to Kings Cross/St Pancras and has quite a number of budget/family friendly hotels.

googler

If you don't want to lug bags, the Renaissance at St Pancras, or the Novotel Pullman, right next door are the money-no-object options.

What's your budget?

harp07

Be careful with budget hotels in London, especially with a child! I recommend going through last minute.com for a cheaper rate proper hotel or have a look at The Grange Hotels, the St Pauls one does very reasonable weekend rates because the City works Mon to Fri. Mind breakfast though if you don't pay in with your room rate you could p\y £25 plus for breakfast..Good Luck

tinkerleigh

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions. Unfortunatly googler, money no object hotels arent for me - I am looking at a maximum really of £120 for the night.

Will have a little look now at what everyone has suggested - I have heard decent reviews of the Grange Hotels, and looking very quickly last night, these come in under my budget so I may go for that option, thank you harp07!

Have a great bank holiday weekend everyone x

suffolkb

Looking at the end of November, the travelodges close to Kings x/ St P have family rooms from as little as £45 a night. 4 of them are a short walk from the stations. For an extra tenner, you can have the room at noon to dump your luggage. Euston lodge is probably the best - but most expensive.
On the travelodge site, put NW1 in the search box.

macman

You could stay much further out at either end of the P'dilly line if you don't mind the extra journey time. Or anywhere within the Circle line and on the P'dilly line will only involve a 5-10 minute tube ride to Hyde Park Corner.

heart_free

Just an idea, have you looked at local coach tour companies? Many years ago I used to organise holidays and day trips for a patch company, and we used to offer travel, hotel and sometimes even show/attraction tickets cheaper as a complete package than a night in a hotel if booked directly. Obviously this is because of the buying power of a company.

I've also been on these tours as a customer. We stayed at one hotel in Oxford street, just down from Hyde park corner. It cost me £150 for 3 nights (4 star hotel) with breakfast and coach there and back. The same hotel booked direct charged £160 per night without breakfast!

The downside is of ourselves travelling o London by coach instead of train. The upside is the low cost. Have fun whatever you decide.

dawn27

winter wonderland is quite expensive to go on any rides, the ferris wheel and skating you may need to book ahead as they do sell out at times. I think the mulled wine and cider was around £5 a cup. Its done really well and its nice to wander around looking at the lights etc, but i would take a drink and snack with you.
We normally do winter wonderland then go to Harrods to see the christmas windows and buy a decoration.
There is a german market on the south bank just by the london eye, The london eye do an ice rink which was great fun. I got a combined ticket to go on the london eye too.
theres a premier inn in county hall, next to the London Aquarium i think its usually got good rates mid week.