London hotel choices
Discussion
Considering taking the family (Me, wife, son (9) and daughter (6) to London in August and doing the premilinary research. We live in Germany and would probably fly into Heathrow but out via Gatwick.
The Heathrow Express comes into Paddington, whilst the Gatwick Express is Victoria. Logic tells me that staying close to Victoria would be more sensible as it would minimise travel when we leave, but is there are significant difference in areas or hotel options between Paddington and Victoria?
The Heathrow Express comes into Paddington, whilst the Gatwick Express is Victoria. Logic tells me that staying close to Victoria would be more sensible as it would minimise travel when we leave, but is there are significant difference in areas or hotel options between Paddington and Victoria?
Austin Prefect said:
Victoria is a rather more pleasant area and a more walkable distance from most of the sights. Rather fewer hotels though, particularly at the budget end. But remember it's very easy to get around London on the tube provided you haven't got a ludicrous amount of luggage.
Thanks, that appears to confirm what my hotel searching is showing. Seems to be much affordable options closer to Paddington. Central line from Paddington to Victoria is 25 minutes.How long are you planning on staying?
If it's for a day or so I can perhaps understand wanting to be close to your departure point, otherwise don't worry about it too much. Public transport/taxis are easy enough.
Immediate vicinity of Victoria is a bit of a hole - similar to all transport termini - but it's no effort to get away from and back to. You're a walk from Westminster and across the bridge to the South Bank and it's an easy tube ride into the city and Tower of London... and so on...
If it's for a day or so I can perhaps understand wanting to be close to your departure point, otherwise don't worry about it too much. Public transport/taxis are easy enough.
Immediate vicinity of Victoria is a bit of a hole - similar to all transport termini - but it's no effort to get away from and back to. You're a walk from Westminster and across the bridge to the South Bank and it's an easy tube ride into the city and Tower of London... and so on...
Nothingtoseehere said:
How long are you planning on staying?
If it's for a day or so I can perhaps understand wanting to be close to your departure point, otherwise don't worry about it too much. Public transport/taxis are easy enough.
Immediate vicinity of Victoria is a bit of a hole - similar to all transport termini - but it's no effort to get away from and back to. You're a walk from Westminster and across the bridge to the South Bank and it's an easy tube ride into the city and Tower of London... and so on...
Probably four days in total, but arriving mid afternoon on the first day and leaving early evening on the last day, so 2 full days to sightsee.If it's for a day or so I can perhaps understand wanting to be close to your departure point, otherwise don't worry about it too much. Public transport/taxis are easy enough.
Immediate vicinity of Victoria is a bit of a hole - similar to all transport termini - but it's no effort to get away from and back to. You're a walk from Westminster and across the bridge to the South Bank and it's an easy tube ride into the city and Tower of London... and so on...
I take your point, where would be good area to look for family, and budget, friendly hotels?
RedWhiteMonkey said:
Probably four days in total, but arriving mid afternoon on the first day and leaving early evening on the last day, so 2 full days to sightsee.
I take your point, where would be good area to look for family, and budget, friendly hotels?
I've no idea on hotels that fit the bill, but if it were me I'd start by looking at chain hotels like Premier Inn where you can't go too far wrong.I take your point, where would be good area to look for family, and budget, friendly hotels?
Don t bother with Gatwick Express if you’re going to Victoria. The Southern services are only a couple of minutes slower and a fraction of the price. Confusingly, they may be operated by trains that say Gatwick Express on the side though.
Also bear in mind that depending on where you’re going, Thameslink has a similar journey time if you take a limited stop train and stops at London Bridge, Blackfriars etc through to St Pancras. Obviously depending on time of day any of them could be very busy and Thameslink is more aligned to commuter traffic.
If you go into Heathrow, consider the Elizabeth Line as an alternative to Heathrow Express, it’s cheaper though slower and busier but takes you right across the centre from West to East. Some of the interchanges with the tube involve a fair bit of walking though!
Also bear in mind that depending on where you’re going, Thameslink has a similar journey time if you take a limited stop train and stops at London Bridge, Blackfriars etc through to St Pancras. Obviously depending on time of day any of them could be very busy and Thameslink is more aligned to commuter traffic.
If you go into Heathrow, consider the Elizabeth Line as an alternative to Heathrow Express, it’s cheaper though slower and busier but takes you right across the centre from West to East. Some of the interchanges with the tube involve a fair bit of walking though!
Edited by alangla on Wednesday 18th March 13:06
belowdeck said:
The Premier Inns near Waterloo/Southbank are decent for family. Southbank is central to alot of sites and very good chain restaurants close by for food options.
I agree, although Waterloo to Gatwick would mean a change of trains at Clapham. Or get to London Bridge and get the Thameslink from there. 4 of you in a Premier Inn room might be a bit tight, plus Premier Inn's can get close to £200 a night in London at times.
DB4DM said:
Premier Inn for £200! Midweek in the City it'll be £270 room only
Prem Inn Waterloo this week (midweek) for £225 for 2 nights. Booked in Jan. I refuse to pay over £200 a night for Premier Inn, as a point of principal! If it's above that I prefer to stay a bit further out and train in. Youngs Pubs often have rooms for less than £200.As said above - consider the Elizabeth line. It's only a little slower than the heathrow express.
The Elizabeth line goes right through the centre of London, so you have a massive choice of hotels.
The Picadilly line also runs from Heathrow to central London
For getting to gatwick: The Gatwick express isn't really any quicker than other routes. There are ~30min trains to Gatwick from London bridge. Thameslink trains also run through central London and stop at Gatwick.
Museums/shops/restaurants/other attractions are all centred around the centre of London
TL;DR I wouldn't really recommend either Paddington or Victoria. You'll spend less time travelling ifyou stay in Central London and see more.
The Elizabeth line goes right through the centre of London, so you have a massive choice of hotels.
The Picadilly line also runs from Heathrow to central London
For getting to gatwick: The Gatwick express isn't really any quicker than other routes. There are ~30min trains to Gatwick from London bridge. Thameslink trains also run through central London and stop at Gatwick.
Museums/shops/restaurants/other attractions are all centred around the centre of London
TL;DR I wouldn't really recommend either Paddington or Victoria. You'll spend less time travelling ifyou stay in Central London and see more.
As above about Elizabeth line it is very good. Depends on budget for hotel, sounds like a little tight. Family rooms can be good with kids. Another option are Z hotels. Small and niche but high quality and very competitive. Food not included so you are not compelled to be back at the hotel for meals.
Tom8 said:
As above about Elizabeth line it is very good. Depends on budget for hotel, sounds like a little tight. Family rooms can be good with kids. Another option are Z hotels. Small and niche but high quality and very competitive. Food not included so you are not compelled to be back at the hotel for meals.
A z hotel with two kids of that age would be absolute torture.Nicetobenice said:
Tom8 said:
As above about Elizabeth line it is very good. Depends on budget for hotel, sounds like a little tight. Family rooms can be good with kids. Another option are Z hotels. Small and niche but high quality and very competitive. Food not included so you are not compelled to be back at the hotel for meals.
A z hotel with two kids of that age would be absolute torture.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff