Good places to stay in London?

[Macgyver]

Bryan, feel free to move this where you see fit ...

I'm 95% decided that I'm going to take a last-minute vacation and go to London is just over a week. I can really only stay 5 nights and plan on being out there from March 12th until the 17th. Yeah, I know, not nearly enough time to be out there, but that's all I got right now ...

I am now faced with the daunting task of finding a relatively inexpensive hotel to stay at. I've heard horror stories and what-not and am trying to find a 4-star place that's close to a Tube station and isn't gonna kill my wallet too much.

I've gone to a bunch of websites (bookings.net being the most recent), but I just don't know enough about the city itself to limit my options.

Anyways ... essentially, I'm looking for a 4-star hotel at around £100 a night (or less ) that's not run-down. Any specific hotel suggestions or specific areas of London I should stay in would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[jetset]

Hi, Mac - you're sure to enjoy London. Take a lookie here:

http://www.premiertravelinn.com/pti/home.do

This is a very large hotel chain, and their Premier range hotels are pretty good and in reasonable central locations like Earl's Court close to tube stations - no frills but comfortable and usually with bars and restaurants that you can take or leave as you wish. They have vending machines, too. If you are travelling with your partner it works out around GBP 40 each (they charge you by the room)

Here's another useful link you may want to look at:

http://www.superbreak.com/

[Macgyver]

Thank you, sir.

I've actually changed my plans and I'm now going in May and staying for 7 nights. However, I welcome all other comments/suggestions that people may have as to where I might stay.

Right now, I simply have the plane reservations set to Gatwick Airport and I'm working on where I want to stay.

Again, thank you, jetset.

[amandajm]

Gatwick - Victoria Express(train) - £40 return (1st class), £25 (2nd).

For £100 a night, you could get away with the Hilton somewhere. 16 in London I think if I recall.

Dress warm.

[gfkostas]

Do you want a casino near by?

[Macgyver]

Haha ...

No, that really doesn't matter. From what I hear, the Tube will do me just fine getting me where I want to go.

I just really want some place with decent rooms (good beds, air conditioning in the room, a private shower) where I can lay my tired head down for a good sleep at the end of the night.

Besides, I'm spending enough money on the trip ... don't know if it's too wise to tack on gambling expenses as well.

P.S. Jetset's recommendation of Premier Travel Inns may be exactly what I'm looking for, I'm just waiting to hear something back from another contact in London.

[jetset]

Haha ...

No, that really doesn't matter. From what I hear, the Tube will do me just fine getting me where I want to go.

I just really want some place with decent rooms (good beds, air conditioning in the room, a private shower) where I can lay my tired head down for a good sleep at the end of the night.

Besides, I'm spending enough money on the trip ... don't know if it's too wise to tack on gambling expenses as well.

P.S. Jetset's recommendation of Premier Travel Inns may be exactly what I'm looking for, I'm just waiting to hear something back from another contact in London.

BTW, Mac - if you're planning on using the Tube a lot, ask about the Oyster Card. It could save you some pounds over the week.

[Casinomeister]

...I am now faced with the daunting task of finding a relatively inexpensive hotel to stay at. I've heard horror stories and what-not and am trying to find a 4-star place that's close to a Tube station and isn't gonna kill my wallet too much..

I usually go to London alone, so I don't care for the high end stuff, plus I'm not allowed to have too good of a time.

So most of the time I go, I stay at the St.Giles
http://www.stgiles.com/londonhotel/index.html
It's relatively cheap - it's a three star, and lives up to the three star rep. The breakfast buffet is over priced and sucks, and the rooms are dingy small - you need to order a double.

But the hell with the room, you're in London - you should not be spending any time in the hotel. The St. Giles is in the northern tip of Soho and is in walking distance of many theaters, cinemas, tons of shops (Virgin records is across the street - and a huge Internet cafe). The tube station is 50 meters away (Tottenham Ct.). Leicester Square is a 15 minute walk away (or the next tube station) - the night life can't be beat there.

People laugh when I tell them where I usually stay, but to me the location is second to none.

[Macgyver]

Thanks, Bryan. I, too, am going alone ... aren't there two St. Giles hotels, though ... one in Central London and one in Heathrow?

I was given a contact from a co-worker and that person initially mentioned the St. Giles hotel actually when I was looking at going next week.

I'm waiting to hear from the contact now that my dates have changed. If she offers the St. Giles again, I'll be torn between jetset's recommendation and yours.

[Casinomeister]

Thanks, Bryan. I, too, am going alone ... aren't there two St. Giles hotels, though ... one in Central London and one in Heathrow?

I was given a contact from a co-worker and that person initially mentioned the St. Giles hotel actually when I was looking at going next week.

I'm waiting to hear from the contact now that my dates have changed. If she offers the St. Giles again, I'll be torn between jetset's recommendation and yours.

Yeah, you want the Central London one. Being close to Heathrow would be an absolute drag.