It’s been almost 30 years since our very first trip to London—and while we’ve returned many times since, it got us thinking: if we were planning that first visit all over again, where would we stay?
London has thousands of hotels, ranging from ultra-budget hostels to ultra-luxury five-star hotels—and just about everything in between. For a first-time visitor, picking the “right” one can feel a little intimidating. After our first few trips, we became a bit more selective, choosing hotels based on specific activities (such as attending a show at the Royal Albert Hall) or simply to experience a particular property, like the iconic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
Back in the day, we booked a British Airways package that included a room at the Charles Dickens Hotel—a property that has changed hands more than once but still lives in our memory thanks to a very unusual room change request.
Since then, we’ve tried various London accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly to boutique. On my last trip, I stayed at:
- The cozy Hotel Indigo Leicester Square, right in the heart of the theater district
- The elegant Kimpton Fitzroy, which I loved, though it’s probably a bit more than we want to spend this time around
We’ve also stayed at the Hotel Indigo Kensington, The Great Northern Hotel, and a property that still makes us smile when we think back on it—The Resident Kensington. It was great when we were younger… though I still can’t believe we fit three adults into a room with one bed and a “very comfortable chairbed.”
We’ve even stayed at the now-closed Holiday Inn Kensington Forum and Holiday Inn London Mayfair. No offense to either property, but… we’re not exactly mourning their loss.
What We’re Looking For This Time
For our next trip, we’re heading to London with friends who have never been there before. We’ll have two nights in the city before departing on a cruise, and we want to help them make the most of their first time. So here’s what we’re looking for:
- Easy access to/from Heathrow
- Convenient to the major tourist sites
- Close to the Tube
- Nice, but not crazy expensive
So We’re Asking You…
Where would you suggest a first-time visitor stay in London? Bonus points if there’s a specific hotel you recommend.
Let us know in the comments—we’d love your suggestions!
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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