The last 2 times I was in London we stayed in the Paddington area. I know that Londoners consider it a somewhat undesireable area, but we found great pubs with great food. A wonderful little convenience store right around the corner from our hotel that was open 24 hours, where in the a.m. we got fresh pastries and coffee with a fruit stand right out front , and at night on our way back to our hotel we could pick up a bottle of wine to wind down with. We were within walking distance of Portobello Market, Little Venice, and Hyde Park. Our rooms were small. but the reason they were small was because each room had a brand new bathroom. To us that was a fair trade off. We were only there to sleep and bathe anyway! We are planning another trip to London in Sept of 2010 and will again plan to stay at The Abbey Court Hotel in Sussex Gardens. About $140 and includes breakfast, 1 block from Paddington Station. Its an older hotel. But the perfect place if you are on a budget and not looking for The Ritz. The area has everything you could want!!!

Posted By Susan Seifert on August 28, 2009, 10:28 AM

If you are young and heading to London, there is no better place to stay than the Ace Hostel in Kensington. Equidistant from 2 tube stations in quiet but pretty Kensington make this an excellent, low-cost location.

It is actually called "Ace Hotel" but is a hostel. Clean, fun, modern. Honestly, it was so nice I would eat off the floors. GREAT hostel! :)

Posted By Holly Herlein on August 28, 2009, 12:51 PM

My husband and I love to stay at Odessa Wharf, our timeshare on the Thames in the Docklands area across the river from Canary Wharf. The complex also rents units to outsiders. Check their website for rates (www.odessawharf.com). The units are spacious and the staff couldn't be nicer! They go out of their way accomodate their guests. There is a high-speed catamaran to the center of London from Greenland Pier, a five-minute walk away. The Canada Water Tube station is a ten to fifteen minute walk, and the bus stop is located about five minutes away. Our favorite restaurant is The Yellow House Restaurant (www.theyellowhouse.eu) located near the tube station. The staff remembers us from year to year and their food is just wonderful. They use local producers and their chef Jaime Foa delights in his food preparation. You won't be disappointed!

Posted By Deborah Hoeper on August 28, 2009, 3:36 PM

As a born and bred Londoner, one of my favourite parts of the city is Bayswater. It's a slightly shabby but secure and incredibly "real" part of London, and yet still only minutes away on the tube to Oxford Street and Notting Hill. Bayswater gives visitors a flavour of the cosmopolitan nature of London as well as a chance to enjoy nearby Hyde Park, one of London's largest Royal Parks. It's also a stone's throw from Portobello Market. But the biggest advantage of Bayswater for me is the fantastic "A to Z" of affordable restaurants you'll find there, particularly on Westbourne Grove. I've included some personal recommendations in a couple of articles on my blog at www.londonhotelsinsight.com including Al Waha (reckoned by many to be the best Lebanese in London). Whatever you end up doing on your visit to London, I recommend you get away from the "tourist traps" and explore vibrant districts like Bayswater, Camden, Hampstead, Clapham, St John's Wood and so many others!

Posted By Rajul on August 29, 2009, 5:59 AM

I stayed/lived in the Bloomsbury/Soho area by the British Museum. I highly, highly recommend it. Centrally located and on the Piccadilly line, it is prime to great food, great entertainment and posh shopping.

Posted By Sandra on August 29, 2009, 10:48 AM

The London School of Economics, and other schools, rent their dormitory rooms year-round at great rates! (http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/). Much cheaper than hotels, a full 'English' breakfast is optionally included. It is a cross between a hotel and a hostel -- you have a private room with phone, linens, towels provided, but the bathrooms are on either end of the floor. I stayed in Passfield Hall for 5 weeks while studying at Central St. Martins summer school. 5 weeks there cost me as much as 1 week in a hotel would have! In Bloomsbury, right off of Tavistock Square, it was a beautiful location and central to all of London. The accommodations were comfortable, and breakfast was delicious! Book early, as they fill up quickly.

Posted By Hilary on August 29, 2009, 12:17 PM

Strand Palace on The Strand. Not fancy but convenient location, just down the street from Trafalgar Square. Most theaters are easy walk from hotel with no need to use tube, as are National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery & Leicester Square

Posted By Terry on August 31, 2009, 11:12 AM

Most of our trips of late have had us staying in hotels selected by the tour companies. We do eat during each visit at: Rule's, the oldest restaurant in London, Al Hamra - Lebanese - Shepherds Market, and Langan's Brasserie. All are most comfortable and medium expensive.

Posted By Fred Silhanek on August 31, 2009, 11:23 AM

The hotel I suggest is the Premier Travel Inn – County Hall http://www.premierinn.com/pti/hotelInformation.do?hotelId=23881&iscsell= . This hotel is well located (50 yards from the London Eye) and just down the “hall” from the $450/night Marriott (both in the same building). Premier Inn rates are 104GBP/night weekends. 114GBP/night weekdays. Breakfast buffet (7.5GBP) not included (so walk across the street to the Bagel shop, there is also a convenience store and good Greek restaurant across the street). It is 500 yards from the Westminster tube stop and Waterloo tube /train station. Rooms are big great for families. Reserve ASAP (this place fills up!).

Posted By Kyle Stout on August 31, 2009, 11:52 AM

After 5 weeks traveling throughout Europe we arrived in London. We stayed in the Hammersmith area and found a quaint little Italian restaurant called the CAPRI within walking distance of our hotel as well as the underground station. We had the best meals at that restaurant then we had anywhere else in Europe, including Italy, France, Germany and Spain. This was 15 years ago and my daughter and her family had dinner there 2 weeks ago and it was also excellant. The chef there has been there for 30 years. The "polla de este" is fabulous.

Posted By Ray K Bramer on August 31, 2009, 12:31 PM

I highly recommend the Morgan in Bloomsbury, right around the corner from the British Museum. Several buses pass in the same street as the hotel and the Picaddilly tube (the same line that goes to Heathrow) is close by. Also, an easy walk ot only to Leicester Square area but Covent Garden and across Westminster Bridge to the South Bank. Reasonable prices, including breakfast and a helpful staff. Last April was my first time there and I'd go back.

Posted By David on August 31, 2009, 12:53 PM

I have been to London many times and recently started taking groups there. I always take my groups to Bistro Benetti in Earls Court. Exit the Earls Court tube station and go left about a block. It is the best Italian food I've had anywhere, even in Italy. The owners are an Italian father, son, and uncle.

Also, the Rushmore Hotel in Earls Court is economical and wonderful, but no elevator. Great sunny breakfast room and very helpful British staff.

Posted By Becky Brock on August 31, 2009, 12:58 PM

My wife & I visited Parliament in April. After our visit we ate at the Coffee Shop in the building. Best lunch for the best price in our 3 week stay in England. About $15 for two sandwiches, 2 teas and one dessert.

Posted By jeh106 on August 31, 2009, 1:01 PM

I heartily agree with Rajul - my sister and I stayed in Bayswater on our last trip and were pleasantly surprised at how lovely the area was. The street we stayed on (Inverness Terrace) was quite, residential, and we felt very at home. However, the next street over (where the Bayswater tube stop is located) was bustling and full of fantastic little restaurants. We stayed at the Hyde Park Towers hotel and loved it! It was our 2nd time in London and this hotel was far better than our choice the 1st time around. The room was more than adequate with a private bathroom, a very comfortable bed, and a terrace that looked out onto the street. The terrace was unusable (too old), but the wide open doors onto the terrace made for a wonderful view! They also had a fantastic English Breakfast in the hotel restaurant every morning (well worth the extra pounds) and free WiFi that was available for use (with a rentable laptop that's kept at the front desk). The international staff was nothing but friendly and we truly enjoyed our stay!

Posted By Cheryl on August 31, 2009, 1:52 PM

For an inexpensive dining option, if the weather's nice (which can be a challenge!), pop by a Marks & Spencers with a food hall. They have a wonderful selection of fresh made, small serving, yummy gourmet foods and all the cutlery and condiments you would need. You can take to your haul to a park (Hyde/Kensington is a favourite!) and have a lovely picnic. You can rent a chair for a small fee and people watch for hours!

Posted By Dawn on August 31, 2009, 2:47 PM

Living in London for a year and a half I had to learn where to eat without breaking the bank. Everything I mention should cost you well under 10 GBP and be served in under 10 minutes. Also, contrary to popular belief for London cuisine, these meals taste wonderful as well. If you are visiting Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, get a roast lunch from Fuzzy's Grub on Tooley Street and eat out near City Hall - great views over the Thames! Visiting the London Eye, go for Turkish at Tas. Shopping on Oxford Street go to Square Pie in Selfridge's - pie, mash and mushy peas for ~7 GBP. Near Trafalgar Square go to Chopped on St Martin's Lane - if you've been travelling in Europe for any length of time you will probably be craving fresh vegetables and they deliver. Near Covent Garden, Wagamama is quick and yummy. Bodean's has several locations and fantastic BBQ (yes, BBQ!) Boston Butt samdwich and fries for about 5 GBP. Best curry is at Lahore Kabob House just off Commercial Rd (I guarantee you will stare at the bill a couple times and say "really, that's it?") Finally, if you are lucky enough to be in London on a Fri, Sat or Sun, go to Borough Market and make a meal of your finds as you wander through London's most expansive food market. Enjoy!

Posted By kriskelly49 on August 31, 2009, 3:03 PM

The Espresso Bar at the Tate Modern is to die for. Seriously, one of the best cappuccinos I've ever had. Pret A Mangers are good for a quick, inexpensive bite -- good sandwiches and pastries and other grab-and-go type things -- and they're all over the place. I love Chez Gerard -- they have a few locations as well and are famous for their steak frites -- so good! The Orangery Tea Room at Kensington Palace is just delightful -- and you have to do tea in London, at least once. And even though it's crazy touristy, you'll find tons to eat at Covent Garden Piazza. Candy Cakes is my fave -- yummy cupcakes and shakes! I've also found all of the museums to have good cafes and restaurants, if you happen to be in one at a mealtime.

Posted By Michelle on August 31, 2009, 3:31 PM

My group stays at Grange White Hall hotel in Bloomsbury, around the corner from the British Museum. Great, quiet location. Russell Street Tube Station is just across the square. Hotel serves a fab English Breakfast, and the tea making equipment in the room is superb.

Posted By Denise LeCroy on August 31, 2009, 4:26 PM

St John on St. John Street by Smithfield Restaurant is the best restaurant in Britain. Depending on how many bottles of wine you have and if dessert is ordered, you can eat - and eat well - for around £40. The Roast Bone Marrow & Parsley Salad is a must for a starter. Entrees change often, but I've never tasted one I didn't like. If you have room for dessert, the Madeleines are astounding.

I spent three months at Goldsmiths University in New Cross. So if anyone's there (though I'm not sure why you would be) there are a couple places to eat. If you come out of the New Cross Gate station, go right, cross the street and continue right. Almost immediately on your left is a little cafe place that has cheap and tasty sandwiches. The Hobgoblin pub, next to Goldsmiths housing has surprisingly decent Thai food Sundays through Thursdays. Friday nights they have cheap BBQ. For excellent late night food, Tasty Kabob a bit further down New Cross Road is the place. The lamb shish with salad and garlic sauce and chili sauce is great. Or just an order of chips drenched in garlic sauce will hit the spot.

Posted By Tris on August 31, 2009, 4:35 PM

In april 2008 we stayed at the regency house hotel on Gower St. (www.regencyhouse_hotel.com) The hotel is withn walking distance to major mounments, close to the Bristih Museum and a park . There is a subway station nearby and a grocery store as well. The hotel offers a hearty english breafast and has rooms to accomodate singles, couples but most of all families with children - by stayng in a smaller hotel you feel more of the local atmosphere than the well known hotels ( that do not offer rooms to accomodate a family with 2 children most of the time ...)

Posted By Adriana C. on August 31, 2009, 4:56 PM

The Celtic Hotel at Russel Square--delightful, old-fashioned, reasonable--walking distance to the British Museum and Dicken's home.

Posted By Louise Manhein on August 31, 2009, 5:09 PM

We were just in London and had dinner one night after the theatre at the Masala Zone in near Covent Garden. It was great inexpensive food. The speciality is thali plates which allow you to do exactly what you usually want to do in an Indian restaurant - try lots of things in small portions. Nothing cost more than 8 or 9 pounds and most was far less. The staff was also very helpful and friendly, especially to our rather tired children.

Posted By Ellen on August 31, 2009, 5:13 PM

We just returned from 12 days in London, and ate three times at Maroush Lebanese Restaurants on Edgeware Road. Maroush has live music every night, but does have a 6 pound per person cover charge. Maroush Garden down the street has a 2 pound cover charge for the bowl of raw veggies (a do-it-yourself salad) and the fruit platter plus pastry plate that come with every meal. The food is fabulous, and the atmosphere great. Not truly budget, but a reasonable splurge.

Posted By JLS on August 31, 2009, 5:33 PM

I'm traveling with the Big Easy Jazz Ambassadors from New Orleans to London this Christmas holiday. We will march ala Mardi Gras (I'm a bead thrower)and this will be my 2nd trip with them to London. We stay at the Royal Horseguards Hotel which has just been awarded a 5th Michelin star. About 3 blocks away is the wonderful Sherlock Holmes Pub which is great for New Year's Eve. There "Bubble & Squeek" or "Spotted Dick" is great.

Posted By sowafeam on August 31, 2009, 6:22 PM

A MUST place to eat in London is The Ivy in the West End. But make your reservations at least 6 months in advance. This is a VERY affordable, very secret place where everyone who is anyone eats. It might seem like a place where you must dress up but we saw just about anything. . .best outfit would be jeans with a jacket for guys and upscale casual for gals. We rode a rickshaw from the theater district to the restaurant. Good thing because we would have NEVER found it. The rickshaw driver took us right to the front door. Once there, we were seated near the front of the restaurant (not by the kitchen, as we expected!). When we left, the maitre'd insisted their private driver take us back to our hotel. The food was out of this world. We had 4 courses plus a bottle of wine and our total bill for two was less than $50 USD. Can't wait to go back!! Please be advised that you will not get passed the doorman without advanced reservations.

Posted By Ann on August 31, 2009, 6:38 PM

Fuller's Hotels are reasonably priced and conveniently situated above Fuller's pubs. The Fuller's Mad Hatter in Southwark is a short walk to the Tate and a couple of underground stations. They're offering a September special: www.fullershotels.com.

Nando's is a chain of chicken restaurants with very tasty food (the peri peri sauce is killer), family-friendly prices, adult bevvies and much more ambience than one might expect.

Bombay Bicycle Club (not to be confused with cheesy 80's restaurant chain) is an attractive albeit tiny place in Holland Park offering delicious Indian food at a good price. There are a couple other locations as well, but the HP spot is just a short walk from The Castle, a most excellent retro-modern pub/wine bar.

Posted By Andi on August 31, 2009, 6:39 PM

Paddington is a great place to stay, and be sure to visit the Swan, one of the rare pubs with outdoor seating on Bayswater Road.

Posted By Jerry on August 31, 2009, 6:51 PM

For cheap and cheerful, I've stayed at the Comfort Inn @ Kings Cross. Excellent tube and train links from King's Cross and St Pancras including UK rail and Eurostar. Plus it is off on a side-street away from the buses and traffic but only 5 minutes or less from Kings Cross station. You can get anywhere and everywhere in London from Kings Cross.

Posted By Ed F London on August 31, 2009, 6:53 PM

My daughter and I stayed at the Sofitel St. James on Waterloo just a block from the Piccadilly tube station. Understated elegance and wonderful service, along with a very knowledgeable concierge made our stay memorable. Walking distance to Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and theaters. Restaurants abound, but several times we walked down the street to the Tesco store for ready-to-eat salads or sandwiches. Especially memorable: Doing brass rubbings (suitable for framing!) at St. Martin in the Fields Church on Trafalgar Square followed by a glass of wine in the church's brick-vaulted crypt, complete with live jazz.

Posted By Karen on August 31, 2009, 7:57 PM

I stayed at and recommend base2stay (www.base2stay.com). My room was very reasonably priced and clean, stylish, and equipped with a mini-kitchen and free wi-fi. Great Kensington location that is very close to the Earls Court and Gloucester Road tube stations. There are many shops and restaurants conveniently located a block away on Earls Court Road.

Posted By Chris on August 31, 2009, 8:58 PM

I have two hotels I would like to speak of. First off, was the wonderful Park Inn at Heathrow Airport area. Great room with all the amenities. The room was not plush, but clean and very comfortable. In fact, with jet lag, I slept like a baby there. The staff really took care of me, and the breakfast was really good. Even when I didn't use my voucher for breakfast a couple of days, when I checked out to go to Heathrow, they exchanged the vouchers for two 'Ready to Go' breakfast boxes, which came in very handy.

The other hotel, not so much, I'm afraid. the EasyHotel at Lexham Gardens, Kensington. Dirty little room, no windows, air was at one temperature, Hot, that I couldn't adjust. Worn and dingy bedclothes. Dust was everywhere. The all in one toilet, shower and vanity was dirty as well. Plus, when I first arrived, I came a couple of hours early for check in. I was so tired coming from California. The manger argued with me and wasn't even going to give me a room. He finally agreed and gave me this awful one. One thing the location had, a Sainsbury's right around the corner. The location also had a couple of nice hotel and restaurants down the street, so I went there occassionally. I will never go that cheap again, or at least I will do more research.

Posted By Janie F. on August 31, 2009, 9:35 PM

Location is everything...The Morgan Hotel on Bloomsbury backs-up to the British Museum; an easy walk to Sir John Sloane's Museum; is walking distance to Piccadilly Circus, Covenant Garden, Chinatown, West End theatres and an easy cab ride home after a night out. They are a B&B with apartments just up the street, have reasonable prices and serve a great breakfast.
Of course when in London one must visit the food courts/tea at Fortum & Mason, get their theatre chocolates at Charbonnel & Walker on Old Bond St. and get your Italian fix at Va Bene or as us old folks still call it ...Topo Gigio.

Posted By Kent D on August 31, 2009, 10:01 PM

Rent a flat if you possibly can !
Our favorite area is CHISWICK for village atmosphere, near Kew and Richmond, and Thames walks.
Fabulous restaurants LE VACHERIN and LA TROMPETTE. Go for the early prix fixe for a delicious bargain!

Posted By Donna on August 31, 2009, 10:22 PM

We stayed at the Royal Horseguard in the Whitehall section and had a lovely stay. It has a tube station right next door (Embankment Station) and was very convenient to Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, and Parliament. We were able to walk to the majority of the sites we wanted to see but had the convenience of the tube station next door as well.

Posted By Nan on August 31, 2009, 10:49 PM

We were in London last year with our grandson who was 19 and a somewhat picky eater. We ate at the restaurant in the basement of St. Martins-in-the-
Fields Church. It is named the Crypt! The food was very good, the prices very reasonable, and they always had something to please my picky grandson. In fact, one night he went back for a second entree the first was so good. The location is ideal, being right on the corner in Trafalgar Square. I highly recommend!

Posted By Evelyn Huffmaster on August 31, 2009, 11:27 PM

Ebury Street. It's about two blocks from Victoria Station, and there are tons of B&Bs there that give you a full English breakfast and have VERY reasonable rates. I like the Lynton Hotel at 113 Ebury St. Down the street is Tophams, which has great photos on the walls and is worth a visit but the rooms are no bigger and twice the price as Lynton. Lynton price is 70-85GBP. One internet site calls it gay friendly. From this hotel you can walk to almost everything, you are blocks from Buckingham palace.

Posted By Jeneene on August 31, 2009, 11:39 PM

I second Terry's recommendation: the Strand Palace hotel on the Strand is THE best location in London for the average tourist- within very easy walking distance of St. Pauls, the Tate Modern, the West End theatres (two are within a block's walk), the Courtauld Gallery (one of London's finest art museums and only 2 blocks away), 10 minutes to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, 5 minutes more to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and a quick walk across the Thames bridge to the National Theatre and all the attractions of the South Bank.

It's primarily a business hotel (with upgraded Club rooms available and worth the cost), so service is fast, friendly, and efficient, and you can negotiate great rates with a little effort. And make sure to get a room rate that includes the full English breakfast in the restaurant- you can "stock up" there on eggs, bangers & mash, and fresh fruits and pastries and make do with a light lunch (I'm a fan of the Pret A Manger sandwich shops or grabbing a picnic at a Sainsbury or Marks & Spencer grocery) until dinner, saving a nice amount on London's VERY overpriced restaurants for at least one meal.

Many of London's major (and best for tourists) bus routes stop in front of the hotel, and one last benefit: if London's notoriously breakdown-prone Tube is closed down suddenly, you're still within easy walking distance of the theatres, shopping, museums, and restaurants of the West End.

Oh, and did I mention that the Strand is literally across the street from the legendary Savoy Hotel? Stop by for a drink or dinner and pretend that you're staying upstairs- for about $800 a night less at the Strand!

Posted By D Fury on September 1, 2009, 12:05 AM

I go to London quite often and usually stay at "The Lime Tree" B&B or The Winchester. Both are in the Belgravia area and a short walk from Victoria Station, where the Gatwick Express arrives from the airport. The Lime Tree is a wonderful family-owned B&B with cute rooms and comfortable beds with a friendly staff. A full English breakfast is served to order each morning. The Winchester is a clean budget hotel with a good breakfast as well. Both are great locations for the price and near the London sites and underground.

Posted By D Bruce on September 1, 2009, 2:26 AM

Belgo - fab Belgian restaurant with a "Beat the Clock" special during early times on certain days of the week. The time you order is the price you pay for entree and a beer (so 6:30 would be 6.5 British Pounds, 7pm would be 7 Pounds). Great mussels and frites as well as other Belgian food, excellent selection of Belgian beers, and interesting ambience. Just be aware that the last time I was there the bathrooms were not gender separated (or at least they were not at the sinks). Took me aback the first time, but it really is not a big deal given the types of stalls they have.

Posted By HJ on September 1, 2009, 9:36 AM

A very good tourist hotel, the Royal Norfolk, is located across the street from Paddington Station at 25 London S. (011-44-207-723-3386, or www.royalnorfolkhotel.co.uk. Rooms are average size and clean; the breakfast is good, and the location is excellent; bus 15 stops at the corner and goes all the way thru the city to the Tower of London. Within one block of the hotel you'll find every fast food joint plus many very good restaur-
ants.
The Tavistock on Tavistock Square near the Russell Square Underground and the British Museum stop is more upscale but an excl't buy for dollar, with a huge breakfast. It's a quiet area with fewer dining options.
As for eating, take a small notebook with you every day and check the 1,000's of inexpensive sandwich shops, and also most museums have very good cafes with reasonable prices: the cafe in the crypt of St. Martin in the Fields at Trafalgar Square. The elegant pub restaurant, Porter's, is on Henrietta a block from Covent Garden. The gourmet restaurant at the Wallace Collection is excl't but pricey, while the Imperial War Museum cafe is less expensive but good.

Posted By Dick Griffin on September 1, 2009, 12:37 PM

Can't beat the K&K Hotel in London.
GREAT buffet breakfast.
Steps from the subway.

Posted By JC Prinzo on September 1, 2009, 2:07 PM

www.pennclub.co.uk

A 200 year old building in Bloomsbury. Have kippers for breakfast, read The Times in the lounge, chat with mostly British fellow guests. Why stay at a cookie cutter hotel when you can be based at a British club?

Posted By JACC on September 1, 2009, 2:23 PM

The variety of responses as to favorite hotels and neighborhoods in London underscores what a great city London is. It is a remarkable place. Just one of my favorite pub/restaurants is the Queen's Head at Brook Green (near Shepherd's Bush). Perfect for all the senses. I have been to London six times. If there is anything I did not like about it I have forgotten it.

Posted By SRS on September 2, 2009, 8:50 AM

I have stayed at the Aston Apartments at 31 Rosary Gardens, SW7 twice, most recently in May. The is a very comfortable cheap & clean place with rooms that all have kitchenettes and nice modern bathrooms. There is shopping 5 minutes away right by the Glouster Rd. tube station. Two good cheap restaurants are Cafe in the Crypt at St. Martin in the Fields Church at Trafalgar Sq. with really good fresh food. The second place is My Old Dutch Pancake House at 132 High Holborn CW1V and also out the King's Road. It's a Dutch crepe place that's just fantastic and a great buy.

Posted By shoshanah dobry on September 2, 2009, 10:42 AM

I can't believe that no-one has mentioned Pret -a Manger for a cheap and chearful lunch. Not a gourmet eatery, but certainly affordable. We normally stay in North Finchley at a Guest House called the Glenlyn. It is easy walking to the tube (northern line) and buses to anywhere. Good eateries on the main street are Meza Meza,and Medi. You can't go wrong with pub food anywhere. We were at a dingy, sticky, dreary pub in Greenwich, but the food came freshly cooked, with fresh (not frozen or tinned) peas, and excellent service and a truly wonderful price!

Posted By Helena Simmons on September 4, 2009, 11:15 AM

I love London and have traveled there a dozen times over the decade to visit friends. My favorite area to stay in is Bloomsbury. Offers a variety of lodging, easy access to tubes (ride the Piccadilly line to/from Heathrow)and also Euston & Kings Cross train stations are nearby. Safe neighborhood, even walking alone at night. I love the Italian Kitchen on New Oxford St (Fettucine Italian Kitchen and the Apple Bread Pudding w/Hot Caramel Sauce are terrific). It's a small place, reservations are advised as it fills up quick! www.italiankitchen.uk.com
I also like The North Sea on Leigh St for fish & chips. You can dine in restaurant or go to their take-away & eat in your room. The Brunswick Centre, a few yards from the Russell Square Station has finally been revamped and now has restaurants (ex.Giraffe)and coffee places some with outdoor tables in milder months plus clothing & drug stores and a very large Waitrose to stock up on water, soda, other needs. Around Covent Garden - Rules and Paul - the French Family Bakery & Patisserie (this location has a cafe)for a wide range of light french meals. Eat in or buy something for your room later.
www.paul-uk.com
Definitely Belgo Centraal for the mussels and the chicken is very tasty too! Fun atmoshere, casual, and the beat the clock specials are a bargain! Covent Garden/Neals Yard (Earlham St.)
If you want to splurge without breaking the bank try The Criterion (Piccadilly) for lunch. They have a 2 or 3 set course option (prix fixe). Oozes atmosphere, terrific food and you may spot a celebrity have a business lunch. www.criterionrestaurant.com
Also if you are going to the V&A try The Kensington Creperie near the tube station for either a sweet or savory crepe.

Posted By slw on September 5, 2009, 2:05 AM

A great, affordable find is the Premier Inn Kennsington. Minutes from the Earl's Court tube station, a large grocery store, Sainsbury's, nearby to get things to keep in the room. A great bakery about a block away that is also right across the street from the tube station, called Bakers Oven. They have the BEST lemon poppy seed muffins I've ever had there, and decent coffee too.

Posted By TK on September 6, 2009, 12:59 PM

In London take a cab ride around London at night and have the best melt in your mouth steak at the Blue Boar Resturant. My wife and I enjoyed the beautiful english tudor style and atmosphere of this very reasonably priced resturant. The cab driver should be able to take you there without any effort as it's close to the bridge area.

Posted By Kevin on September 6, 2009, 4:22 PM

I like to stay on the South Bank at the London Bridge Hotel. It's right by the London Bridge train station so its convenient to the tube and the train to Gatwick. The neighborhood is wonderful - a stone's throw from Borough market, the Tate Modern and Globe theater. I walked along the river to get where ever I needed to go. It's a little expensive, but caters to business so you can get good deals on weekends.

As for food, there are a lot of great budget options in london. Any Wagamama or Yo Sushi will do for me. Also, the Bangaladeshi restaurants on Brick Lane are delicious and cheap. I especially love Abeno Too - a little place just off Charing Cross Road near Leicester Square that serves Okonomiyaki - a wonderful and filling Japanese pancake/omlette concoction that is to die for! I concur with the post above about the Ivy if you are looking for a magical night out, and the lunch or tea at the Orangerie at kensington palace is also great.

Posted By Stefanie on September 7, 2009, 10:58 AM

I spent a week over the Easter holiday in London town and lodged at the Hilton Paddington. I reserved the rooms 6 months in advance and got a great deal. There is an express train from Heathrow to Paddington and the hotel is across the street from the tube, so what more do you need in terms of getting from Paddington to point B or vice versa. And if you have teenagers who are are American and yearning for American fast food because they don't like the pub or restaurant fare, then McDonalds, Subway and Burger King are just down the street from the hotel. There is a nearby pub within a block of the hotel that has good eats (fish & chips were our favourite) and we were entertained by rival fans of football clubs watching the games on the tele. If you are looking for a pub with tradition, seek out the Ye Olde Chesire Cheese pub that was rebuilt in 1667. If you are over 6 feet tall, beware of the short door entries. It is off a side street from Fleet Street that is located not too far from St. Paul's Cathedral and was well populated.

Posted By Terry on September 9, 2009, 4:15 PM

We have stayed twice at the Flemings Mayfair Hotel. It's located on Half Moon Street, right off Picadelly in Mayfair. It's steps from Green Park. The hotel is very friendly and helpful and the rooms are beautiful. You can't go wrong.

Posted By Ed on September 10, 2009, 6:10 PM