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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think I can get accommodation & parking in London for £500?

165 replies

piefacedClique · 08/02/2025 12:08

We’re planning a family trip to London from 23rd-26th Feb – me, my husband, and our 10-year-old daughter. We want to visit:

  • Natural History Museum
  • London Zoo
  • London Eye
  • Sephora at Westfield
Ideally, we’d like to find accommodation with parking for £500 max, but am I being completely unrealistic? Would we be better off parking somewhere like Heathrow and getting the Elizabeth Line in to make it more affordable? Any recommendations for places to stay or general tips would be really appreciated! Thanks!
OP posts:
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Original poster
piefacedClique · 08/02/2025 12:22

bridgetreilly · 08/02/2025 12:20

Definitely get the train. Driving up is pointless. But £500 for accommodation is still very optimistic.

I hadn’t even considered the train but it’s actually cheaper than I thought… have seen parking at Heathrow for £100ish plus by the time we factor in at least two electric charges away from home it will probably cost the same

OP posts:
Nina1013 · 08/02/2025 12:21

Premier Inn is your only
realistic option as you need a family room, and even that is unlikely in half term for £500 for 3 nights. You won’t get parking included, and it’s around £50 per 24h, plus congestion charge, plus additional charge if not Ulez compliant in central London.

YouveGotAFastCar · 08/02/2025 12:20

3 nights for 3 people for £500 is ambitious at the best of times.

Although to be fair, the Kensington hotel mentioned above is £265 for those nights, if you book the cheapest non-refundable rate. Breakfast is extra, but your child would eat free with a paying adult. Car parking is off site and appears to be around £40 a night, so you’d be looking at £425 not including any food or travel costs.

Original poster
piefacedClique · 08/02/2025 12:20

We have an electric vehicle… VW Buzz. Didn’t think about ULEZ

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 08/02/2025 12:20

Definitely get the train. Driving up is pointless. But £500 for accommodation is still very optimistic.

Talipesmum · 08/02/2025 12:19

Yes, I’d park outside the congestion zone area and get the train in, or tube. Then stay in premier inn or travelodge v central. Parking apps where you rent a space on a driveway might be a good bet? I don’t have any good suggestions but would def look at the “park outside and train in” option. There are likely plenty of towns where if you park about 20 mins from the station it’s free street parking, but not sure where to suggest and if you’re happy to walk that.

BobbyGentry · 08/02/2025 12:19

Premier Inn London Kensington (Earl's Court) hotel, walking distance to the NHM.

Sirzy · 08/02/2025 12:19

In the past I have stayed at premier inn Slough and got the train into London.

I wouldn’t be driving any more centrally after doing it last year!

BleachedJumper · 08/02/2025 12:19

Do you know if your car is Ulez compliant?

catin8oots · 08/02/2025 12:17

3 nights for 3 people for £500 in London? You may be better looking at an air b and b further out and using public transport

TheLongRider · 08/02/2025 12:17

There are plenty of options on the Premier Inn website. You can filter by free parking.

spanieleyes · 08/02/2025 12:16

Personally, I would stay at a Travelodge or similar somewhere off the M4 near a train/underground station and travel in and out each day
Or travel to London from Wales by train!

KimberleyClark · 08/02/2025 12:16

You’ll be paying congestion charges if you want to stay anywhere central.

Original poster
piefacedClique · 08/02/2025 12:14

We are driving up from Wales. Don’t plan to use the car at all when we are there

OP posts:
DappledThings · 08/02/2025 12:09

Why do you want parking? Driving into central London is rarely a good idea. I'd definitely take the train in.