Tkts for Albert Hall, cant afford central London stay, so ... stay where ??

[54isanopendoor]

I've been given (in front of teenagers) tickets for an event at the Albert Hall for 12 Nov. We never go anywhere so they're very excited. I live in Scotland so travel £+ but want to go. BUT... I just looked at Premier Inn prices & nearly fainted.
So, I looked at travel lodge. Nearly as bad. I need a family room, so maybe why?

The only rooms I can afford are out at Heathrow, Wimbledon, Croydon (£120 for 2 nights) or (more expensive) Docklands (£160) Obviously ALL of these would be a schlep but which would be cheapest / easiest to do? (never been to Heathrow, we've not flown). Would AirBnB be cheaper? (unlikely I feel but no idea)

Maybe we just cant go. But it would be amazing if we could.
Any advice please?

Wimbledon to South ken (walkable to AH) is super easy on the district line.

Heathrow is a long way out. But its on the same line as Knightsbridge tube station.
Out of the two, Docklands would be my choice as it's in London so you wouldn't have a schlep to get back to your hotel.

Wimbledon is an easy tube plus it’s a nice place to stay, i’d go for that one!

Which date is the event?

Of those I'd say Croydon might be easiest - East Croydon has pretty quick trains into London Victoria then it's an easy bus or short tube ride to Kensington. There's also a Boxpark by the station which is quite a good place to eat with teens

Ignore my message - just seen the date

Croydon and Docklands are a very long way from the Albert Hall!

Shepherd’s Bush is on several bus routes and may be much more affordable especially if you opt for an Air BnB.

If you don't mind really cheap and cheerful there are a couple of hostels in Kensington - you'd have to Google. You'd likely be in bunk beds but I think you can sometimes book a whole small room so it would just be you as a family.

It appears the 12th Nov is a very expensive night for some reason. My guess is that it is rememberance Sunday that weekend and London will be full of people taking part in various events. The following night is half the price.

How are you getting to/from London? If you're flying then maybe somewhere nearer the airport is easier e.g. Croydon for Gatwick or Docklands for London City.

You could also look at Caledonian sleeper, as that is hotel and travel in one!!

Bromley premier inn, only 15 mins into Victoria

Are you getting the train from Scotland into Kings Cross or nearby? If so, I’d stay around there to avoid trekking all the way through London. Definitely look at Airbnb, there are often good options.

Its an easy journey from Wimbledon to RAH so that would be my choice from those that you’ve listed. There’s also a direct train from Kings Cross (Thameslink - though might be called something different now).

Croydon and Heathrow mean lots of time travelling in and out. Docklands is on the wrong side of London for RAH and not very well connected.

My daughter lives in Croydon. It takes her quite a while to get home from Charing Cross after work never mind having to come from Kensington

I'm with @PatriciaHolm and @GoAround - I'd stay out in Wimbledon (trendy, café vibes) and get the District Line to South Kensington. Looking at the dates, you're going to the Festival of Remembrance? That would be a pretty amazing experience for all of you . .

Air b n b

Wimbledon to South Kensington is an easy journey, I’d go for that.

I think you're right. It's the Festival of Remembrance on 12th at the Albert Hall, and Cenotaph on 13th.

Loads of people, individuals and groups, come to London for those, so I'm not surprised that the cheaper accommodation convenient for the events gets booked up early on.

How are you travelling from Scotland to London. That makes a difference to where you stay.

Have you checked youth hostels? We've stayed in London Central and London Oxford Street and both were lovely. It's probably an hour walk from South Ken but I love walking in central London so I wouldn't mind personally.

Wimbledon. Not only do you get a straightforward Tube journey to South Kensington and back, but the overground line goes to Waterloo in case you're coming and going from King's Cross.

YHA Oxford Street is £113 for the one night with 4 beds and a shared bathroom. I don't get their breakfasts but like to collect a bag from too good to go eg from Gregg's and eat those pastries for breakfast

Watford central premier inn has a family room 11-13th Nov for £136. The train from Watford junction to london Euston is only 15 mins, then you're right on the tube anyway

By the way, if you go for Wimbledon, think about whether you want Broadway or Wimbledon South.

thanks everyone.
I'm going to book at Wimbledon Travelodge as the tube journey will be easy.
Just need to sort train tickets now (& hope they are not on strike that w/end) :)

train down to KX.