Where to stay in London?

[doommonger]

Any help much appreciated as I haven’t been for years and am nervous about the vastness!
Plan is to arrive by train into Kings Cross. Would like to see the natural history museum. Will be seeing a show in the west end in the evening. Where is a nice place to stay for one night that is easily accessible to both of these? And any other touristy spots or things to do?
Have been to the British museum, national gallery and big land marks before.

Have a look at Premier Inn, there are a couple in central London, they would work and you would have easy access to the west end and museums via the tube.

How much are you willing to spend on a hotel?

All three of the places you mention are v easily accessible by tube or taxi. If you’re worried about getting around at night.

Kings Cross actually has quite a lot going on there now, so for a one night stay might be quite good.

There is a really nice Premier Inn at St Pancras (the Euston one isn't so nice)

Depending on budget, Hazlitt's hotel in Soho.

I was quite shocked at the price of a room in Covent Garden’s, granted I’m looking at school holidays but a premier inn was over £200 for one night!

Covent Garden is always very expensive. Holborn is usually cheaper.

Are you travelling on your own? Premier Inn hubs are great – much smaller rooms but still en-suite, immaculately clean (in my experience) and modern. Good central locations and usually cheaper than the main chains. I often stay in the one by King's Cross but have also tried Tower Hill, Shoreditch and Covent Garden – all of the same standard.

The downside is they're compact so not designed for days lounging around in bed! But if you just need a clean place to crash, I highly recommend.

Would be me and my teen.

Ah, might be a bit too cosy then. The beds are double but up against a wall which is why I only book when travelling solo.

In terms of recommendations, Sky Garden is free and has amazing views over London. Spaces do get booked up though so you'll need to check your dates in advance. Enjoy your trip.

Try the hotels around Russell Square - Tavistock Hotel etc which often have good deals if you sign up to their membership (which is free)

Avoid convent garden - we did on terms of price, but then were glad we did as it's so noisy. We ended up at Malmaison, got back very easily from Covent Garden after our show on a Saturday night.

Premier Inn, King’s Cross
Reasonable price for London, good location for your requirements.

Premier Inn at King’s Cross is good if you don’t want anything mega fancy

Unfortunately that’s pretty standard in London

I think that’s the one I’m thinking of 👍

Can I also recommend the Citymapper app to get you around very easily

If you want any food recommendations for the Covent Garden end of the West End: the Delaunay Counter on Aldwych serves delicious food that comes from the same kitchen as the bigger, fancy Delaunay restaurant next door, in a more casual setting – and you pay less for it.

When we stayed in London in Feb we left it so last minute to book that the premier inn by kings Cross was crazy so we booked the one at Waterloo it was reasonable and easy enough to get around

There is one called Kings Cross too. I stayed there but about 10 years ago.

St Pancras is the one on the main road opposite the British Library. Kings Cross is the one further up on the road at the side of Kings Cross Station.

If it’s in the holidays try the University Summer letting schemes. Imperial College is right by NHM. Others have schemes too, think Kings, UCL etc. Google London University Summer Accommodation.