Please help me find the right hotel in London

[terri65]

Sooo, I don't know London at all.

We are going in April, looking to drive early in the morning and then check in to the hotel and park there(ideally a hotel with parking). I have to be in Kensington for an appointment at 3.30pm that day so will possibly take the tube depending on where we are staying. Looking for a hotel close to Kensington and city centre so we can do some super quick touristy sight seeing spread across both days as we're only staying one night.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced hotel that is close(ish) to both Kensington and the city centre? I'm hoping this is doable as like I've said before I'm not familiar with London at all.

Also, as we're driving - Would we have to pay the congestion charge if we're not staying in the city centre?

Thanks so much. Xx

[Westfacing]

The Holiday Inn, just of High Street Ken, couple of minutes walk from the tube. Free parking. Loads of touristy things around there e.g. Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, major museums.

Hotel

[DorisDaysDadsDogsDead]

Budget? And where are you coming in from?

[okiedokieme]

The millennium at Gloucester rd is reasonable but I would leave your car out on the outskirts on a tube line for the days you are there

[MsJaneAusten]

Do you mind us asking why you’re driving? Coming by train might be less stressful.

I like the IBIS Styles hotel on Southwark bridge road. Easy walk to borough market, south bank, Tate, globe etc (for touristy bits) and to tube stations for travel to Kensington. Also has parking.

[Leflic]

I like the Park Plaza Westminster as it’s right opposite Big Ben and has a large pool and spa area. ( great after walking all day). Has parking for £50 for 24 hrs so maybe not great if you want to get 2 days out of it. Maybe investigate “park on my drive” and tube it around from the hotel.
It’s right next to Waterloo station if you can train in that way.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would leave the car at home if at all possible, you'd be far better using the tube to take you around the city.

Do read Transport for London's website on such things before driving in. Charges may well be applicable here:-

tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone

[Janefx40]

Hiya. Kensington is one of the most expensive parts of London but as you said you could travel by tube. What is your budget?

Most of the places on the District line West of Kensington are nice enough. Personally I would look at Booking.com and ideally find somewhere with review scores of 9+. You'd probably do best to either go for a smaller local hotel or for a Premier Inn.

You only have to pay congestion charge if you drive within the congestion zone. I doubt Kensington is within it but worth checking.

Also bear in mind that driving into London early in the morning is extremely busy congestion wise. Traffic getting into London starts up pretty early so you would want to arrive by 7:30/8am I reckon to avoid heavy traffic.

Good luck. London is ace (despite all the travel hassle) so I hope you can enjoy it as well as going to your appointment x