World Expert Travel Advice

Wondering where to stay in London? It’s hard to even know where to begin. There’s no shortage of classic and modern London hotels in this mighty metropolis. For accommodations outside of the tourist-crammed West End but not too far from the central city, the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an excellent choice with plenty of character.

Upscale

Sloane Square is in the storied London neighborhood of Chelsea – home to the Natural History Museum, Royal Albert Hall, King’s Road, and many other sights. Not only is there a tube station named Sloane Square after the square itself, located on the east end of King’s Road, but there’s also a hotel – the Sloane Square Hotel serving Chelsea and Knightsbridge. This luxury hotel isn’t cheap, but with its approach of a traditional English hotel brought up to date with the latest amenities, including hi-speed internet, it may be worth it – location is everything. And if you really want to splurge, the Draycott Hotel a few blocks away is an opulent Edwardian retreat with a private garden and each room outfitted with a fireplace and antique furnishings.

Midrange

Chelsea is London’s original bohemian neighborhood, the place where Oscar Wilde was arrested and Mick Jagger resided, and where some argue punk rock was born. Chelsea has gone upscale over the years, but is still a central location for sightseeing and shopping, and the boutiques along King’s Road still boast outrageous fashions. For a more middle-range spot to sleep in Chelsea, La Reserve offers comfortable habitations with modern design. On a quiet residential street, it is within easy reach of plenty to do. For another midrange room in Chelsea, the Jury’s Inn Chelsea is close to the River Thames, and though it is less accessible by Tube, it places you within striking distance of the Chelsea sights.

Budget

Chelsea, and its adjacent neighborhood Kensington, is a paradise for literature fans; the old stomping grounds of Henry James, Jonathan Swift, and other writers. Virginia Woolf set her novel Night and Day in Chelsea. Those who have read Joseph Conrad are familiar with his narrator, Marlowe, and his tendency to sit in a boat on the River Thames, telling novel-length stories such as Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim – which, incidentally, is the name of a Kensington Hotel.

The Lord Jim Hotel offers comfortable habitations in an easily accessible location, just a few minutes walk from Earl’s Court Underground Station. It’s a good bet for travelers on a budget, and offers rooms with both private and shared bathroom facilities and in a variety of sizes. Staff is on duty 24 hours a day and a continental breakfast is included with the cost of your stay.

Near the Lord Jim, the Royal Albert Hall is not to be missed. One of England’s most spectacular structures, the hall opened in 1871 and since has hosted the world’s premiere artists – everything from Rachmaninoff to rock n’ roll, Pink Floyd to Puccini. RealTravel blogger Shatrick writes:

“Michelle and I went to see Madame Butterfly at Royal Albert Hall. Oh my god, it was so amazing. We had seats in the loggia, front and center. What a way to see the show. The production was done in the round and was really effective. I have never been to a show where at various points you felt like you would be able to reach out and touch one of the actors. Royal Albert Hall is a huge theater and so beautiful.”

Filed under: Budget Travel, England, Fashions, History, London, Museum, Travel