Suggestions for area of London in which to stay for leisurely theatre trip

Marta Richards — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:54:03 GMT

I am planning a trip to London in 2010. My focus in the evening will be attending theatre, but during the day I want to be able to window shop (esp. in quirky shops, antique stores, clothing, decor), eat at casual fun restaurants, check out art galleries, but also see some sites, especially ones having to do with literature and history, like museums. I don't mind walking and would like to stay somewhere which has a somewhat active neighborhood around it. I might stay as long as two weeks, and would like to feel "at home" while there. Any suggestions first as to area of town to look for accommodations, then for specific lodgings (not too expensive, please L150 or less if possible, even apt. hotels)? I thought maybe an interesting choice might be Shoreditch but it might not be central enough. Thanks in advance for ideas!

RE: Suggestions for area of London in which to stay for leisurely theatre trip

TonyBrook — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:50:13 GMT

I found a wonderful site that talks all about the different neighborhoods in london and what hotels are in the areas. I think that it will really be able to help you. Let me know where you decide to stay!

http://www.offtolondon.com/where_to_stay.html

RE: Suggestions for area of London in which to stay for leisurely theatre trip

woohoofoo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:25:30 GMT

Notting Hill has some great quirky shops and there are planty of guest houses and hotels so that's a good choice. It also has an active neighbourhood where every is made feel welcome. It's also very central to get to everywhere else in London. Shoreditch is too far out.

Hope this helps x

RE: Suggestions for area of London in which to stay for leisurely theatre trip

The Tower — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:06:31 GMT

Covent Garden would be good as it is in the middle of Theatreland and has a fantastic market with lots of shops like the ones you are looking for. Or Bloomsbury (which is a 2 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street and the British Museum), however Bloomsbury is also a 10 minute walk from Covent Garden - so either one would be good.

RE: Suggestions for area of London in which to stay for leisurely theatre trip

The Inside Guide To London — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:41:20 GMT

Shoreditch is at the edge of the 'City', which empties out somewhat after 9pm - so that 'neighbourhood feel' is lacking. It's trendily seedy too, and probably not the best location for visitors.
Bloomsbury as mentioned is near, but is tourist heavy -being in such close proximity to the British Museum. Covent Garden is very central - but I'd look around Neal's Yard/Seven Dials (north Covent Garden) as central, quiet (it's mostly pedestrianised and no-through roads) and the theatres are all a short walk (it's just off Shaftesbury Avenue, to the north). Try an accommodation search near the postcode - WC2H 9DP. Neal's Yard is choc-full of quirky shops an has real neighbourhood feel to it.
For shop choices and guides to the essential and quirky places to visit in town - you can visit the portal which I edit - #mce_temp_url#
It lets you in on a lot of the essentials - where to find them and how to get there.
Patrick