For those who know London

Hi all

I'm going down to London for a long weekend in September to meet up with a Swedish friend of mine who's going there for training for work. Neither one of us knows London at all so I was hoping to get some suggestions from those of you that live there or know it pretty well. I'm afraid if I tried to book a hotel I'd end up in the *rse end of nowhere and miles from anything in a dodgy part of the city.

Can you suggest areas to look at for hotels? We're not so much interested in the touristy sights as we haven't seen each other in a good few years and just want to have lots of time to hang up and catch up. So somewhere that's got cafes, cool/funky shops (not the high end department stores) and just generally good for walking around, relaxing, eating and drinking (eg coffees and the odd glass of wine).

Thanks for any ideas, hints, suggestions etc.
Lee

Does your friend need a hotel near where she's going to be working, or no?

No, the hotel she's in for her training is in a place called Horsely Park, about 20 miles outside of London. The training finishes on the day I'm flying down there and we want to be in London itself for the weekend.

No, the hotel she's in for her training is in a place called Horsely Park, about 20 miles outside of London. The training finishes on the day I'm flying down there and we want to be in London itself for the weekend.

Might be useful to stay near the train line that goes out to Horsely Park. At quick glance it looks like it's SW Trains, so Waterloo station being the hub. You could also stay near Wimbledon if you don't want to be incredibly central. You might be able to find some nice B&Bs in that area, too.

A quick search came up with these two B&Bs in Wimbledon with reasonable prices and good reviews:
http://www.wimbledonbedandbreakfast.co.uk/
http://www.marple-cottage.co.uk/index.html

Thanks for the suggestions.
Lee

I'd look in Camden, Hampstead, and maybe Clapham. Nice areas with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes, but not too many tourists.

I live in Greater London now, but on my first two trips over here with a girlfriend, we stayed at the Vicarage B&B just off Kensington High Street. http://londonvicaragehotel.com/

I just checked the reviews on Trip Advisor and it still seems to be holding its own.
Superb rates, brilliant location, and great for walking, shopping, etc., - all the things you mentioned. It's also quintessentially 'English' in ambience.

You are about equidistant from both the Notting Hill tube station and the Kensington High Street tube station. Easy walking distance to Notting Hill or Kensington High Street for shopping, cafes, pubs, etc.

You're literally around the corner from Kensington Gardens - another great place to sit and chat and people-watch.

Afternoon Tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace is one of the best tea bargains in London.

I think this area of London is great for a girlfriend's getaway.

Hope this helps,

Denise

Denise and Geeta - that's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks very much!
Lee