When planning a first-time trip to the British capital, the perfect choice is central London for many reasons. Foremost of these reasons is the fact that it has virtually all of the establishments and attractions that make London the quintessential British city – a place where the proverbial melting pot exists and yet the vibe is as British as it comes. Of course, your trip should start with looking at the London hotels in the city’s nominal center.
You may ask: Where exactly is central London? Greater London is divided into the North and South with the River Thames serving as the boundary between the two areas. The informal area of central London is located in the interior between North and South London while its traditional boundary is set near the Trafalgar Square and Whitehall junction.
Because of the area’s great importance to the historic past, vibrant present and bright future of the city, the best hotels in London can be found here. Travelers on business and pleasure to the city will then find it very convenient to shuttle between their hotels and their destinations, be it the shopping, dining and entertainment establishments or the museums, art galleries and universities in the area. The trick is in choosing from among the excellent selections of central London hotels.
When looking for a hotel in central London, a few factors must be considered before making your final choice. It must be emphasized that central London has high real estate values by virtue of its prime location with average one-night rates of $300 and up. Of course, you will find hotels offering lower rates, thanks to special discounts and seasonal promos but do keep in mind that you will get what you paid for in London.
You must also be aware that central London hotels are situated in an area where traffic gridlocks are a common occurrence. Take note that the area is home to the headquarters of national and international commercial and industrial firms, government offices like the Parliament, law courts and universities, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment establishments. To say that walking is the recommended mode of getting from one place to the next is spot-on although this should be easy as, again, the hotels in London are near the city’s most famous attractions.
Your next question may be: What are the attractions in central London? If you have accommodations in the upper floors of one of the high-rise central London hotels, you can easily spot the must-see spots in the area. Let’s take a look now.
The Big Ben is arguably the most famous landmark of London although there remains confusion between the clock and the bell. Big Ben is actually the largest bell within the tower instead of the clock itself. No matter said confusion, the Big Ben clearly signals the start of the New Year’s celebration as well as the commemoration of Remembrance Day in the country.
Visit the Buckingham Palace, too. As well as being the official residence of the Queen in London, it is also a working establishment where formal state receptions are held and royal duties are administered. If you cannot go inside, then watch the colorful Changing of the Guard.
Other attractions in the area are St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, and the British Museum. Better yet, you can ride the London Eye and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the skies. So, book your room in one of the best central London hotels and see what the city has the offer.