Where to Stay

Hello! I'm looking for some advice on where to stay in London for a first visit.

To be honest, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the neighborhood options. My mom and I are traveling to London in about 10 days (this trip came together very quickly), and we'll be there for 4 full days before heading to Paris.

Based on my research, Marylebone and Covent Garden seem to be two of the most recommended areas for first-time visitors. We are looking for somewhere that is:

• Safe and walkable
• Easy to access public transportation
• Convenient for sightseeing
• Has a neighborhood feel with cafés, pubs, and local shops
• Comfortable for a mother-daughter trip

I've looked at several hotels in Covent Garden, but many of the options in my budget seem to be the Z Hotels. While the location is appealing, the rooms seem extremely small and some don't have windows. I realize I'm booking during a busy time of year, so options are limited.

In Marylebone, I found a double room at The Mandeville Hotel for about $1,400 for 4 nights, which seems reasonable compared to some of the other options I've found.

Our tentative plans include:

• Buckingham Palace
• Big Ben / Westminster area
• A few museums
• A West End show
• Exploring neighborhoods, bookstores, cafés, and small shops
• Afternoon tea (my mom's one request)

Given our loose itinerary, would you choose Marylebone or Covent Garden? Is The Mandeville a good choice, or are there other hotels/areas I should consider at a similar price point?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!