Digging Up Digs in Covent Garden

Q: Can you help me find a reasonable hotel close to Covent Garden in London. Planning for a visit in October, I have only been able to find very expensive accommodation. Ideally I would like a double room in a small hotel within walking distance of the market for around 100-150 British pounds. Can you help? - Jenny Simpson

A: Hotels around Covent Garden are expensive because, for many, this is the heart of London and the perfect place to stay. One hotel that meets all your requirements is the Seven Dials Hotel, which offers 16 rooms in the heart of Covent Garden. Three tube stations and the market are within half a mile of the hotel. Rooms are well-equipped with a private bathroom and tea/coffee facilities. The city's finest theatres are within five minutes walk and Oxford Street is only 700 metres away. The hotel offers free wi-fi. The www.booking.com website is offering double rooms in October for 105 British pounds (R1159), which includes a full English breakfast and 20 percent VAT. The Fielding Hotel is located directly opposite the Covent Garden Opera House. Rooms are a little more expensive than you wanted, but this 25-room 19th Century hotel ticks all the boxes. Double rooms are available on www.booking.com during October for 168 British pounds (R1855) per night during October. All rooms have private bathrooms, free wi-fi and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests have free access to a gym and spa 100 metres from the hotel. If you are prepared to stay an extra few minutes walk from Covent Garden, then you could try the three-star Citadines Trafalgar Square London. It lies in a leafy street across from Whitehall Gardens, two blocks away from Trafalgar Square and a leisurely walk to Covent Garden. A studio room is available on www.hotels.com for R1439 (R129 British pounds) including VAT. (31/7/11)