[yally]

Let us know which hotels you're checking out, we'll be able to tell you the best areas. There aren't many hotels in the places you'd be best to avoid (and there aren't many of those places anyway really) but we might be able to give you a heads up as to which are most likely to be convenient

 

[yally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LedBoots

This study was from 2008, just so we don't perpetuate stereotypes....

" New York also comes out on top in terms of crime. It is among the safest cities in America, with violent crime dropping 75% over the past 12 years, and the murder rate last year at its lowest level since 1963. London, meanwhile, has seen violent crime on the Underground rise 14% between 2004 and 2005, according to the British Transport Police, and its street crimes skyrocket more than 40% between 2001 and 2002.

Even the discrepancy in gun violence between the two cities is narrowing: "Although differences in arms laws have long resulted in greater gun crime in New York, the gap between the cities is lessening as New York improves its statistics whilst gun crime in London is on the increase," the report said.

One reason may be the stronger police presence in New York -there is one New York police officer for every seven crimes, compared to one officer for every 41 crimes in London, according to the Police Federation."
To read more, http://www.nysun.com/new-york/ny-far...w-study/83495/

Yeah, but crime in New York was much higher while it was lower in London so that doesn't really say much to compare crime between the two. It's great things are getting better in New York, sucks it's getting worse in London, but British cities are still generally much safer than those in the US.

Go for the Kensington one, Hammersmith is a bit out of the way and Kensington is a much nicer area. You're within walking distance of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Natural History Museum, V and A and the Science museum, not too far from anywhere else. We might run into each other

 

[yally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LedBoots

[/url] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...frica-U-S.html

As a general rule, it's a good idea not to get stats from the Daily Mail.

Anyway: http://www.civitas.org.uk/crime/crimestats6.php

We're worse for robbery and burglary, USA is worse for murder, major assault, car theft and rape.

 

[yally]

He, we should just agree that nowhere is safe!

Actually, Kensington is a super area, but watch your bag. People think nothing of walking around with thousands of pounds in cash, combined with lots of tourists, it attracts a lot of petty thieves. You're not going to get mugged or anything like that but keep an eye on your wallet. Same goes for any crowded place (anywhere really I guess, common sense!).

 

[yally]

Your sister is barely underage in London, take her out

 

[yally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoBravo

Listen, I'm not trying to wind up in my very own episode of Locked Up Abroad. LOL

Most of the clubs are full of 16 year olds

Anyway, if you went for the Kensington hotel, most of the locals are American anyway

London is a true melting pot, it's a surprise to meet English people

Have a wonderful time!

 

[yally]

Also I wouldn't recommend a taxi from the airport, it'll cost more than your flights

 

[yally]

Really glad you're enjoying yourself! You couldn't have come at a better time! The Sun is out and everyone is happy and smiling

ETA: There is no walking pattern! You just walk

Except on the escalators where you stand on the right, walk on the left.