Situated just northwest of central London, Watford is a great base for sightseeing in the English capital and exploring the greater London area. If you're planning a trip to London, for either an extended holiday or a short weekend getaway, you may instinctively book a hotel in the city centre without giving your other options much thought. However, city centre hotels tend to be smaller, louder and significantly more expensive.

Additionally, city centre accommodation often has far fewer parking options, making it a tricky pit-stop for your UK road trip. However, if you choose to stay in Watford, you'll have easy access to both the M1 and M25 motorways as well as several nearby business parks. If you want to spend a day in London without having to worry about parking, you can leave your car at the hotel, walk to Watford Junction and catch the Tube to Euston station.

Another benefit of staying in a Watford hotel is the ability to explore beyond the confines of London's city centre. Though popular tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Big Ben are all located in the heart of the city, other major attractions are situated on the outskirts of the massive capital. For example, the famous Wembley Stadium and Arena is located in the north-western borough of Brent and is just a short drive or Tube-ride from Watford. You can catch a sold-out event at Wembley arena, such as the X Factor live tour or the finale of Strictly Come Dancing. Other popular events include TNA's Impact Wrestling and kid-friendly shows like Ice Age Live. If you'd prefer a sporting event, nothing beats an evening at the famous Wembley Stadium for the Carling Cup or FA Cup final.

Finally, Watford is an exciting city in and of itself, and after spending all day exploring the hustle and bustle of London, spending the evening in Watford can be a welcome retreat. If you're looking for a delicious meal and drinks, the city has a range of restaurants and pubs in its popular Café Quarter. Also, Watford's Hertfordshire Fire Museum offers you a peak into the region's past, featuring early 19th century fire appliances and a horse-drawn steam fire pump from 1896.

Thus, rather than booking a hotel in the centre of London, consider a hotel near Wembley that has easy access to the wider London region. The convenience of Watford makes it a truly ideal base for exploring all the London area has to offer.

Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.