Paddington

Pros

• For that reason I'd choose Paddington as the tube network is a lot more comprehensive North of the river.
• Paddington seems pretty close to everything (soho, Buckingham palace, carnival) by train and taxi. It’s also more reasonably priced than being directly in Soho.
• Somewhere in Paddington or South Kensington would be a good idea. You don’t want to be that far from Notting Hill, because it’ll be a complete nightmare getting out, and even you aren’t drunk, everyone else will be.
• It is a central-ish location with incredible transit links to Heathrow and everywhere elsewhere via multiple underground lines and National Rail. It usually costs a bit less than the most central locations.

Cons

• Paddington is a bit more grimy in places. The canal is nice, but I'm biased towards canals.
• Parent context: do you feel like soho is more of a party area or more touristy? is the noise too much you think? i have no problem w a busy area, but i want to be able to rest and recharge. Reply: man just stay in Soho. Padd is just a tr...
• Paddington is dreary, IMO, and vrbo / airbnb are not a good choice.
• If time is absolutely desperate then nearer Paddington itself will get down to 30 mins, but it’s definitely a noisier area.
• Paddington is well connected but the area itself is dull.