Advice needed on London, UK

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Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 3:10 pm

In April 2008 I'm going to London (England) for a long weekend.
I already know what I'm going to do during those days, Very Happy

but I could do with some advice on a reasonably priced hote.
A friend of mine already suggested a hostel (which is really cheap alright), but I was wondering if there were more options.
So any good suggestions (from locals or non-locals) are very much apreciated ...

M
Smile

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 3:31 pm

Hi Margory, as an ex-Londoner I'd say to check a few reputable online sites that can give you an idea of prices...London is a huge city with areas that have vastly different pricing for accommodation....any idea of where you would like to stay?
One thing to note about some hostels is that they sometimes have a policy such as back packers only, so it's best to check that too.

Another type of accommodation we have here in the UK is 'Bed and Breakfast' they almost always have cheaper rates than hotels too, plus it gives you the freedom to eat out anywhere during the day and evening.

Hope this helps, and sorry I can't recommend any particular one

Will

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 3:43 pm

One website thats good to use is that of the official English tourist board.
http://www.enjoyengland.com/stay/

Using the search tool on there will show you the big difference in rates for accommodation.

Adamu's soulmate Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 337

What sort of price bracket are you looking for?

Wherever I go I always check out hotels before I book anything on www.tripadvisor.com and since using this site have only stayed in excellent hotels. The site rates hotels based on users reviews which are really helpful in deciding if the place is right for you.

Good luck

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:48 pm

I'm resident in London. If no-one else manages to find you what you're looking for, then give me a shout. I'm a little busy at the moment hence why I'm not going to bother googling etc (which I'm sure you're capable of). But if you need advice and aren't getting anywhere, feel free to PM me.

PS: I generally find it unecessary to add

Quote:

(England)

after

Quote:

London

. Most know where it is. Wink

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:03 pm

^ There are Londons in Kentucky and Ohio, you know! Wink

As others have said, it depends on what you're looking for - a B&B is probably your best bet.

Master of Master Baiters Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 593

It all depends on where you want to stay and what a reasonable price is for you - I've found www.activehotels.com have a large selection and you can find some at the lower end of the pricing scale there. As maggiemay said, I would definately check out tripadvisor before you book though.

Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:13 pm

Have you thought of using a website like lastminute.com? They sell off spare capacity very cheaply, but you have to book close to when you want to stay.

You aren't likely to find something bargain basement but you might find a good deal on a decent hotel. You will probably pay more than �40 a night for a centrally-located B&B.

http://www.regentpalacehotel.co.uk/ has links to a good search engine for hotels.

What are you planning to see in London? Very Happy

Elite Baiter Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 1702

In tourist areas of london most prices are very high, but april is still "off season"

A few tips - Get a train from the airport - its much much cheaper than a taxi, like any city london has outskirts that are close enough to see the sites, but far enough to be �27 per person per night

http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Goldsmiths_House.htm (they only take women but ill find another hang on lol)

Thats �27 per person per night and only walking distance to central london.
(Dont expect 5Diamond hotels for that price, it will be mediocre but ok)

http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Carr_Saunders_Hall.htm

Thats as central as i can get on a budget �32 quid a night just off oxford street. (that is central london)

Plus ill buy you a pint in london that weekend Razz

http://www.londonnethotels.co.uk/Generator_Hostel.htm
�9.90 sharing with 8 other people (Hostel dorm)

I went backpacking years ago, i have never in my life been as drunk as when i shared a dorm! Best days of my life!

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 5:54 am

We stayed at Hotel Caswell for a week in 2004 - was GBP 50 per room B&B. It's a 10 minute walk from Victoria (and about the same from Pimlico)

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:04 pm

Thanks for the info. I really apreciate it. I don't have to stay in the city area so outskirts are just as good for me.
I already know what to do tomorrow ... Smile

In other words ... get online and call some B&B's / hotels / etc. for information.

M.

*** BANNED *** Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 164

Wetherspoon chain of pubs give good value on food and beer
oyster cards for public transport
most museums are free
watch out for pickpockets
be aware at cash points
enjoy London

Elite Baiter Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 1702

The waters safe to drink.
Only use "BLACK" taxi's the famous london ones, they might be more expensive but at least there safe for a quick short journey, from pub to hotel for example. A simple rule is if you can walk to the pub then its cheap enough to hail a taxi - if you went by bus return by bus.

emergency is 999 or 112

Oh and every bar has an old man who is very drunk who will ask you lots and lots of times where your from and tell you boring stories of never being there himself but a friend.... (as long as you feed him beer he will continue his story of mass boredom)

April weather is either very dry or very wet, bring winter clothes most people find england is cold in april, and the term "april showers" comes from england weather.

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:46 pm

Your biggest expense might be public transport. Oyster Card is a good idea to reduce this cost.

The tube is ghastly before about 0900, and barely tolerable after that. Bus is slower but more civilised. Don't even think about driving in London. Taxis (black cabs) are expensive but minicabs, the ones you call, are much better value.

Be very wary of pickpockets, scammers, aggressive beggars, and the generally high level of unprovoked aggressive behaviour, especially around pub closing time.

*** BANNED *** Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 164

Try the Public Gallerys of the Old Bailey

Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:57 pm

And people still wonder why we moved to Australia Very Happy

Unfortunately you can't always apply "you get what you pay for" with central London accommodation. Most of it, even the scuzzy places, is eye-wateringly expensive compared to the US and Europe. And beware, a lot of prices are quoted Per Person, not Per Room. Avoid anywhere that quotes an Hourly rate Wink

*** BANNED *** Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 164

Quote:

And people still wonder why we moved to Australia

sure you wasnt transported Smile

oz is a great place by the way

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