Denise

My husband and I are planning a little trip to London in Jan. Last year the price was right. Any info. concerning price, hotels,and suggested central location would be appreciated. We are on a budget but would like some lodging that is centrally located and not too expensive. Any other tips appreciated since this is our first trip.

karl

Denise, first let me suggest that you obtain some good guide books to London so that you will have an idea of what you want to see and can plan your time. The books will also have good information on hotels and eating. That said, I prefer to stay in the Bloomsbury area, just to the north and east of the "core" of the city. A hotel there that is very nice and reasonable (for London standards) is the Morgan on Bloomsbury street. One word of warning, be prepared for expensive hotel rates. You will pay as much for a small room in a family run hotel as you would pay for a nice suburban big chain hotel like a Marriott in the US. And the room will be small. Figure at least $100 per night for a small double in a small hotel, but you will normally get a full breakfast with that room. A full English breakfast can last until dinner time, so that helps a bit with the costs. <BR><BR>There is just too much to say about London and what to do and see. Search this board for London and you will get thousands of hits I am sure. Biggies are of course the Tower of London, the British Musuem, the area around Parliment buildings, St Pauls, oh the list just goes and goes. It is a wonderful city with so much to offer. You must spend some time in the pubs, which offer a great taste of London life and good value on food. Hint on the pubs - do not expect table service like you do in bars in the states. Walk up to the bar, order your own drinks, pay the bartender, and carry them back to your table. If you sit down at a table and wait for the wait-person you will die of thirst before a ping of lager appears on your table. Yes, a pint is the normal order, but you can order half pint if you want. A typical order would be "A pint of &lt;whatever brand&gt; please"....

karl

Denise, first let me suggest that you obtain some good guide books to London so that you will have an idea of what you want to see and can plan your time. The books will also have good information on hotels and eating. That said, I prefer to stay in the Bloomsbury area, just to the north and east of the "core" of the city. A hotel there that is very nice and reasonable (for London standards) is the Morgan on Bloomsbury street. One word of warning, be prepared for expensive hotel rates. You will pay as much for a small room in a family run hotel as you would pay for a nice suburban big chain hotel like a Marriott in the US. And the room will be small. Figure at least $100 per night for a small double in a small hotel, but you will normally get a full breakfast with that room. A full English breakfast can last until dinner time, so that helps a bit with the costs. <BR><BR>There is just too much to say about London and what to do and see. Search this board for London and you will get thousands of hits I am sure. Biggies are of course the Tower of London, the British Musuem, the area around Parliment buildings, St Pauls, oh the list just goes and goes. It is a wonderful city with so much to offer. You must spend some time in the pubs, which offer a great taste of London life and good value on food. Hint on the pubs - do not expect table service like you do in bars in the states. Walk up to the bar, order your own drinks, pay the bartender, and carry them back to your table. If you sit down at a table and wait for the wait-person you will die of thirst before a pint of lager appears on your table. Yes, a pint is the normal order, but you can order half pint if you want. A typical order would be "A pint of &lt;whatever brand&gt; please"....

trekercat

Denise: Last year londontown.com had great deals on rooms. Be sure and check there. We found a 4-star hotel near Harrods for 57 pounds per night (double).

JOdy

trekercat has a very good point. In jan. you should be able to find some good specials..also check individual hotel chain sites, like Moat House, putting in your specific dates when checking. <BR>As to area, they all have good points, it depends on your interests. There is no one good or bad, just what will suit you. Myself I prefer south Kensington , or the area nearer Harrods or sloane square, lots of people love the covent garden area. That will have to be up to you , check them all out while you are there and on your next trip, and you will have one, you will know which you like best.

Maira

Denise, last Feb we flew into Gatwick (very good rates w/USAirways) and found the Gatwick Express ($12/pp) on to the Victoria Station incredibly easy and convenient. From there we just walked to our hotel, the Victoria Inn ($90/double; breakfast included; http://www.victoriainn.co.uk/), on Belgrave Road, about 10 minute walk from Victoria Station about 3 minutes from Pimlico Station, a mile from Buckingham Palace (nice walk). We were pleasantly surprised with the weather, very mild and sunny for Feb. <BR><BR>The London Metro is very easy to use. Check the following site to get an idea of distances between sights http://www.thetube.com/cgi-bin/tpquery2.exe?EntryType=Stations<BR><BR>On a previous trip to London, we stayed in the Bloomsbury section and recommended it as well (stay away from The Londsdale Hotel, though). Have fun planning!!

Dan

Denise<BR>My wife and I were in London Last January. I strongly second Londontown.com, we stayed at Thistle Kensington Palace on Kensington High Street for 69 GBP Breakfast and VAT included. London was cold (mid 30s -mid 40s)but warmer than home (michigan). By going in the off season you miss bigger crowds, and get better hotel deals, but you also miss the gardens and prettiness of parks. Also some stuff may be closed (london eye) and it gets dark really early (5pm ish) We would do London in winter every year if we could, even over sunny destinations.