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noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 108
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 10:24 pm: |     |
My husband and I are headed to London for six days at the end of September, and are having a bloody hard time trying to figure out where to stay. My big problem is that I'm not at all familiar with the various London neighborhoods, so I have no idea where to even begin to look.
I'm sure we'll want to do all the touristy things, plus some theater and shopping. But I don't know that we want to stay right in wherever the busiest area might be. Put it this way--if we were Brits coming to New York, we wouldn't choose to stay in Times Square or midtown--we'd go more toward the Village or Soho.
So, does anyone have any areas/neighborhoods they'd recommend that are "convenient but not too convenient"? Any specific places to stay? Oh, and we really want to keep the cost to under $200/night, so no five-star hotels, please!  |
Mummite
Citizen
Username: Mummite
Post Number: 117
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 10:38 pm: | |
London's awesome. You'll have a great time.
Here's a tube map. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/pdfdocs/colourmap.pdf
Covent Garden/Leicester Sq/Oxford Circus/Marble Arch/Tottenham Court Road are the really busy areas. St Pauls/Bank are the financial district and few hotels anyway.
Hampstead /Belsize PArk is lovely and chic. A quick google search found http://www.lagaffe.co.uk/
Richmond is 'delightful' and on the river but may be too far out for tourist attractions.
Have fun! |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2720
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 11:04 pm: | |
When we initially went as tourists, we stayed at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, which was a nice hotel and reasonably convenient to everything. I have since been back on business numerous times & would also recommend the Marriott County Hall which is on the South Bank, but right next to the London Eye and across the river from Big Ben, etc.
If you want to save some money, you could also stay at the Marriott in Canary Wharf, which is kind of like coming to NYC and staying on the Jersey City waterfront (not terribly inconvenient, but not in the heart of the city, either)
However, none of these places will be under $200/night. 200GBP per night, maybe. The exchange rate is still brutal and London is EXPENSIVE, so $200/night is going to be a tough find. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 808
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:07 am: | |
Years ago we stayed at the Russell Hotel in Russell Square. I don't know what it's like now as far as accomodations, but the area is within walking distance to Covent Garden, the British Museum and several theaters. |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 299
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 8:45 am: | |
London is a wonderful city and there is just so much to see and do there and it is so easy to get around on public transport. Before you go, try and get hold of the street directory the London AZ (pronounced as the London A to Zed!) which you should be able to find in any large bookstore eg. Barnes & Noble, Borders or if you send me a PM you can borrow mine.
You might want to consider staying in an apartment as it will be convenient and less expensive than staying in an hotel. There is an excellent website:
http://www.londontown.com
and if you go to the maps feature you can find out all about the various neighbourhoods and attractions. I spotted listings for apartments - the studios are at very good rates (but you need to add the tax on to the prices) eg:
http://www.londontown.com/booking/list.phtml?n=3&referer=NEW-directory--http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.londontown.com%2Fdirectory-accommodation%2FObjects%2FDirectoryHotelSear ch.php%3Fkeyword%3Dapartments%26search%3Dkeyword&hotelid=&id=2100581721&first_na me=&last_name=&email=&specialreq=&arrdate_day=26&arrdate_month=9&nights=5&adults =2&children=0&infants=&accomtypes=5&roomtype=1%23studios&bathroom=1&submit.x=54& submit.y=8&log_id=
Another website for discount hotels is:
http://www.discountcityhotels.com (no apartments though).
My favourite website for reading reviews from recent guests at hotels worldwide is:
http://www.tripadvisor.com
Perhaps you could get a corporate rate if you work for a large company?
There is the British Tourist Authority at 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 701, NYC. I'm not sure if you can just walk in and get tourist brochures but they will certainly mail them to you. Their phone no. is 1-800-462-2748 and the official website is:
http://www.visitbritain.com/VB3-en-US/index.aspx
A link to the accommodation at County Hall (on the banks of the Thames and a great location) is here:
http://www.london-se1.co.uk/hotels/travelcounty.html
You absolutely *have* to go to Brick Lane (a short stroll from Liverpool St Station near the City (financial district) to find the best curry ever!
Also you would probably love to go to the Portobello Road market on a Saturday morning in trendy Notting Hill (2000 stalls!). If you can, do venture out of Central London and go a few miles west (on the District Line tube) to Kew Botanical Gardens and possibly the nearby Hampton Court Palace on the banks of the Thames and Richmond itself is a lovely 'London village' where celebs live:
http://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/whattodo/whattodo.htm
We used to live in a non-touristy part of north London but my husband goes across every six weeks or so as his company's HQ is there so we've stayed at various hotels but at the corporate rate...if you like museums you might want to stay in the Cromwell Road/Gloucester Rd area near the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert (V&A) and Natural History Museums in South Kensington which is also convenient for travelling by bus to Harrods, Harvey Nichols etc. There are loads of places to stay in South Kensington and Knightsbridge.
PS. Russell Square is in Bloomsbury.
Wish I was going...feeling homesick now!
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mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 489
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 10:09 am: | |
We've stayed in various neighborhoods through the years, including Earl's Court and Hampstead (too far), South Kensington, the City, and Bloomsbury. On the whole, I probably prefer Bloomsbury -- there are MANY budget choices there, and it's a very convenient neighborhood, just a short walk from Covent Garden, theatres, etc. It's not too far to walk even to St. Paul's from there. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 2391
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 10:43 am: | |
I lived in London for awhile and visit at least once a year. My advice is to stay in South Kensington, which is close enough to just about everything but also quieter then Soho or the business district. I have stayed at Rydges Hotel on Gloucester Road, which is a very quaint hotel. You can probably get a deal online, try visiting a website called Small and Elegant Hotels, I believe they list Rydges. Have fun!!!. |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 300
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 10:46 am: | |
Yes, Mim I would agree that Bloomsbury/Holborn is a convenient location. When my daughter was little she went to a workplace nursery in this area, at Kingsway and across the street from Holborn tube station. Covent Garden is a few blocks from Holborn Underground station the British Museum is a short stroll in the opposite direction. I did notice on the above link posted that there is a Citadines Apart-Hotel (ie has kitchen facilities) in High Holborn so it might be a good place to consider staying.
You can download and print off this tourist guide which has discount vouchers for attractions from the London Evening Standard (the capital's daily newspaper):
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/entertainment/articles/10745373 |
kathleen
Citizen
Username: Symbolic
Post Number: 337
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:04 pm: | |
nora,
If you plan to do theater and shopping, plus all the touristy things, I recommend that you stay in the Bloomsbury area (WC1 area). It's very convenient, but also tree lined and a bit more quiet. You may be able to find something there to fit your budget. Tripadvisor.com (www.tripadvisor.com) sorts its hotels by price. Check out the reviews, and if you see something you like, try booking it through the internet for a good rate. (The Russell Hotel is probably unavailable at the moment due to the bombings, one of which occurred in Russell Square.)
If you are very keen to see the sights of the South Bank, try looking for a hotel near Waterloo station, SE1. But I'd only recommend that if your primary interests are Tate Modern, the new Globe Theater, the Old Vic, the National, etc. Otherwise, stick to Bloomsbury, which is closer to the traditional theatre venues, shopping and the classic monuments and sights. Bloomsbury is also the more upscale area of the two. Southbank is for adventurous hipsters.
Be prepared for sticker shock, not only when it comes to hotel prices, but food as well. Be sure you get your hands on a copy of Time Out Cheap Eats (you can even get access online for a small fee). It's worth every penny and the recommendations are very sophisticated.
If you enjoy theater, try to get to the new Globe. Pricewise, it's a terrific bargain. Any seat in the house is good.
September often has the best weather, but pack a hooded slicker anyway and enjoy your trip!
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 5113
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:21 pm: | |
I agree on the Marriott Grovesnor Square. It is convenient to everything, walking or Tube. There is also a great neighborhood Pub next door, where we were adopted one Friday night.
It's not cheap, tho. |
akb
Citizen
Username: Akb
Post Number: 344
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:24 pm: | |
The best accom and car rental deals for the UK are through ba holidays www.ba.com click on holidays. You pay in advance but it is much, much chepaer - we paid about $130/night for an upgraded room in a nice hotel in South Ken. |
composerjohn
Citizen
Username: Composerjohn
Post Number: 425
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2005 - 9:25 am: | |
My wife and I visited London a few months ago. Here's a thread I started on MOL:
/discus/messages/3128/61273.html
Have a great time! |
Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 305
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 8:41 am: | |
The London "Evening Standard" is running a promotion for heavily discounted theatre tickets which you can buy online:
http://partner.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/theatre/product_list_ANM.html?s kin=ANM&CATID=95281&DPHSI=0
The official London theatre guide lists all the shows/plays on in the main West End theatres as well as the smaller Fringe productions, festivals etc:
http://www.londontheatre.co.uk
and Time Out has listings of 'What's On' on their website but it's best to buy a copy of the magazine at newsagents when you arrive (the new edition is out every Thursday):
http://www.timeout.com/london
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2738
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 - 9:38 am: | |
Alot of the major hotels also provide "Time Out" to their guests.
I've also found it very easy to walk up to Theatre box offices the night of a performance and to purchase inexpensive tickets. Oftentimes during the week, you can buy the cheapest seats in the upper sections, but once they let you in, they close those sections & "upgrade" you to better seats. This is usually cheaper than buying the "half-price" tickets (which usually are the best seats, but also the most expensive, plus a service charge) |
RR
Citizen
Username: Rogers4317
Post Number: 298
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 2:53 pm: | |
i've stayed many times in london on business at all the great hotels...but the one time i went on vacation i stayed at a very nice b&b in the holland park neighborhood which is next to kensington and close to knightsbridge. in june 1999 the room was about $80 per person including breakfast in the charming dining room.
PL me and i will give you the name and contact information. |
rcarter31
Citizen
Username: Rcarter31
Post Number: 131
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 - 5:41 pm: | |
Where ever you stay, a couple of suggestions for eating out:
Near Canary Wharf:
The Gun (amazing view across the Thames of The Dome)
27 Cold Harbour
Docklands
London
E14 9NS
tube: South Quay (DLR)
cuisine: Modern British and European
dress code
average price: £25-£34/€41-€56
Bang bang, you're fed. And watered too, or given something stronger, if you fancy it. The Gun is a gorgeous listed pub by the Thames that's had a painstaking, and tasteful, restoration and been kitted out with a mouthwatering chef, Scott Wade, alumnus of two MPW kitchens.There are river views, a sunny terrace, a couple of fireplaces, live music at weekends, and a killer bar. The menu is eclectic Modern British offered with a remarkably deft touch. Unusually for a pub, the wines are seriously worth the trip. You can sip your drink and contemplate the Millennium Dome and its future, or just drink and dine very well indeed.
Also,
The Grapes (one of the oldest pubs on the Thames and a first rate fish restaurant)
The Grapes
020 7987 4396
76 Narrow St
London
E14 8BP
Reviews
The Grapes
We like this place, it's a quaint, narrow, little pub in a very old terrace on the north bank of the river at Limehouse. There's a tiny terrace that you can squeeze ...
Fancyapint.com - Editorial Review, pubdog - May 26, 2005
Grapes
This rustic 16th-century pub served as Dickens's inspiration for "Six Jolly Fellowship Porters" in Our Mutual Friend. Whistler came here, too, inspired by the view of the river. ...
Also from the same people who opened The Gun,
The White Swan Pub & Dining Room
Address 108 Fetter Lane, EC4 1ES
Tel 020 7242 9696
Email info@thewhiteswanlondon.com
An extensive refurbishment by the people behind The Well has seen the former Mucky Duck pub emerge in impressive new plumage, with a smart dining room placed atop a relaxed & welcoming pub. Downstairs serves a daily-changing menu, which might offer simply cooked skate or a steak & kidney pud, while the first floor is the setting for serious cooking from a kitchen that confidently mixes classic technique with innovation. Thai salmon salad combines smoky fish, fragrant herbs & punchy vinaigrette to addictive effect, & the beautifully textured deep-fried calf’s brain, generously portioned veal chops with Roquefort butter, & a flavour-packed dish of pig’s cheeks with chorizo are all equally impressive. Those who can’t decide between all the tempting options can use the ceiling mirror to spy on fellow diners’ plates. Check out the new weekday express lunch menu, which offers two courses, served within an hour, for £15 per person.
Also out in the East End in Wapping, one of the most intriquing arts and dining concepts all housed in a 18th Century Power Station:
The Wapping Project
Wapping Hydrolic Power Station, Wapping Wall, London, E1W 3ST Map
Nearest Tube: Wapping
Cuisine: Modern European
Telephone: 020 7680 2080
Send us your review
Average Price: £29
Food Service Atmosphere Value
6.4 5.5 7.6 5.0
Leigh and Belinda Laughlin - Thursday, April 07, 2005
Having been there with my wife once before last December, I was a little apprehensive as the service I thought was a just a little dry, however I remembered the food was quite OK and the venue (building) I find just fascinating. We visited again just this Wednesday night, and found a genuinely nice hostess, and quite nice, reasonably attentive waitstaff.
I ordered the beef, and my wife ordered a vegetarian option. I found the beef quite interesting and flavoursome, though perhaps not of the quality you would expect in such a place.
The beef was a tad stringy, and upon asking a member of staff for a sharper knife (or steak knife) the reply of "sorry - we don't do that here on principle". When asked "What principle is that?", they reply was somewhat a muffled explanation of the 10 week agedness of the beef. Oh well...Tough on both counts.
The wine, and the matre de is Australian, as is my wife and I, is an excellent selection, including many entry-level Aussie wines, though I felt as though the prices were staggering, notwithstanding the usual London markups on Aussie and other wines.
No room for desert tonight, except for the liquid variety - Brandy - not too bad.
A visit to the exhibition on display after dinner was very uplifting and brief.
Still, I think we'll find myself back there again.
The wapping project gets the three essentials just right... the ambiance is serene, with a hint of - there is something beyond- added to food of outstanding quality and consistency (at the right price) married to service provided by good looking, knowlegeable and helpfull staff. The bonus is the gallery space where there is always something extra to entertain.
Gordon Russell - Wednesday, December 01, 2004
'Wapping Food', as it is official known, continues to impress. The venue is truely impressive, the original pumping station has been given a sensitive makeover, with bags of room for diners, groovey Panton palstic molded chairs and a heated concrete floor! Inspite of some negative reviews regarding service, on each of my occasions, it has been very attentive. The food is straight forward, well presented with good flavours. Three courses and wine costs about £40.00. Take your date and really impress them! Always a good exhibition in the huge industrial arts space to check out after dinner too.
Keith - Monday, November 22, 2004
I visited the Wapping Project with a group of 40 people for a birthday party. I cannot remember the last time I experienced such impeccable service, such wonderful food, or such a welcoming atmosphere, especially with so large a group.
A beautiful building, a beautiful night - definitely recommended!
Best Regards,
Ron Carter |
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