candy

i just had to say that. i've been researching my next trip to england and am constantly awed by your generosity in replying in such detail. thank you, i'm sure i speak for us all.

robin

he has helped me allot too! thanks..r

Beth Y.

He went out of his way to help me too, so I third the "thanks".

MemberofBen

He's so knowledgeable about London and so willing to share. <BR>Thank you, Mr. Haines from me and many others!

gayle

Ditto, Thanks for your kind efforts and patience with my "basic" questions on our first trip to Europe -

Al

When I read the postings by artistdavid, topper, and other problem-children, I must remind myself that Ben Haines is like a breath of fresh air. Civilized, helpful, expert -- I vote him Travel Man of The Year.

anna

I second that. I asked him if he knew anything about the neighborhood the apartment we had rented was in, and he hopped right on his bike and rode up there to check it out. It was quite a distance for him, as it turned out, and he sent us a detailed report on the neighborhood, the shops, the nearest tube station, etcetera. What a guy. <BR> <BR>

kk

Wow, Anna, that's quite a story! Above and beyond the call of duty, way beyond. I should've asked Mr. Haines about my hotel choice in London last October, then, because he could've warned me off. Next time I will ask!

Ben Haines

This is a kind correspondence. It may save disappointment if I mention that I can sometimes say something about areas where hotels are, but not about the interiors of the hotels, as I don't use them and have no way to inspect them. <BR> <BR>I'm to old and fat to cycle distances: I put my bike on a train. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR>

1st_timer

Ben, Any comment on the best way to get to The Ruebens Hotel from Heathrow? <BR> <BR>Any suggestions on restaurants, sites (other than the obvious!), bars, etc. nearby? <BR> <BR>Thank you in advance!

Ben Haines

<BR> <BR>First timer. <BR> <BR>At Heathrow underground station I'd buy a ticket to Victoria. At Hammersmith I'd cross the platform to the District Line train. At Victoria I'd go upstairs to steet level, and should then be on the corner of Victoria Street and Buckingham Palace Road. I'd walk 50 yards north towards Buckingham Palace, and the hotel would be in my right. <BR> <BR>The Shakespeare pub on a nearby corner is not too good. There are good carvery three-course lunches upstairs at the Albert, on the corner of Buckingham Gate and Victoria Street, and good pub lunches and suppers downstairs. If you're headed towards Westminster the Two Chairmen pub on Queen Anne's Street and Dartmouth Street has good weekday full lunches and light suppers <BR>I'm afraid the sights are obvious. The Queens Art Gallery, feeding her ducks on the lake in the Park, St James' Palace, the Burlington Arcade, concerts in St James Church on Piccadilly, and so on. <BR> <BR>Please write again if I can help further. Welcome to London. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR>

Kara

Mr Haines do you know anything about the Harrods sale in January?? I know it goes on all month but do they actually have that much merchandise to last the entire month? Would it be a waste of time and money to got anytime but the first week. I noticed someone else asking a similiar question on another site. Any info would help. Thank you!

karie

Thanks again!