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First time to London - couple for lodging

First time to London - couple for lodging

Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 07:14 AM
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First time to London - couple for lodging

We wish a B&B or apartment in zone 1-2 for transit on tubes to get neighborhood feel with locals and other travelers to view sights, theater and culture of this vibrant city. Anyone with experience of where to suggest as an option to Air B&B? Clean, quiet, queen bed w/firm mattress required. Hopefully a shower w/hot water and good pressure. We are active seniors in our 70s, considerate and responsible.

Also, how does one get from Southampton ship dock to Victoria line London station? We travel May 2017 4-5 nites ending May 19 in case any forum readers might provide a referral to good private flat.

Thank you.
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 07:40 AM
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>>Also, how does one get from Southampton ship dock to Victoria line London
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 07:41 AM
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The thread didn't rise to the top of the list . . . ttt
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 10:57 AM
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We plan to visit friend in Chichester, before London, thus the line not going to Waterloo. We would rail to Victoria Station next day, I believe. Our budget is south of $100 US for 4-5 nites. Firm queen mattress essential, in quiet area among locals to experience London life w/eateries, access to sights, theater and close to zone 1-2 tubes preferred. Hope you might offer a suggestion.
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 11:27 AM
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I assume by "south of $100 US" you mean less than $100. I doubt you'll get many suggestions here in that price range although they may exist, about £82 at today's rate of $1.22/£. I think your best bet, for comparison purposes, if not to book, will be to search Airbnb apartments, capping your search at your $100 mark. At least you'll find out just what's out there and if you may want to be more generous with the budget. Moving out of the center can help and, if near a tube station, makes little difference to the time spent getting to your destinations.

Last trip I stayed near the end of the District Line and because of a variety of transport options to the far-flung points on my itinerary, I found it every bit as convenient, sometimes more convenient, than being in the center of town.
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 11:32 AM
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I should have added, this being your first visit, you may need to choose between location & budget. However, if spending some time learning the London transport systems doesn't put you off, you may score a bargain by choosing a nice neighborhood that's farther out, but still convenient.
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 04:51 PM
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One note about bedding. Bed sizes are different in the UK. What we call a queen bed they call a king bed - and few apartments have that. Most apartments have something sort of similar to our double, but perhaps a little smaller. What they call a queen is a tiny bit bigger than our double.

Can't help with suggestions sine we only do hotels - and always get their king (our queen) since typically only the 5* luxury palace hotels have waht we would call a king (I think they call a super king).
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Old Oct 22nd, 2016, 04:52 PM
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>>Also, how does one get from Southampton ship dock to Victoria line London station?>We plan to visit friend in Chichester, before London, thus the line not going to Waterloo. We would rail to Victoria Station next day, I believe.Chichester?

You can take trains from Southampton to Chichester -- but it takes nearly two hours w/ a change and a hassle with luggage -- especially typical 'cruise-sized luggage. Wouldn't it be easier for your friend to pick you up in Southampton and drive you to his/her home? It is only about 30 miles. (that assumes your friend has a car)

Then from Chichester you jump on a train to London . . . which yes, do go into Victoria Station.

South of $100 a night will be possible -- but you cannot be too picky about either the size of bed nor location. (What americans call a 'Queen' is generally called a king in the UK) - Try any of the Travelodge and Premier Inn properties in zone 1. Most Premier Inns will be over your budget but some are less. Most Travelodges would work but they are VERY date specific. One night might be £40 and the next £85 due to occupancy rate. But they will average out and fit in your budget. Most inexpensive B&Bs and apartments will not have large beds. Most Premier Inns and travelodges do.

(not being presumptuous, but honestly, if you are taking a cruise I'd think you can afford more than $100)
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Old Oct 24th, 2016, 11:47 AM
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Why are you going down market on your choice of accommodation? If you search around, you shall be able to find some one bed apartments for around the $200 American mark. Look at places such as Coach House Rentals or Home from Home to see what is on offer.
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Old Oct 24th, 2016, 12:32 PM
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>

You can't be too picky at that level. That is a very low price for major cities anywhere.

You should also check londontown.com and its interactive hotel map to see if you can snag some very good deals (70-75 quid or less).

>

Guessing that if they're budgeting $100 per, that's what they can afford. This is not a rocket-science quality inference.
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