ctigerk

Can someone tell me the best way to get to the Rembrandt Hotel from Heathrow. We are arriving at 8:30 AM. We would like to use public transportation if that is feasible. We don't mind a 10-15 minute walk. Thanks

Carrybean

You can take the tue from Heathrow direct to the Harrods/Knightsbridge stop, then walk west a few blocks on Brompton Road to the Rembrandt which is directly across from Brompton Oratory.

You might want to stop at Patisserie Valerie for a pastry before you check in.

Carrybean

Sorry, that should be "tube" not tue. My keyboard needs to be replaced.

Carrybean

Here's a list of the stops from Heathrow on the Piccadilly line which you'd take.

http://tinyurl.com/ze2of

ctigerk

Thanks so much. That sounds really easy. Thanks for the pastry tip, I'm sure we will be ready for it.

Carrybean

If you like Chinese food, the Good Earth is right in that same strip of shops as Patisserie Valerie. Good, but a little expensive.

ctigerk

Thanks. Can you recommend what type of transportation card we should buy? We have 3-day London passes with no transportation included. We would like to purchase at the airport if possible. We only have 3 days and want to pack everything in. Are you from that area, as you seem to know it well? Thanks again

TimS

Heathrow is in zone 6. When you arrive, buy a one-day off-peak (travel beginning after 09:30) travelcard for 6.30 GBP. It's good on the tube, Docklands Light Railway, trams, and National Rail trains in the zones covered plus the entire London bus system.

For the second day buy a zone 1-2 travelcard, either off-peak (4.90 GBP)or peak (6.20 GBP) as needed.

Third day: If you have to get back to Heathrow at an early hour, buy a single ticket for zones 1-6 for 4.00 GBP. If you have time to see a few things that day, buy either a peak or off-peak travelcard for zones 1-2 plus an extension for zones 3-6 (3.00 GBP) when you need to leave for the airport.

Go here to download and print a tube map. http://tinyurl.com/ogq4z. Go here to download and print a central London bus map which also shows the location of major tourist attractions. http://tinyurl.com/eswyu.

TimS

Oops! On your last day, if the timing is right, it might be cheaper to just buy an off-peak travelcard for zones 1-6.

ctigerk

Thank you. You have cleared it all up for me. I was sooo confused. I have 3 full days, so I'll get an off-peak travelcard for zones 1-6 for days 1 and 3 and a zone 1-2 travelcard for day 2. Just two other questions - is it simpler to buy an oyster card at Heathrow and load it with the amount of money I need? Also can we order these cards in the USA and have them mailed so we don't have to wait after our flight? Thanks

TimS

According to the Transport for London site, you can buy 3-day and 7-day travelcards online in advance, but not 1-day cards. Yes, when you get to Heathrow you could load an Oyster card with enough money to cover the total equivalent cost of two zone 1-6 cards plus one zone 1-2 card. You wouldn't have to mess with anything again until you want to get your deposit back. Or keep the card for your next trip to London <g>.

MelJ

You'll love the Rembrandt. Small rooms (as are most in London), but the included breakfast buffet is the best I've had in London, and the room is beautiful. When you check in, ask for a room that faces Brompton Road. The floor to ceiling windows are soundproofed so you shouldn't have a problem with noise and it's lovely to step out onto the tiny balcony--especially to take pictures up and down Brompton Road.

The Good Earth has great Chinese and Valerie has excellent latte.

By the way, we chose to exit the tube at the South Kensington stop as it was closer (and much less crowded on the street where you come up) to the Rembrandt than the Knightsbridge stop, wich dumps you at Harrod's.

Finally, I'd consider taking a cab back to the airport. We always take the tube in (no changes necessary between Heathrow and South Ken), but cab back to be absolutely certain we won't miss our flight. Sometimes the tube stops--just stops and you sit a little while. Sometimes it's really crowded and you'll have luggage. Sometimes they just plain don't run!

janisj

All good info so far. But I defdinitely agree w/ MelJ. Exit the tube at South Kensington. W/ an 8:30 a.m. by the time you get to the the Knightsbridge Harrods exit - the exit you'd need to get to the Rembrandt - it will be a zoo. W/ any sort of luggage it will be very difficult.

S Kens won't be deserted of course, but a lot easier to navigate w/ jet lag and luggage.

ctigerk

You have all been great. Thanks for all the tips. And MelJ, the room at the Rembrandt is free!!! with a British Airways promotion. I am so greatful, I'll take any room - it's definitely a bargain and makes the trip affordable. I have heard nothing but great reviews about the Rembrandt. Thanks again

Robespierre

Summary: Get an Oyster Card. Load £16 on it. Done.

Carrybean

I'd still go with the Harrod's exit. The room I had at the Rembrandt was in the back & very large so I guess they vary. In fact it had a little seating area up a couple of steps.

Carrybean

Sure wish there was an edit function here. The reason I still suggest the Harrod's/Knightsbridge exit is that the area around the S. Kensington station is usually more of a zoo with the bus stops, etc. The distance isn't that much different between the hotel & those 2 stations & it's a straight shot right down Brompton Road.