Room in London for 3 Adults for <$125?
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:27 AM
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Room in London for 3 Adults for <$125?
I jumped on BA's recent sale to London for $89 each way, only to discover that the pound is much stronger than the last time I visited. I'm taking my adult niece and nephew, and had hoped to go on the cheap. Even with a hostel (and I've stayed in hostels in Londont & have no problem with them), it will be expensive. Is it completely impossible to find a room for 3 adults in London in January 2005 for less than $125 a night, including VAT? Thanks for any help.
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:33 AM
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If you are willing to bid for a 2* hotel on Priceline, you can probably get two rooms for that total price. Check out http://www.betterbidding.com .
The problem is that 2* hotels might not be great in quality, but you probably won't find a conventional hotel with great quality either for that price. This trip we stayed at the 4* Holiday Inn Kensington Forum and on a previous trip we stayed at the 2* Comfort Inn Vauxhall. The 4* hotel was a little nicer perhaps and the location was a bit more touristy, but the 2* one was fairly new and perfectly nice. To meet your total limit for two rooms, you would probably have to bid about $55 per night. You might or might not succeed, but it might be worth considering. If you do bid, you might want to wait until much later to do so - like December, since the bookings are nonrefundable.
The problem is that 2* hotels might not be great in quality, but you probably won't find a conventional hotel with great quality either for that price. This trip we stayed at the 4* Holiday Inn Kensington Forum and on a previous trip we stayed at the 2* Comfort Inn Vauxhall. The 4* hotel was a little nicer perhaps and the location was a bit more touristy, but the 2* one was fairly new and perfectly nice. To meet your total limit for two rooms, you would probably have to bid about $55 per night. You might or might not succeed, but it might be worth considering. If you do bid, you might want to wait until much later to do so - like December, since the bookings are nonrefundable.
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:39 AM
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Also check out this hostel: http://www.piccadillyhotel.net
Their triple rooms might fit in your budget.
Their triple rooms might fit in your budget.
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:43 AM
#5
The Premier Lodge at Kings Cross came up on this forum a few nights ago. While it's not my favorite neighborhood, it's certainly well located and the PL looks like a new (if sterile) property. Rates are running 53GBP in January. Seems to be in the same hotel group as the Travel Inn, if you're familiar with that budget chain.
Look at www.premierlodge.com
Look at www.premierlodge.com
Jul 26th, 2004, 11:45 AM
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Try Travelinn.co.uk. I didn't look at every location, but the Travel Inn at Euston which is very near two tube stops is $147 per night with 2 double beds and ensuite. The Euston stop has a kind of many mall inside with places to get breakfast on the cheap. That is a little more than you are looking for, but with adults it may have a little more room and a triple at a BandB. I stayed with two other women at the Jenkins Hotel in a triple, and, while we enjoyed out stay, we practically had to stand on the beds to fit in the room. The bathroom was about 4X4.
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:32 PM
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A one bedroom apartment at Oxbridge Apartements on Collingham Road off Cromwell Road is listed for 470GBP a week. Nothing fancy here but it is convenient to shops and Underground and will serve with someone sleeping on the daybed in the living room. Added bonus, you can save money by shopping at the local supermarket and cooking a few meals.
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:40 PM
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HI
great suggestions above. If for any reason they don't work out, look into the Arosfa hotel, a B & B really.
Located on Gower St, in Bloomsbury, nearest tube stop is Goodge St.
A triple room last winter was about 75 pounds per night, so approaching $150.
Room was small ( I looked at a few while staying there) and bathroom tiny, but the place is clean and pleasant, and a cooked breakfast is included.
great suggestions above. If for any reason they don't work out, look into the Arosfa hotel, a B & B really.
Located on Gower St, in Bloomsbury, nearest tube stop is Goodge St.
A triple room last winter was about 75 pounds per night, so approaching $150.
Room was small ( I looked at a few while staying there) and bathroom tiny, but the place is clean and pleasant, and a cooked breakfast is included.
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:20 PM
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Priceline.com is a great way to get the most out of your hotel dollar in London. But with three people, you would need to bid on two rooms. Take a look at <b>www.biddingfortravel.com</b> to see what hotels/prices others have gotten. Do your homework before bidding and you can get some really good deals. We got a 4* in Westminster last December for *97/night.
Jul 27th, 2004, 03:49 AM
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Thanks for the advise on hotels, but it raises another question or two. What is the VAT rate for hotels?(I know what the VAT is, I just want to know the %.) Also,willtravel and others, thanks for info on betterbidding. Any suggestions on how to navigate that site? I was a bit overwhelmed when I went there!! I'll look into the hostel mentioned. I usualy stay at IYH places, but will learn more about his one. Again, thanks everyone.
Jul 27th, 2004, 04:58 AM
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I recently got 4 star Kensington Forum Hotel on Priceline for $63, with taxes and fees $75 a night for 5 nights in October. I got 2 rooms at that price for my friend/coworker and I.
Click on my screen name above and search a thread about markets, antiques in London. I gave my exact strategy for bidding. too long to do again. the VAT is 17.5% I think. I also just answered another post about London B&B under $100 recommending Balmoral House Hotel, www.balmoralhousehotel.co.uk Sometimes if you are traveling off season (Jan.) you can ask for and get a discounted rate from the ones posted on the websites.
Click on my screen name above and search a thread about markets, antiques in London. I gave my exact strategy for bidding. too long to do again. the VAT is 17.5% I think. I also just answered another post about London B&B under $100 recommending Balmoral House Hotel, www.balmoralhousehotel.co.uk Sometimes if you are traveling off season (Jan.) you can ask for and get a discounted rate from the ones posted on the websites.
Jul 27th, 2004, 05:41 AM
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Try www.travelodge.co.uk.
There are locations all over London and the room prices vary. All rooms have bathrooms and I think the basic accommodation is clean and safe. Have a look at the website and check out locations such as Islington (10 mins on tube from centre)to save money.
There are locations all over London and the room prices vary. All rooms have bathrooms and I think the basic accommodation is clean and safe. Have a look at the website and check out locations such as Islington (10 mins on tube from centre)to save money.
Jul 27th, 2004, 05:44 AM
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Hello Ggnga,
Could you please tell me if the
Balmoral House Hotel has an elevator? If they don't have one, which floor are the rooms? I'm considering this hotel based on your recommendations, as well as those from Trip Advisor. Sounds like a nice place!
I'll be in London with my Mother for 4 nights next May.
Thanks!
Monica
Could you please tell me if the
Balmoral House Hotel has an elevator? If they don't have one, which floor are the rooms? I'm considering this hotel based on your recommendations, as well as those from Trip Advisor. Sounds like a nice place!
I'll be in London with my Mother for 4 nights next May.
Thanks!
Monica
Jul 27th, 2004, 05:54 AM
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Hello, they do not have an elevator. There is a very nice triple room right behind the checkin desk with a double bed and a single bed. It was quiet. No noise from checkin. I was given this room when I fell down the steps at the D'Orsay in Paris before my arrival and had a bum leg. The staff were so nice to me. Provided ice bags etc. The breakfast room is down one flight of stairs if your mom could do that for just the one time a day. Explain your mom is with you and ask for the ground floor room. There are rooms on 4 floors. The first floor rooms are not too
bad, straight up l set of not too long stairs.
bad, straight up l set of not too long stairs.
Jul 27th, 2004, 09:46 AM
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1. I think you've got a good shot at saving $ in January. There is less tourism then than at many other times of year. I've done very well on Priceline.
2. Priceline for London: Do make a patient study of Biddingfortravel - it's worth the effort. I almost always use it. I would nto use it in a hot month but that is irrelevant here.
3. Priceline tips - this is relevant for 4* only. Most people want to stay in Priceline's Kensington, Mayfair, or Bloomsbury area. Of these, Bloomsbury is overall cheapest so I'll assume you will focus on it. It's perfectly decent/safe.
Look at what people are getting for that area in January.
Bid 1 - for your 2 rooms - whatever you think is your best rate for a room in Bloomsbury.
DO NOT accept the counteroffer Priceline will possibly flash you.
Bid 2 - you are not allowed to raise bid on same zone for 3 days. BUT - you can raise bid and add a zone. So add Mayfair and raise your bid.
Bid 3 - If it's rejected, add Kensington and raise your bid.
Bid 4 - If 3 is rejected, add Southwark and raise your bid. [This = a "free bid," as there are no 4* Priceline hotels in Southwark.]
Conceptual rationale, if you are interested: Bloomsbury is cheapest. If bid 1 is too low, adding Mayfair will allow you to raise the bid without waiting 3 days, and you are most likely to hit the lowest acceptable Bloomsbury rate. Etc. And - if by odd chance there is a cheap Mayfair room but no cheap Bloomsbury room - not a problem!!
3. The Comfort Inn at Notting Hill is cheap and has a good reputation. Also the Comfort Inn [I think] County Hall, anyhow the cheap hotal in County Hall - it's right across the river in a super spot. Same building as Saatchi Gallery.
2. Priceline for London: Do make a patient study of Biddingfortravel - it's worth the effort. I almost always use it. I would nto use it in a hot month but that is irrelevant here.
3. Priceline tips - this is relevant for 4* only. Most people want to stay in Priceline's Kensington, Mayfair, or Bloomsbury area. Of these, Bloomsbury is overall cheapest so I'll assume you will focus on it. It's perfectly decent/safe.
Look at what people are getting for that area in January.
Bid 1 - for your 2 rooms - whatever you think is your best rate for a room in Bloomsbury.
DO NOT accept the counteroffer Priceline will possibly flash you.
Bid 2 - you are not allowed to raise bid on same zone for 3 days. BUT - you can raise bid and add a zone. So add Mayfair and raise your bid.
Bid 3 - If it's rejected, add Kensington and raise your bid.
Bid 4 - If 3 is rejected, add Southwark and raise your bid. [This = a "free bid," as there are no 4* Priceline hotels in Southwark.]
Conceptual rationale, if you are interested: Bloomsbury is cheapest. If bid 1 is too low, adding Mayfair will allow you to raise the bid without waiting 3 days, and you are most likely to hit the lowest acceptable Bloomsbury rate. Etc. And - if by odd chance there is a cheap Mayfair room but no cheap Bloomsbury room - not a problem!!
3. The Comfort Inn at Notting Hill is cheap and has a good reputation. Also the Comfort Inn [I think] County Hall, anyhow the cheap hotal in County Hall - it's right across the river in a super spot. Same building as Saatchi Gallery.
Jul 27th, 2004, 09:52 AM
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<i>"Also the Comfort Inn [I think] County Hall, anyhow the cheap hotal in County Hall - it's right across the river in a super spot."</i>
It's a Travel Inn (<b>www.travelinn.co.uk)</b>. There is also a Marriott in the County Hall building but it's a bit more £££'s. Excellent location,though.
It's a Travel Inn (<b>www.travelinn.co.uk)</b>. There is also a Marriott in the County Hall building but it's a bit more £££'s. Excellent location,though.
Jul 27th, 2004, 10:06 AM
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Thanks for the information. I think she could handle the stairs, I'll just have to take her luggage up for her. Sounds like a nice place to stay. Since our trip isn't till May I have plenty of time to search for a place. I do know about biddingfortravel.
Monica
Monica
