I'm planning on going back to Canada next August and amongst the places I will be visiting is London, obviously none of the holiday companies here in the UK offer it as a destination, but can any one here recomend any hotels or even B&B that will suit a family of 4 (2adults,2 child.). Not too expensive mind

If you will have a car, The Lamplighter is a good spot. It has a nice pool for the kids. It has been completely renovated, and is reasonably priced. Check out www.londontourism.ca for some more ideas. They do list som B&Bs, but I'm not familiar with them.

Lamplighter is a good choice..they have a nice restaurant there too. Another is the Four Points Sheraton out on Wellington Rd. too. A little closer to 401. It also has a pool. Not too familiear with B&B's in the area but there are nice "inns" - the Idlewyld Inn comes to mind. Very nice and they may serve a breakfast but depending on age of kids, a pool is a nice diversion. There is a couple of nice hotels closer to downtown..near the new library, new arena etc. - one is the Station Park Suite hotel (2 room suites might work for kids) but may not have a pool. Also one that used to be an armouries - I think it may be a Delta?<BR>London is a nice city - check out the downtown market, see what will be on at the downtown arena, etc. You are only 1/2 hr. from Port Stanley Beach, 40 mins. from Stratford. Depending on age of kids, there's Sportsworld, a big theme park in Kitchener (about 1 hr. form London)...

Thanks for the replies, I fancy the idea of an Inn, a bit more personal than a hotel, WOW! just looked at the Idlewyld Inn on Hotelfindercanada.com-well impressive, now to check out the rates....

Couple more thoughts..Spencer Hall is a conference centre but is a gorgeous locale. I don't know much about the rooms but food is wonderful and it's a really lovely "inn"-type place. I think kids can stay for free and there's a games room in the lower level. Also Windermere Manor is another thought. I've been there to eat (very good) and they also have rooms. These two places may be cheaper than the Idlewyld. If you want to go a little further afield (1/2 hr. from London) there's also the Elmhurst Inn. I've looked in the yellow pages in London and there are a few B&B's-but I have no clue what they're like. Also if your kids are younger, there is a fantastic toy store - it's called The Toy Shoppe of London on Hyde Park Rd. Also there is a brand new public library downtown that's supposed to be very nice. Have fun!

Allan I have past by your question many times in the past few days. Every time I see I ask myself the same question LONDON ONTARIO as a tourist spot? Are you going to visit family and need to a place to stay? If your just going to London because of touristy things to do maybe you might want to rethink it. Kitchener / Waterloo area might be a better hub area for you to visit this area from. Nice shopping and beautiful University but a tourist spot?

Hi Karen,<BR>I do have a reason for visiting London!<BR>Firstly though we're meeting up with friends in Toronto for a week or so, then visiting more friends in Elora and then a week with family in Sarnia (SW Ontario), but in between we are going to London as my wife will be visiting one of the hospitals there to see how it functions as we are seriously thinking of moving out to Ontario within the next 2 or 3 years. We spent some time in and around London, Kitchener,Waterloo and others back in May whilst on holiday and want to get some more ideas and look around the surrounding areas whilst using London as a base.<BR>If you have anything to add please do (places of further interest,other town/cities to look at etc) all the info we can get will help in our plans and please feel free to e-mail too!<BR>Many thanks

Many thanks Canuk for all of your suggestions, they are now in my ideas and suggestions box for my "Canada Take 2" planner!

Alan,<BR>While you are in Sarnia make sure you take your children to Canatara park. It is beautiful with a vast sandy beach, play equipment, animal farm and even a chip truck. Take a walk along the waterfront under the Blue Water Bridge (just north of the casion), it is also lovely. Check out "on the Front" for a romantic dinner with your wife, and the Chipican for family style dining.