I don't know if I really want a response or just to rant. I'm in the process of planning my first trip overseas (I'm in the U.S.). I've looked through so many websites for lodging I'm beginning to drive myself crazy. I've been trying to find an inexpensive place in London (I know, I know, it probably doesn't exist) and no matter what I find, it's always so much less expensive for two people staying in one place than one person, which is my situation. I've looked at B&Bs, hotels, hostels, apartments to let for a week, and it's all the same. Security and independence are important to me and I really don't feel comfortable running around at all hours while staying at a B&B (which I am prone to do) and I don't want to sleep in a room with six other strangers in a hostel! AARRGGHHH! Oh well, I'll figure out something. Thanks for listening. <BR> <BR>By the way, the best leads I've gotten on websites have been from this place, so thanks for the help fodorites! Some of the lodging almost fit my budget, until I inquire about availibility, then they jack up the price when they find out I need the space for one person!

Hi, Jess. I understand your frustraction. I just got back from a solo tour to Italy, and it's frustrating to know how much more you're spending travelling alone. For what it's worth, I found the Let's Go guide to be a great source for budget accomodations. I hope that's not inappropriate mentioning it on the Fodors site. Good luck.

Find someone to take with you. It only costs a few dollars more for two. You'll enjoy the company and they'd love to go.

Thanks for the advice Vita. I'll check it out. And Lonely, I'm visiting with a friend who lives in Reading but I'm trying to be a gracious friend and stay in my own place so I don't intrude on her life. And you get to meet so many people when you go places by yourself. People who wouldn't otherwise approach you if you're engrossed in a conversation with another person. Besides, most of my friends who are stateside don't have the extra cash or the time that I have. I'm very lucky to be able to do this.

NOt sure if I understand you but the basic room rate is not going to be raised for single occupancy (sometimes that is a little cheaper as there is less maintence and it may be a smaller room), although of course the price per person will be higher when it's only one versus two people splitting the room cost. If you are asking basic room rates, they should not raise it for one person unless the quote was PER PERSON to begin with. Anyway, there is another thread on here about a guy looking for a hotel in London at some low price I thought wouldn't exist (USD 65 for a triple) and there would a few suggestions on there, so that sounds about as good as you'll get in London (which has the highest hotel costs I've ever seen, except for NYC).

In May I stayed at the Ridgemount Hotel in Bloomsbury for 33 pounds for a single. Include full breakfast, shared bathroom. Great area, great clean hotel and helpful owners. Will always stay here when I get to London.

Jess: <BR>I don't know what your relationship with you friend is or what your finances are. Just a suggestion of what I might do: Ask your friend if she could suggest a good place for you to stay. If she is a "gracious friend", she may be able to help you out. If it's not for a long stay, would you not do the same if she came to your home town? (I've put up many people at my place.) This could give you more spending money for your trip and to treat you friend. <BR>Not prying. This is just a thought.

Christina, the whole thing about changing rates was for apartments. The advertisements they made never specified rates for single people. They only said that certain apts. hold 2-4 people and the cost per person in that situation. <BR> <BR>Lidija, thanks for the advice. I found yet another website (hotel-london.co.uk) and got the price for the Ridgemount. (Consequently the only one they had was in Bayswater, still cheap) If I wait til the "last minute" as they put it, I can get the room for 29 pounds a night. <BR> <BR>Lonely, the deal is that I'm staying overseas for three weeks. One week in Edinburgh with the same friend, and another week hanging out with her at her one bedroom apt. I think that after two weeks, she may need to be resuming her normal work schedule. She's never asked me to get my own place, but I think that it's the only polite thing to do. Especially if she has to get up in the morning and I don't want to restrict myself to working into her schedule. Plus she's already had two freeloading friends visit her in the past couple of months who weren't so polite.

Jess: <BR>Got it. You are doing the right thing.

Jess, <BR> <BR>Don't know how budget your budget is and even though I posted this on another thread maybe it will help you out: <BR> <BR>The Cambria House (Budget) <BR>37 Hunter Street, Russell Square <BR>London, England WC1N 1BJ <BR>0171-837-1654 phone <BR>0171-837-1229 fax <BR>This is an extremely clean good value cheap place to stay (actually run by the Salvation Army, I believe). Plenty of showers and toilets on each floor and although there wasn’t a television in my room, there is a television lounge. Although they have a curfew for 5 pounds they will give you a key. Breakfast was included in this great deal. The location was great since it is close to the Russell Square Tube stop and in the back of a mini-mall where there was a grocery store. The staff was very kind and helpful. <BR> <BR>I also found out about a new B&B called The Seven Dials which is very close to Covent Garden (do a search on the web for info) and any B&B on Gower Street (which is in Bloomsbury) is usually good for the budget conscious. <BR> <BR>I was also told by a friend of mine from London to look into www.smoothound.co.uk - it's a good source for lower priced but good quality places. <BR> <BR>Totally understand the need to rant, but maybe now that you have a plan of attack (from everyone's feedback) you'll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure something will work out for you. Let us know. <BR>

Lonely- Thanks, I don't want my trip to ruin my frienship. <BR> <BR> <BR>Julie- Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check out those places.

If your friend is in Reading will you want to stay in Reading as well? If so I have used the Cavesham Bridge Holiday Inn several times and it is quite nice, but not real cheap. It sits right on the river Thames and is close to train station (about 10 minute walk). Good pub across street in middle of river called Piper's Island. <BR> <BR>There are also several smaller hotels just down street (Caversham Road). The link below has some more info on some other Reading hotels. <BR> <BR>http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/reading...d_Guest_Houses <BR> <BR>Figure about 30 minutes from Reading to London Paddington Station by train.

oops! Lonely, that word was friendship.

Curt, Thanks for the advice. I was thinking that it would be easier to stay closer into London so I could get in the maximum amount of sightseeing. But if it turns out to be cheaper to stay in Reading, I may just do that.

It will probably be cheaper to stay in Reading and buy transport into the city every day. London is rated as one of the most expensive hotel cities in the world.