That would be Falkiner.

Hi Obxgirl, I get the impression often that priceline and other bidding services are beyond the pale. The comments range from (paraphrasing here!) "of course you could try something like priceline" or "there's always priceline," as though it's a last resort for people who can't afford to pay top dollar for a hotel room.

And, for clarification, it's not a class thing; most of the "travel attitude" I've encountered has nothing to do with class, except lack of it. The attitude is similar to the comments posters make about Rick Steves---whom I have never seen, as we don't own a TV, and whose guidebooks I haven't read. Really, who feels superior over which travel guide people like?

A week ago I was looking for a new travel bag, and asked for rolling backpack suggestions, mentioning that I had seen one on the RS's website. The first reply began, "A strange request since we don't have any idea of when you are heading to Europe, where you are going and what you plan on doing, but I'll take a shot at answering your question, since you mentioned Rick Steves, then it gives us some idea of the type of place you are planning on staying."

My imagination that Robert (and his "us" pronoun with no antecedent) feels a tad superior to anyone who so much as mentions Rick Steves?
PL seems to evoke the same sigh.

top for obxgirl

kswl, Thanks for responding. I just took a look at the thread you posted regarding new luggage and I can see how your impressions were formed! You pretty much hit the fodors' trifecta of contentious topics: luggage size, Rick Steves, and luggage check/no check. Toss in jeans & tennis shoes and politics and you're guaranteed a cyber street brawl.

I disagree with you about the unpopularity of PL but I sure won't quibble with how you came to that conclusion. There are some insufferable braggarts here along with a few clueless souls. Mostly it seems like a good group of folks who like to travel and exchange info. Don't be put off by meanies, you clearly have lots to share.

BTW, I have used PL for booking London hotels. Great deals to be had particularly given the exchange rate.

Hope you have a great trip to Italy!

Can I gently state that it can be helpful to check the date-time stamp of the original post before posting a reply? DeborahAnn has been and returned from London already.

Sue_xx, You can't gently state anything you like.

The messages posted since 10/20 relate only tangentially to DeborahAnn's OP. It became a discussion about Priceline.

Sorry, Sue--we'd got off on a London hotel rating tangent.

Obxgirl, thank you for your kind reply. I'll think twice before I wade into the fray again on those topics. I was just going to write that even religion doesn't evoke the same strong responses, but then realized that--for many, this IS religion!

Ooops. Meant to say, of course, that you CAN say anything you like.

Hey, I love to go off on tangents myself. But a couple of posts (e.g. Kayb's and Tallulah's of 10/21/2004) seem to assume that the OP is still considering her decision.

Tangentially related - now, there's a fine defense for me against my DH, who is apt to accuse me of changing the subject without warning. In future I shall simply say, "I am sticking to the point, dear - it's just tangentially related!"

<i>&quot;But a couple of posts (e.g. Kayb's and Tallulah's of 10/21/2004) seem to assume that the OP is still considering her decision.&quot;</i>

Oops! Didn't see the date of the OP. Guess this is an oldie that got topped. :)

Hi Deborah

www.Hotel-assist.com has produced a quick read advisory on where to stay in London.
Aware that many people want the real facts without the waffle they have produced a one page overview of the main areas in central London that people consider for their London lodging.
When visiting a city for the first time it is important to choose area carefully. This 5 minute review gives short sharp information writen by local people.
All the areas mentioned are central but have very different character and depending on your requirements at least one will suit you.
London lodgings are expensive so this will also be a factor in your choice. Hotel-Assist recommend the best all round area to be around South Kensington which has superb travel links into the West End and also a direct tube service to all 5 terminals at London Heathrow Airport.
Bayswater is not as upmarket but again is very central, the difference between this area and Kensington being that Bayswater has little to offer in the way of local attractions and that the lodgings in this area are more low budget orientated. Even so expect to pay around 70 pounds for a two person room (against Kensington’s 100 pounds).
The report recommends not taking lodgings in the West End which is a 24×7 area and highly expensive. Likewise, the actual “City of London” is described as being barren of weekend facilities due to the absence of business people on saturdays and Sundays.
Whatever you choose, a quick 5 minute read of this page may help you to understand a little about tourist London.

Also worth a try is http://www.notting-hill.org

Good luck, online runner.

Onliner

I think this constitutes advertising - particularly as you have resurrected a 4 year old thread.

Advertising contravenes Fodor's rules.