I booked at the Strand Palace hotel on the Strand as it has relatively good reputations in this forum. But my concern is that the Airbus does not now seem running on the Strand. Given the winter season soon turns dark, the Airbus service must be convenient and safer for a first-time budget traveller if it runs near the hotel. Has anybody used the bus service to get to the Strand hotel or surrounding areas? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>P.S. www.airbus.co.uk is always down. I wonder if this is really the right site address...<BR><BR>

The airbus used to stop at the Savoy, which is right across from the Strand Palace. Don't know if it still does or not.<BR><BR>Another option if you are on a budget and "hearty" is just to take the tube. You can get on at Heathrow and get off at the Covent Garden stop. From the Covent Garden stop you can either walk or take a cab, it's only a short distance. The ride takes about 45 minutes and is very safe, even late at night.

The AirBus has been downsized to only one route that goes across the northern edge of central London from LHR ending at Kings Cross It does not stop near the Strand. If you want to take the Air Bus - got to Kings Cross or Euston (same area) and catch a cab from there. This will be faster but more expensive than the Tube/cab alternative but if you have luggage the tube can be a real hassle. If there is more than one of you consider a car service instead - it will be about 25 GBP so no too expensive if you are splitting it between 2 or 3 passengers, and will drop you off right at your hotel. They will meet you in the arrivals hall so you even have to walk less than for the tube or bus.

Nancy, re website, Air Bus is now part of National Express and can be found on their site, http://www.gobycoach.com/misc/products.cfm?Name=Airbus

Philip and Janis, thank you for the good info and suggestions! They have been very helpful. I think my husband and I will probably opt to take the tube as our luggages for a seven-day trip are not many, though it was a real shame to hear the Airbus no more runs near the Strand... And Ron, thanks for letting me know the latest web address. I was able to get the detailed bus route from here (http://www.gobycoach.com/misc/produc...ntral%20London). <BR><BR>Re a car service, I found a lower rate(12 GBP per person) for a couple at http://www.discountlondon.co.uk/tran...t_transfer.htm, but never read their reviews in this forum...<BR>

Nancy, Check with the Strand Palace directly. They USED to run a shuttle from Heathrow directly to the hotel, if you book it in advance!

Oh it never occured to me that the hotel could run a shuttle. I will <BR>ask them directly about the possibility. Thanks!