Easiest way to get from Heathrow to hotel?
 

In approximately two weeks, we fly into Heathrow airport in mid morning. We are staying at the Mayfair Holiday Inn. What is the easiest and most economical way to get there that does not involve a lot of walking?

Also, what can we expect from the weather at this time of the year? Thanks.

Easiest and least walking is to hire a door-to-door car service.

Depending on your circumstances (jetlag, luggage), you might consider the Tube as an economical alternative. The hotel is about 300 yards northwest of the Green Park station on the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow.

Thanks for the info. Is the tube connected to Heathrow? Is there a train out of Heathrow as well?

Many airports have their own websites that provide this information:
http://www.heathrowairport.com/

Last time I was there I used Hotelink:
www.hotelink.co.uk

Yes, there are two Underground stations at LHR: Terminals 1-2-3 and Terminal 4.

Yes, the Heathrow Express will whisk you to Paddington Station in 15 minutes for £14.50 - but you'll also need a cab to get from the station to your hotel.

Wheras the underground costs appoximately how much? Is it pretty easy to find within the airport area, buy a ticket and figure out which terminal you need to get on?

Depending on whether you have an Oyster Card and what time of day you travel, it can cost between £1 and £4.

There are signs all over the terminals showing the direction to the station.

Excellent. Thank you. What is an "oyster card"?

A "stored value" card - cash fares are set extortionately high to encourage people to use Oyster:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/2732.aspx

If you don't have an Oyster card, the tube to your hotel will cost $4.10 GBP. It is very easy since you are not changing lines, the tube only goes in one direction from Heathrow.

It's so easy. You can get pounds at an ATM in the airport, or buy your oyster card with your credit card. Signage is great and it's easy to find the tube station, but it is a bit of a hike, at least from the terminal where i was. You pay for the oyster card right at the ticket window, (or go across the hall to the travel center if the lines there are shorter--you can get the oyster card there, plus they will calculate what is the best deal for your travel plans.) Get either a weekly travel card or a PAYG, figuring 4.60 GBPs per day for travel if you're only doing the tube in zones 1 and 2, plus extra for the trips from and to Heathrow. If you don't plan to use the tube much, don't put as much on the card. Tube travel tops out at 4.60 pounds per day no matter how many trips you take, so it can be a better deal than the weekly travel card. There's a 3 pound deposit on each card. The deposit and unused money is refundable when you turn in your card at the end. Tube ride into center of London can take around an hour. If you use the regular train to take a day trip, such as to Hampton Court or Greenwich, show your oyster card and you might get a discount on the train ticket. Also, get a 2-for-1 brochure that will save you the cost of one full-priced admission at the tourist attraction. The weather in London last week was a little chilly and breezy, but mostly sunny. Prepare for rain that can happen at any time. London was warm, though, compared with returning to Philadelphia, where temperatures were 32 degrees Easter night. Wasn't prepared for that!

The Oyster Cap for bus-only is £3. You don't need to ride the tube unless you're going a long way. The bus map available free at Tube stations is also on line here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/images/...l/centlond.pdf

Thank you all for your input. Sounds like it will be fairly easy to get to our hotel. The weather there looks pretty nice next to St. Louis.

I've read that the hop on hop off buses are the best way to get an overview of London and also a way to stop at the places you really want to see. Anyones thoughts on that? Also any recommendations for restaurants...casual, nice casual and "you can't miss this one!" We're pretty open to all cuisines. Some acquaintences have recommended a restaurant on top of a shop called the La Samartaine (they couldn't remember the name of the restaurant) and the Jules Vern restaurant which I believe is on top of the Eiffel Tower?

I'm assuming from your post that after London you are going on to Paris..either that or your friend is really confused!

La Samaratine has been closed for over a year and not scheduled to reopen anytime soon. Jules Verne requires advance reservation at least a month in advance.

Yes, sorry; my brain was thinking London and then jumped to Paris, which we will travel to after our stay in London.

Thank you for the info on the restaurants.

Are there any suggestions out there for good restaurants for either city in which we won't need reservations that far in advance? Thanks

The Fifth Floor restaurant at Harvey Nichols has a deal for 34 GBP per person, you receive 2 courses (either a starter & a main course, or a main course & dessert) PLUS unlimited wine. Room is beautiful, service fantastic, food and wine amazing. And no, they were not slow in filling up the wine glasses!!!