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starspinners

I used londontown.com/transfers to book my Gatwick- to- the- West End pickup last month. ( I didn't need to book for the return trip because a friend drove me to the airport)<BR>I usually use the Gatwick Express follwed by a taxi from Victoria Station to my Bloomsbury hotel, but decided to give a car service a try.<BR>I booked a 'shared' pick-up, the idea of a shared ride didn't bother me (plus my theory was since my plane was due to arrive at 5:55 AM, there was the possibility that I might be the only passenger anyway)...my theory proved correct and I had a private ride into town.<BR>Since I would have been paying &pound;11 for the Express and an additional &pound;8-10 for a taxi, the door to door car service was certainly reasonable.<BR>The website lists several options for transfers, so since you mentioned you prefer booking online, it may be worth your time to check it out.

Sam

See what happens when you post two times, Andy?

ccc

Andy has since started a third thread....<BR>Hey Andy what's with all the baggage??<BR>It is definitely not necessary for EVERYONE to have a large suitcase AND a carry on.

Patrick

With three separate threads all running at one time for poor Andy, this is becoming fascinating reading. Let's see the family of 5 with enough luggage to supply half of the UK, can take Hotelink for 110 pounds and all be together but take an infinitely small risk that someone else might be on their same shuttle (doubtful). Or they can actually split up for the ride, and hire two cars to follow each other for about 30 pounds less. Seems like those are the two best options. If no one is willing to take them on Christmas Day, then they will have to go a more expensive and difficult route and take the Gatwick Express and taxis to the hotel. Who ever said traveling with a group of five and a truckload of luggage on a major holiday would be easy?

Andy

Hi all-- Has anyone used a company called Airport Car Services?<BR>I found them on line and they answered promptly and also have a larger VW Caravelle Van for all of us and our luggage-<BR><BR>Prices are a little higher than City Transfers, but at least the gentleman was nice enough to answer all my questions and they do not have a waiting time---<BR><BR>For Gatwick pickup- 75 GBP<BR><BR>FOr Hotel Pickup on Xmas Day-100 GBP<BR><BR>All rates are inclusive of wait time,parking, meet and greet and drive to and from hotels--No hidden charges<BR><BR>How do these rates seem to you guys?

Patrick

Congratulations, Andy. It looks like you finally found a company that will meet all your criteria and expectations. If you are happy that it will accomodate your family and the luggage, I don't think you could do better!!!

Lori

If nothing else Andy has taught everyone on this Forum the dangers of traveling on a major holiday and expecting service when everything is shut down. No,I am not being nasty to Andy - it it something to really consider when making plans. Many places are virtually shut down and if you can find service you may pay through the nose for it. You cannot expect everyone one/everything to be waiting to welcome you with open arms when it is a holiday like Christmas when people are spending time with families themselves and 99% of places are closed.

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to the top so everybody will stop answering all andy's other posts.

andy

Lori= Plenty of people were working on the holidays-<BR>It was a matter of keeping the family together and going in one van vs 2 cabs--<BR><BR>I was aware that it would be higher on Xmas Day and that was fine--<BR><BR>The problem I was running into was internet sites would make you pick your own vehicle and then they would not answer if the entire party and their luggage would fit into the vehicle-- plus they would charge waiting fees, parking fees and tons of &quot;small print&quot;..and this was NOT for a holiday, but any day of the week...<BR><BR>I was just trying to find an honest,above board, car service--and I think I have--<BR><BR>Will let all know after I get back the first of the year--<BR><BR>Many thanks to all who tried to help--<BR>I am most grateful...<BR><BR>By the Way, PARIS on Christmas Day was a snap compared to London on any day of the week and Xmas time---for a family of 5 and tons of luggage!!

sos

Message: Andy, looks like you have reasonable rates with Airport car services. It sure beats 110 pounds taking hotelink. It is expensive travelling with so many people in one family, especially London. But the fun of having a family vacation is truly wonderful. It is nice to see people doing it. So, who cares if you have to drag all those luggages. As long as you and your family are happy, that's all that matters. Have a good trip. <BR>Message: Patrick, I like your sense of humour. I like how you analyse and summarise this whole scenario with humour. I had a good laugh reading your <BR>summary. <BR>

enjoyingthese

Good luck, Andy...do let us know how<BR>it all turns out. This thread<BR>has brought back great memories for me<BR>of taking 4 family members across Austria, Germany and Switzerland a few<BR>years ago. Everyone did overpack a bit (myself included) and it was a struggle at times on the trains. But great fun.<BR>So I wish you lots of luck...

Jamila

I've tried calling Swiss Cottage cars twice and no answer or voicemail. I have been calling around 6:30pm London time, but they should still be open, shouldn't they???