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-   -   Heathrow to Waldorf Hilton (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/heathrow-to-waldorf-hilton-518781/)

livtotrvl Apr 5th, 2005 01:49 PM

Heathrow to Waldorf Hilton
 
What is the best way to get from Heathrow to the Waldorf Hilton? Preferrably cheap but not too complicated.

Patty Apr 5th, 2005 02:03 PM

How cheap is cheap and how many people? What do you consider complicated and will you have a lot of luggage?

My recommendation - a private transfer in a sedan from justairports.com which is 29 GBP for the car from LHR to WC2 if you choose the cash payment option. Your driver will be waiting outside of customs with a sign, ready to whisk you and your luggage directly to your hotel. IMO the least complicated but still economical way to arrive.

livtotrvl Apr 5th, 2005 02:33 PM

It will be my husband and I. We'll each have a suitcase and small carry on. Complicated would be multiple transfers, i.e. 2 trains. I'll check out justairports.com. Sounds like a good option after a long flight. Thanks.

livtotrvl Apr 5th, 2005 02:35 PM

Is there a train/subway that goes directly from Heathrow to a stop near the Waldorf?

obxgirl Apr 5th, 2005 03:07 PM

This hotel is close to the Covent Garden tube station which is on the Piccadilly line coming directly from Heathrow. If you're arriving at Terminal 4, there is a minor airport construction blip requiring a shuttle from T4 to the Hatton Cross tube station to get into central London. I took this route in January with a small rolling suitcase and a carry on. It's a no brainer as long as you can lift your luggage on and off the shuttle bus. It's the cheapest route, I think, and not really complicated.

For some unfathomable reason the hotel website suggests the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station and a taxi to the hotel. For two people, that will cost you more than using a service like justairports.com (paying cash). We've used justairports and would definitely recommend them.

yk Apr 5th, 2005 03:14 PM

I stayed at the Waldorf last month. I think the car service is the best option.

Otherwise, you'll have to take the Heathrow express to Paddington (£14 per person), then change for the Tube to either Charing Cross or Temple station. Temple station is the closest, but it involves a slightly uphill, 5-10 minute walk (and Temple station is closed on Sundays). Charing Cross is a 10 minute walk on level ground.

livtotrvl Apr 5th, 2005 03:15 PM

I'll consider both options. Thanks for the advice.

obxgirl Apr 5th, 2005 03:26 PM

I've not stayed at this hotel so if my bearings are off and Temple and/or Charing Cross are the closest tube stations, I'd probably just go with a car service from the airport.

If you do want to use cheap public transport there is still no cost efficient reason to take the Heathrow Express and tube it or taxi it from Paddington to the hotel. Take the Piccadilly line to Leicester Square and Xfer to the Northern line for Charing Cross.

PatrickLondon Apr 6th, 2005 02:53 AM

It would be a fair hike with luggage from any of the nearest tube stations, particularly Holborn, Leicester Square or Charing Cross. But from Charing Cross, buses 6, 9, 13, 77A and 91 (from the <b>other</b> side of the Strand) go to the stop right outside the Waldorf. Likewise from Holborn, any one of half a dozen bus routes going down Kingsway to the stop outside Bush House/ LSE would drop you within a couple of minutes walk.

caroline_edinburgh Apr 6th, 2005 03:21 AM

Patty: &quot;a private transfer in a sedan&quot; ?!? The only sedan I've heard of in the UK is a sedan chair (carried by footmen front &amp; back) ! What do you mean by a sedan - just a car ?

andy Apr 6th, 2005 03:32 AM

There is a car service-Ray Skinner-
he picks you up outside of customs and takes you right to your hotel..

Ask for his number on this board and someone will post it...or do a search for &quot;Ray Skinner&quot;..

WE always use a car service to get into London from Heathrow as it is the most uncomplicated way to go and we cannot lift our heavy luggage..even 1 suitcase and a carry on PLUS your handbag will be a hassle on the tube..as there are escalators from the lower portion of the tube up to the street exits..and THAT is a major hassle with luggage...

You also need to be prepared for pickpockets on those escalators -My niece had her wallet ripped off from her backpack and she never felt it coming..That always makes for a crummy start to a trip...so beware.

Patrick Apr 6th, 2005 04:33 AM

I have nothing against Ray Skinner and I know everyone who uses him is happy. But it is hardly a good suggestion when someone has used the word &quot;cheap&quot;. Ray Skinner appears to have fees that generally add up to 30% to 50% above several other car services. But if you're looking for a luxurious ride, then he might be the best. Just Airports seemingly has the best car rates.


PatrickLondon Apr 6th, 2005 04:35 AM

Caroline -

Sedan=saloon
Hood=bonnet
Trunk=boot
Station wagon=estate (or shooting brake if you're seriously posh)
(I think).

http://www.effingpot.com/motoring.shtml

PatrickLondon Apr 6th, 2005 04:36 AM

Though come to think of it, the appearance of rickshaws in central London might suggest a market for sedan chairs as well. Can't see them taking off up the Royal Mile, though!

obxgirl Apr 6th, 2005 04:37 AM

caroline_ed, A sedan is American English for a saloon.

monicapileggi Apr 6th, 2005 04:39 AM

I agree with Patty. I booked my car service for May 3rd with justairports.com I was quoted 29GBP - Heathrow to Thistle Charing Cross hotel, which is close to the Hilton. Book on line and give them the luggage count. No mess with multiple transfers. It's door to door. I checked with other companies and this one had the best price.

Monica ((F))

caroline_edinburgh Apr 6th, 2005 05:02 AM

Thanks, Patrick &amp; obxgirl - we learn something new every day.

I was once told by a guide here that the extra wide doorways of the Georgian townhouses in the New Town were to accommodate sedan chairs.


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