I've put together a specialty "tea tour" from the US to London Mar 3-10, 2007. I have created what I think is a superb itinerary, already have flights and ground transport sorted, but am experiencing challenges with accomodation.

Most hotels require 10 room min. for discount. I will probably only require 8 rooms.

Since many tour participants will be traveling to England for the first time, would rather stay away from Holiday Inn's and those type places.

Ideally prefer Kensington location (near the palace) or Westminster. (Want London Marriott County Hall but their prices appear to be extremely high.)

I'm finding some great deals on Expedia (can book up to 8 rooms online), but they require full payment on credit card at time of booking, and I don't have a $30,000 credit line.

Any suggestions on hotels (or B&B's?) or ideas on how I should be going about this?

Cheers!

Tea Lover Denise
Charleston, SC

I might check into flat hotels such as Citadines.

Same amenities as hotels but apartments instead of just rooms. Plus the advantage of having rooms holding from 1 to 4 or more so you have flexibility.

usually they only require a deposit up front.

http://www.citadines.com/en/property...ml?City=London lists the Citadine and Ascott properties in London.

another place to check is Scala House. 2-bdrm, 1.5 bath flats sleeping 2-4 near the British Museum and only a £200 deposit per flat. Balance due 28 days prior to arrival.

www.scala-house.co.uk/

Thank you. I am not familiar with these. I will definitely contact them.

Hi, Denise. You might check out the Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge & contact them. Right across from the Victoria & Albert museum and just a few blocks west of Harrods & other shopping. They also have a nice afternoon tea there.

http://tinyurl.com/z8rbu

Cheers; I'll do that.

Just replied to another post asking about reasonable hotels in London. I suggested the following for great location and with a nice ambience for the price.

www.regency-london.co.uk
www.westlandhotel.co.uk
www.durrantshotel.co.uk

Letting us know your idea of reasonable would be helpful. The places I've listed have rooms in the 99/125 GBP range.

That is precisely the range I am looking at, and thank you for the suggestions. I will look into them....


Denise

Try:


http://www.travelstay.com/cheap_lond...FQ1wVgodvRxCPg


I imput 20 people in 8 rooms in Central London for the dates you want and it came up £1526 of which you have to pay £190.75 deposit now. The rest on arrival.


That is for a good hostel. Hotels and studios start from about £1000 extra, but again with a cheap deposit.


To get the prices you want and all be together, you must book your accommodation as soon as possible. Note. It is easy to get around London by Underground (subway), by bus and by train so you do not need to stay in the most expensive area. A 7 day pass on those 3 services in the London area costs just £13.50 each for all your travel.

For first timers I'd stay away from apartments. Most first time visitors would probably not want to be cleaning up after themselves (we rent an apt in London but we have been many times). There is nothing wrong with Holiday Inn - there are a couple of good ones in London. Best thing about H.I. is that they generally do not want advance deposits. In your case I'd say that is a huge advantage.

I wouldn't be so concerned about first timers sharing an apartment but whether or not your group members will like it. Will everybody get a key to come and go as they please? Might not some prefer breakfast made for them? No washing up? I'd rather share space with one person than four.

A freind of mine who lives in England regularly uses the Sheraton in Kensington for its prices. Although you say you don't want an American chain, many of these hotels in London are just as British in their feel and services as the British (or French or Saudi) owned hotels.

just returned from London. Stayed 4 nights at the Thistle Kensington Palace. Was a little "dogged eared" but it was quiet,clean, and good price (only 52 pounds per night). Right across the street from Kensington Park and easy walk to tube.

Thanks again for all suggestions.

The DMC I am working with has booked my group into the Grange White Hall Hotel. It appears to be very nice, and I am pleased with the group discount.

It's not Kensington, but still think location is good.

&quot;<i>It's not Kensington, but still think location is good.</i>&quot;

I think it's a terrific location. More convenient than parts of Kensington, across from the British Museum, close to Holborn tube, and walking distance from Covent Garden.