kilsherry

I booked a "secret" hotel which was described as being close to Luton airport, as I have to catch a 9.55am flight. With these "secret" hotel deals you only learn the name of the hotel after you have made a booking.

It was therefore only after I booked the hotel that I learned that it is 13 miles (21 kms) from the hotel to the airport. According to the hotel's website the only way to get to the airport is by cab at a cost of 26 GBPs.

I was wondering if any Fodorites know of any alternate (cheaper) means of transport between Apsley and Luton Airport.

Kilsherry

janisj

There isn't a town called "Apsley". Is it in Apsley End - or somewhere else? What is the name of the hotel?

But wherever it is, if the hotel says a taxi is the only way to get to Luton - they would know.

ron

My road atlas shows that there is an Apsley on the south edge of Hemel Hempstead. If that is the place, you could possibly get a taxi to St Albans, and a train from there to Luton airport.

janisj

None of my atlases - even the 3 miles to the inch - lists Apsley. But a google search does bring up the Apsley in Hemel Hempstead that ron mentions.

But that may not be "kilsherry's Apsley" since there is an airport coach service from Hemel Hempstead to Luton. So the hotel's instruction would not make sense.

So -- kilsherry - where is this hotel??

flanneruk

I assume this is the Holiday Inn Express at Apsley Lock, about a mile SE of Hemel Hempstead

First a general piece of advice: American-based hotel chains (even if UK-owned) have websites designed by, or rather subcontracted out to Indians by, Americans. Who don't understand public transport, so transport directions on practically all US-controlled hotel chain sites are loopily Americocentric. That is, they assume most people drive.

In this case, a taxi is the quickest way to Luton. Apsley railway station is next door to the hotel (timetables at nationalrail.co.uk) from where you can get a train into Hemel, to catch the bus (no 46 local centrebus, or hourly National Express coaches) to Luton airport. Alternatively, get a taxi into Hemel to catch the bus.

In either case though, you're looking at over an hour's journey time, against a 20 minute cabride to the airport.

kilsherry

You are correct, Flanneruk, it is the Holiday Inn Express at Apsley Lock that I have booked.

Thanks to all who responded to my question. After reading your replies I think I will hang the expense and take a cab.

Kilsherry

Mimar

I assume kilsherry booked this hotel via Priceline or the equivalent. Wonder how much s/he saved when you add on the cost of the taxi?

kilsherry

To Mimar

After allowing for the cost of the cab fare, I saved 44 GBPs.

Kilsherry

WillTravel

I am glad you saved 44 pounds, but I think you should get a refund from your booking provider. This is an abuse of the word "close", in my opinion.