Lodon B&B's
 

Planning a trip to London & York, England 4/1/98 any suggestions on B&B's would be appreciated

I stayed at Woodville House near Victoria Station. Convenient to the metro and easy walking distance to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. I've heard that Abbey House near Kensington is also very nice. Both of these are in Rick Steves' book. Sorry, I've not been to York, but it is probably in Rick's book!

I just returned from a stay at the Vicarage, next door to the Abbey House in Kensington. It was good, reasonably priced, quiet, and clean. I'd stay there again.

I just returned from a stay at the Vicarage, next door to the Abbey House in Kensington. It was good, reasonably priced, quiet, and clean. I'd stay there again.

Cindy, regarding the place you stayed at while in London, could you tell me approximately how much did it cost per night? (In relation to US dollars). Was there a shower/toilet in the room? Was a breakfast provided? How did you get to the hotel from the airport (cost?) and back? I'm planning a trip to London in April and am trying to figure out my budget. Would appreciate any assistance you could provide. Thank you so much!!

Woodville House is at 107 Ebury Street. Their phone number is 0171-730-1048, fax 0171-730-2574. I'm not quite sure of the numbers that would precede it, but this is the number you would dial if you were in London. I believe the price was under $100 US, but I do not have it listed in my journal - it is probably listed in Rick Steves book. The room did not have toilet or shower, there was one on each landing. It did include a typical English breakfast - more food than we ever ate at breakfast but then we saved money on lunch! THe owners were extremely helpful. We arrived at Gatwick airport and there is an Express train to Victoria Station. I believe the cost was about 9 pounds ($14?). I think there were other means to get to the city, but this seemed pretty convenient. We got off the train and once we got our bearings (!), it was about a 2 block walk. THere is a big tourist office in the station and got our tube passes there as well as maps and sightseeing info. The tube pass was pretty convenient also. It cost 5.60 pounds for zones 1&2 and was good for 3 days. It took us anywhere we wanted except for a trip to Kew Gardens, which should be beautiful in April. Let me know if you need more info.

My husband and I just returned (last week) from fantastic 5 day London trip. Our B&B (really a small hotel) was the Westminster House Hotel, 96 Ebury St., walk to the Abbey, Buckingham Palace, etc. Just about $100/night with full breakfast. Clean, very quiet, with private WC and shower. Mr. and Mrs. Jones (proprietors) and their three daughters were very nice. Walk to either Victoria or Sloane Square tube stop (we preferred the latter, as it took us right through our lovely neighborhood, Belgravia -- Mrs. Thatcher lives on the square behind, according to our host!). We would return - lodging is SO expensive in central London and this was good value. Email me to remind me to dig up the phone/fax number, if you wish.

Any more suggestions regarding B&B's? Address/Telephone#/Fax#/Rates would be greatly appreciated if you remember. Also, could you please let me know if private shower/toilets are available or not. Thanks!!

Tia, there are a number of good web sites with the information you want. I consulted the Automobile Association (http://www.theaa.co.uk/theaa/index.htm) and Smooth Hound Systems (http://www.s-h-systems.co.uk). I have seen several of the Smooth Hound places and I don't think you could go wrong with them.

Karen,
Could you please provide the phone and fax# to the B&B you enjoyed. I am heading over in May. I'm looking for comfortable, convenient, reasonably economical accomodations for two people. Thanks.

Karen: Any additional information on the WEstminster House Hotel would be appreciated. My daughter and I will be going to London the first of April and are looking for someplace that will be affordable and convenient. We would prefer a private bath, does the hotel offer that? What about breakfast? Thanks.

Bill, Carol: We would return to the Westminster House. The location was quiet (Belgravia; just behind Ebury begins REALLY elegant squares) and most convenient (we're not looking for nightlife, just a good night's sleep!), our clean private shower & WC, full (more than enough!) breakfast and nice hosts all at reasonable price for London more than make up for small rooms! Telephone (0)171-730-4302, which is also the fax # (call and they'll switch to fax). Tell them the Wilcoxes from Massachusetts recommended it. (We told them about finding their place via comments on this website!) Just to report some experiences: Buckingham Palace: we walked by in the peaceful evening when it was all lit up; otherwise there's nothing to tour there (and so many people say don't bother with changing of the guard). Tower of London: Get up and onto the tube EARLY so you're there WHEN it opens for the optimal Beefeater tour experience. Fascinating and you make the most of it only by beating the crowds. Abbey: check out their website www.westminster-abbey.org for all the info on admissions, times, services, etc. (I just discovered that they are changing their entire tourist policy next month; you can find all the details and not be surprised when you arrive, as the guidebook info will be obsolete.) By all means, take the "Super Tour" of the Abbey given by its Vergers. It cost 7 pounds at the time and is worth every penny [pence? :)] Hearing the choir sing is a benefit of attending a service, just like any Anglican member of the congregation. At weekday Evensong (approx 45-minute service), attendance was small enough to provide an intimate experience in the great space. We found the Cabinet War Rooms very moving. Enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery, as it "put a face" on all the names one hears while guided through the Tower, the Abbey, etc. Didn't do other museums, as we were only there 5 nights and the weather was unusually gorgeous!
Good luck; if other questions come to mind, feel free to email. We loved London.

Karen,

Would you be kind enough to e-mail me the phone/fax numbers for the Westminster House?

Thanks very much!

Peter

Karen,

Would you be kind enough to e-mail me the phone/fax numbers for the Westminster House?

Thanks very much!

Peter