London
 

Has anyone stayed at the Windermere? What were your experiences?
What is best way to get to London from Heathrow? What shuttle service can anyone recommend?

Don't know that hotel but you can try looking on tripadvisor.com For info on transportation from Heathrow try typing Heathrow transportation in the &quot;search this forum&quot; box above. <i>Lots</i> of previous posts will appear down the left. Options are tube, train (Heathrow Express), bus, private car hire or taxi. Best choice depends on how many you are, where you're staying and how much luggage/energy you have for steps :)

The fastest way from Heathrow to London is on the heathrow express, it takes 15 mins and takes you into London Paddington. A cheaper but slower option is to take the tube 'metro' into the city.

Well, the term &quot;best way to get to London from Heathrow&quot; can be interpreted several ways. There is the most convenient way - a taxi, which of course takes you direct to your destination but is also the most expensive method of travel. The last time I did it was in 1999 and it was &pound;35. But if there's more than one person in the group that amount would be divided up amongst them which would make it more reasonable.

The fastest way to get into town is probably the Heathrow Express train which gets you to Paddington Station in 20 minutes. I think a one way ticket is about &pound;12 but I'm not certain - I took it last year but I'd bought a BritRail Pass so didn't buy an individual ticket. But that fare is for each person so if you're a group of three or more, you'd pay as much as a cab, plus you still have to get to your final destination from Paddington Station.

A third option is the Tube (Underground), which would be the cheapest way, just a couple pounds per person. It takes longer than the train but probably still faster than a cab which is subject to traffic conditions. BUT you will have to hike up and down stairs with whatever luggage you are carrying, and again travel to your hotel from the nearest tube stop, possibly having to change trains en route.

So the &quot;best&quot; way is something you have to dertemine taking into consideration budget, number of travelers, physical fitness, amount of luggage, and location of your hotel.

Fortunately the internet will make researching your options easier - all of these travel companies have websites to assist you.

Regarding transportation into London, I'd suggest it depends on where you're staying and how strong you are.

If your hotel is on the Piccadilly tube line and you don't mind carrying your luggage, then definitely take the tube directly to your hotel. Last week I did Heathrow to Green Park in 50 minutes. Cost is nothing (one tube ticket).

Otherwise, it's up to your budget &amp; patience &amp; willingness to transfer with luggage.

Good Luck!