What a quandary! Airfares from Phoenix to Heathrow are just amazing right now. My husband, myself and my daughter could fly BA for under 1500.00 and with the dollar doing better I'm trying to persuade my husband that we can not go. There's just this little thing called a recession and a son in college that's giving him pause and also he does worry about having a job. Still, we toted up all the small vacations we would be going on this year and these added up to almost half the price of what I think we would spend in two weeks. Of course we would be missing graduations; family birthdays, etc.; but I know we could economize and still have a great time.
So now I'm just trying to present some figures to my husband on how I would economize on lodging, food, and sightseeing. We've stayed at the Morgan in the past; but that would be out. Should I try Priceline? Or is it difficult to get enough beds for 3 people? We would probably stay in London at least 5 days and then the country for the rest. I would like to base ourselves in one area; perhaps a cottage and do daytrips from there. I've never been to Devon and my husband would like to go back to Yorkshire and Whitby, so the possibilites are endless. Any suggestions? Budget accomodation in London? Will of course check some threads on budget travel; but wanted to sound out the forums first. Maybe I'm just looking for someone to tell me we can't pass up these good airfares. Thanks.

I would rent a apartment in London (1 bedroom with sleeper sofa in living room). It would be cheaper than a hotel room and you can economize on meals/snacks eaten in rather than in restaurants. There are apartment threads for London on this site you could check out. It would be a shame to pass up the great airfares.

I suggest looking into apartments for London for 3 of you.

Priceline <u>is not</u> an option for you in London for 3 people. The hotel room is guaranteed for 2 people only, and you may end up with one double bed only.

However, you can try HOtwire, as you have the option of entering 3 adults into the search function. So all the choices you're given will have at least 2 beds to fit 3 adults.

I agree - either Hotwire or a flat will probably be your best bet in London.

As for in the countryside -- it can make a HUGE difference exactly when you are renting the cottage. For instance June will be cheaper than July/August. The third week of May could cost 30%-40% less than the last week in May since a Bank Holiday and school breaks are that week.

Mid-late Sept would rent probably 35% cheaper then August.

If you plan to stay in one place for more than a few days I would rent an apartment or cottage. I haven't done this in London, but throughout other parts of England. Check out sites like cottages4you.co.uk, holidaylets.net, holiday-lettings.com. You can find rentals throughout much of Europe this way. Of course if there is a specific town you want to stay in, I always google on 'accommodation' and the town name in case there is a local site with more options.

If you plan to move around a lot, consider Travelodge and Premier Inn. Not everyone likes these and they don't always have a location in the best spot (although sometimes they do), but you can often get a family room (easily sleeps 4) for 40 pounds or less per night. If you can catch one of the deals going on it may be as little as 20 pounds a night. This usually would not include breakfast, but is still often a very good deal.

As janisj said, June is much less expensive than July or August since the kids in England are still in school then. And I agree to stay away from the last week in May, which is a bank holiday and kids half term break. It will be very expensive that week.

We'd probably be coming in about the 17th of May and staying 2 weeks. Unfortunately I work on contract and am off during that period. So, if I'm away in June I would probably lose as much pay as I would save. I'll check out your suggestions and see how we can economize. Thanks so much for the Hotwire tip. My husband has warmed up to the idea; but in the morning in the cold light of day it will probably be a different story. But "I can dream, can't I."

If those are your dates, I'd <B><u>definitely</u></B> do the country cottage rental the first week and London at the end. Reason being -- in Devon/Cornwall or any other popular area, rents will be much cheaper from May 17-24 than they would be from May 24-30

Bank holidays make little difference in London cost-wise, but they make a HUGE difference in holiday cottage rentals.

That decision alone (flipping the country and London) could save you a few hundred £